Malaysia plans to go into the endemic phase by the end of October, which is when it hopes 100% of its adults, or 71.6% of its total population, will be fully vaccinated. Almost all sectors are expected to open by then.
Lim, who is also the executive chairman of SOGO and Gama group of companies, said more stores will turn into fulfillment centres, where the majority of shop space will be given to stock to be delivered or picked up, with a small place reserved as a showroom or a lifestyle centre to advertise wares and usage to passers-by.
Even businesses that require face-to-face interactions, such as salons and spas, have integrated an online component to their business model, which helped them survive the prolonged lockdown. This shift to a more online world is reflected in how we work as well. Companies planning to reopen their offices are required to make changes to ensure good ventilation and prevent transmission of Covid-19 in the workplace.
As for employees, the benefits include more time, saved from being on the road and dealing with traffic, to devote to work, something reflected in a recent survey by human resource solutions agency Randstad. With a reduced need for venues to conduct large conferences, he said hotels and conference centres that used to host them will have to recalibrate to attract new customers.
Mohammad Shatar, who is also the chief executive officer of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency , agreed, saying the new normal will become second nature to people.