Amazon Web Services (AWS), Exabytes and Forward College have marked a milestone with the graduation of the first cohort of 108 learners under a RM4.3 million cloud and artificial intelligence training initiative aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s digital talent pipeline.
The programme, delivered through the Exabytes Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE), is part of a two-year initiative designed to prepare Malaysians for high-demand cloud and technology roles, particularly those who are unemployed, underemployed or transitioning careers. It combines cloud training, certification pathways and career support, alongside hiring partners including Exabytes, Hiredly, altSHIFT, PAIX and Consurv Technic.
Held at Amazon Web Services (AWS-KUL15) Malaysia, the graduation ceremony also highlighted early employability outcomes, with more than 15% of the cohort already securing interviews or job opportunities before completing the programme. One graduate, previously an IT Executive, has already transitioned into a Network Engineer role.
The programme comes as Malaysia continues to see strong digital investment momentum, with RM54.13 billion in approved Malaysia Digital investments recorded by the end of Q3 2025. These investments are expected to create 21,815 high-value jobs, while digital exports reached RM6.8 billion across 2024 and the first half of 2025.
“A 2025 AWS survey of 1,000 businesses on their AI ambitions revealed that only 29% feel prepared with their current skillset. In fact, businesses say they would be willing to increase a salary offer by over 30% to a candidate with strong AI skills. Malaysia’s digital growth will depend on whether more people can move into cloud and AI-related roles with confidence and employer-ready skills. Through our collaboration with Exabytes and Forward College, we are helping more Malaysians move from potential to employability in a fast-growing digital economy,” said Kirsten Gilbertson, Partner Organization Leader, AWS ASEAN.
Forward College Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Howie Chang said the programme integrates technical training with employability support, including hands-on learning and career coaching. He added that demand is growing, with 271 participants in Cohort 2 and 341 in Cohort 3 already enrolled.
“This programme combines technical training with employability support in a very deliberate way. Learners are not only exposed to cloud knowledge, but also hands-on practice, career coaching and employer readiness. We are already seeing strong momentum in the upcoming cohorts, with 271 participants in Cohort 2 and 341 in Cohort 3, which reflects growing demand for structured, industry-aligned pathways into digital careers,” he said.
Exabytes Founder and Chief Executive Officer Chan Kee Siak said the first graduation demonstrated measurable outcomes when industry and education partners align with clear employment objectives.
“This first graduation matters because it shows that talent development can deliver measurable outcomes when industry, education and technology partners work together with a clear employment objective. For us, success is not just about training completion, it is about opening real pathways into the digital economy for Malaysians who are ready to build new careers,” he said.
The initiative also includes the fully sponsored NitroDegree in Applied Software Engineering, aimed at bridging Malaysia’s digital skills gap through structured learning, certification and employment support.
