KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia on Monday launched a national program, bringing together government-linked investment companies (GLICs), government-linked companies (GLCs) and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) to strengthen Malaysia's talent development ecosystem.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim launched the "BAKAT MADANI" initiative, which aims to provide 25,000 Malaysians with access to skills training, quality employment, and improved social mobility within one year from mid-2026, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.
The initiative focuses on three key areas: improving employability and job placement within GLICs, GLCs and PETRONAS, expanding cross-sector opportunities in strategic industries, and strengthening technical and vocational education and training through closer industry collaboration.
The initiative also targets vulnerable groups, including low-income households, individuals seeking second chances and former armed forces personnel transitioning to civilian work.
Priority sectors include semiconductors, renewable energy, the digital economy and advanced manufacturing.
"Our responsibility is to build bridges that connect talent with available opportunities," Malaysian Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan said. ■