KESUMA Targets 55,000 Youths For New Technology Skills Training Next Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- A total of 55,000 youths are targeted to participate in skills training programmes next year, driven by the expansion of new technology courses and high-growth, high-value fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, cyber security and electric vehicles (EV).

Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the initiative, under the Labour Department, is part of the government's ongoing efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce through full-time training programmes as well as reskilling and upskilling initiatives.

“As of October this year, a total of 23,486 students have enrolled in full-time programmes, while 78,558 participants have joined part-time programmes across 10 technology and engineering clusters,” he said in reply to a question from Senator Dr Jufitri Joha on the Human Resources Ministry’s (KESUMA) plans to enhance future skills among youth, at the Dewan Negara today.

He said that the Department of Skills Development is also reviewing the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) to ensure they remain relevant amid rapid technological advancements, in addition to expanding modular and micro-credential pathways in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing and digital manufacturing.

According to him, TalentCorp has also introduced the MyMAHIR.my platform and implemented the MyMahir Skills Lab to better meet industry demands, while the establishment of MyMahir National AI Council for Industry (MyMahir-NAICI) serves to coordinate the development of the country’s AI talent.

In other developments, he said that the amendment to Section 22(2)(a) of the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) Act 2001 shortens the levy utilisation period from five years to two, allowing training funds to be used more effectively.

He added that the amendment enables HRD Corp to manage levy funds more efficiently, ensuring they are channelled towards skills development and retraining programmes for local workers, including initiatives that emphasise MADANI values and work ethics.

“Without the amendment, employers would take a much longer time to send their workers for training.

“But with this change, after two years, the levy funds can be utilised for other training courses for eligible workers, including those from different companies. To date, a total of RM2.3 billion has been channelled towards training initiatives, involving 6,111 trainers and 1,516 training venues,” he said.

He said this in his reply to a supplementary question from Senator Musoddak Ahmad, who asked about the number of trainers certified and registered with HRD Corp, as well as the amount of levy funds available for training.

-- BERNAMA