RT Knits has a myriad of talents who learn and work collaboratively and grow as a stronger team.
As the global economy increasingly focuses on knowledge-based industries, the need for a skilled and talented workforce becomes essential. Mauritius, however, is facing a real brain drain, which represents a major risk for the future of economic sectors, particularly those that depend on highly qualified professionals.
In the latest edition of the Center for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR) magazine at the University of Mauritius (UOM), RT Knits CEO Kendall Tang sounds the alarm on the challenges facing the industry local manufacturer. He points to the lack of qualified labor, a major obstacle to guaranteeing the future of this key sector of the economy. “The brain drain facing Mauritius has highlighted a critical gap”he says. He emphasizes that “our current talent pool is insufficient to meet the growing needs of industries like ours”.
Kendall Tang explains that many talented young Mauritians prefer to seek opportunities abroad, attracted by higher salaries, cutting-edge training and international exposure. This trend, according to him, represents “a significant risk for the future of Mauritian industries, particularly those that depend on highly qualified professionals”. For the CEO of RT Knits, a pillar company of the Mauritian economy for over 50 years, “building and maintaining a strong talent pipeline is not just a business strategy, it’s a question of survival”.
Seismic shift in the industry
According to Kendall Tang, the manufacturing industry has undergone major upheaval over the past two decades. While the sector previously relied primarily on abundant labor to meet production demands, the focus is now on technology, automation and innovation. Taking his company as an example, he highlights that this transformation required massive investments in advanced manufacturing technologies, research and development (R&D) as well as sustainable practices to remain globally competitive. “However, as we move toward a more technology- and knowledge-driven manufacturing process, the challenge of finding and retaining the right talent becomes increasingly complex.”
The CEO of RT Knits adds that global competitors are no longer fighting only for market share, but also for the same pool of highly qualified professionals.“This competition is further aggravated by the brain drain experienced by Mauritius as many talented individuals prefer to seize opportunities abroad”he laments. He adds that talented individuals represent “the cornerstone of any knowledge-driven industry”. These people, he continues, bring new perspectives, stimulate innovation and create a culture of excellence that spreads throughout the organization.
However, for the manager, talent is not limited to technical skills. “In an era of rapid change, employees who can think critically, solve complex problems and collaborate effectively across different disciplines are invaluable.” These individuals, according to Kendall Tang, will play a central role in developing next-generation sustainable products, optimizing manufacturing processes and driving efforts towards carbon neutrality. “They are the ones who will help us meet the challenges of tomorrow and consolidate our place on the world stage.”
Time for action
The challenge of building a strong talent pipeline, he says, is not just for his company, but for the entire country. “If we want to remain competitive in a global economy that increasingly values knowledge and innovation, we must invest in our human capital.” This requires, according to him, close collaboration between all the actors concerned: the government, educational institutions and the private sector. “It is crucial to create an ecosystem that not only trains talents but also encourages them to stay and contribute to the growth of Mauritius”
A collaborative approach
RT Knits advocates a proactive strategy, where building the talent pool begins well before entering the professional world. “This requires a collaborative approach involving not only businesses, but also our universities, training institutions and even secondary schools”explains Kendall Tang. For him, this synergy will “create a pipeline of qualified professionals, not only prepared for the demands of the industry, but also motivated to contribute to the development of Mauritius”. Some initiatives carried out by the company include partnerships with universities, internship programs, research sponsorship, company visits and skills development programs.
*The director of RT Kints, Kendall Tang, is banking on solar power to decarbonize his production.© RFI/Abdoollah EARALLY
