TIME really flies. Covid-19 has struck the world for almost half a year since a few cases were identified in December. It has transformed human life but it is sad that these new norms are mainly due to the pandemic and not caused by increasing literacy or digital awareness. Social-economic activities and large-scale switch in education, pedagogy, assessment methods has changed the world. I would like to share some views and recommendations on the post-Covid-19 new normal.

First, it is essential to take cognisance that all countries are facing this challenging pandemic and many citizens are holding their governments accountable for approaches taken to fight the pandemic. Governments now must find a balance between people’s safety, wishes and needs as well as the interest of the nation. 

Some notable new norms that have been adopted due their efficacy in curbing Covid-19 infections are the wearing of masks, hand washing, maintaining social distance and going out for only essential purposes. Hopefully, everyone will now prioritise hygiene after this pandemic subsides.

Businesses now must adapt to current circumstances. When the movement control order took effect, many businesses shut down, employers went bankrupt, and unemployment surged. For example, many bubble tea outlets in SS15, Subang Jaya, have been forced to shutter. However, tech companies like Zoom and Tik Tok are not affected by this pandemic. Tech platforms are widely used for video conferencing for work or entertainment. This tells us that conventional and traditional businesses should change their methods to keep up with emerging trends. Government bodies like the Finance Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry, Prime Minister’s Department (Economy), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and advocacy groups can co-organise courses to help businessmen to garner information on ways to digitise their business and maximise their exposure to the consumers.

The other new normal will be revolving around the economic sector. Before Covid-19 shocked the world, people frequented restaurants without a second thought. Food delivery apps are not the primary consideration as many have the choice of driving to the restaurant themselves or find it more enjoyable to dine in. But now we can only take away our food or order our food via mobile apps. As a result,  future use of food delivery apps will thrive and more restaurants will join in the trend to survive.

Attention should be paid to the unemployed. Department of Statistics chief statistician Mohd Uzir Mahidin said Malaysian unemployment rate in March 2020 had increased to 3.9%, the highest rate since June 2010 when the employment rate was at 3.6%. Some businesses allow workers to work from home and pay wages as usual. But this isn’t the case for the majority. This highlights the importance of having side or passive income to better support one’s livelihood, such rental income, small business, investment etc. One should also save a portion of one’s wages for emergencies.

The pandemic has transformed education. Education institutions from universities to nurseries have been ordered to close and new methods of teaching and learning have been adopted to ensure education can continue. For example, teachers are taking lessons online via platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, Telegram, WhatsApp etc. Universities students may now take their exams online via university’s designated platform. Some students do find it more comfortable learning from home due to its flexibility and are more actively engaging with their lecturers.  

Some individuals regard 2020 as a disastrous year. But we can regard this crisis as chance for us to better ourselves through skills, knowledge and quality time with loved ones. We should also be thankful to the unsung heroes of the nation – the frontliners from civil service and healthcare sector. – May 28, 2020.

* Lim San Shien reads The Malaysian Insight. 

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.