Work-based Learning Funding Raised To RM9.9 Mln, Recognising MAF Personnel Experience

MELAKA, May 15 (Bernama) -- Allocation for the Work-Based Learning (WBL) programme for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has been increased from RM3 million to RM9.9 million this year, expanding opportunities for 1,520 personnel to obtain academic recognition based on their experience and skills gained throughout their service.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the strategic initiative is aimed at improving the employability of MAF personnel after service, while helping them secure more stable jobs and income.

“So far, a total of 461 MAF personnel have benefited from the WBL programme, with 231 enrolled at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and 230 at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), and all are expected to graduate in November and December this year.

“For this year, the programme has been expanded to 12 higher education institutions, with nearly 50 study programmes offered across various fields, including business administration, culinary arts, defence technology and logistics management,” he said.

He spoke to reporters after officiating the launch of the Defence Ministry’s WBL Programme at Terendak Camp here today. Also present were Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Armed Forces Headquarters Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri.

Earlier, Mohamed Khaled witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Agreement between MAF, UPNM, UiTM and City University Malaysia, symbolising stronger strategic cooperation in implementing the WBL initiative.

He also presented certificates of completion to 36 participants of Cohort 1/2025 who began their studies in June 2025, as well as offer letters to 24 new intakes for Cohort 2/2026 who will begin their studies next month.

He said the programme is important as most military personnel join the service with only the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification, adding that without intervention, they would retire with the same qualification in an increasingly competitive job market.

“Most military personnel enter the service with only SPM qualifications, while over their roughly 20 years of service they accumulate experience, skills and competencies, but these are often not recognised by industry without formal certification,” he said.

He said that through collaboration with higher education institutions, personnel’s experience and skills will be assessed and recognised, allowing them to obtain diplomas or formal academic qualifications through a work-based learning approach.

“With better academic qualifications, it will help MAF personnel, who on average retire at around 41 and still have growing families to support, to secure jobs and reduce the risk of financial hardship if they rely only on pensions and welfare assistance.

“At the same time, this work-based learning approach does not interfere with or affect their core duties in service, an advantage that personnel should make full use of,” he added.

-- BERNAMA