Some 25,000 Malaysians are set to benefit from a nationwide talent development programme aimed at strengthening workforce skills, improving employability and accelerating job creation in high-value sectors.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative represents a coordinated effort between government-linked investment companies (GLiCs), government-linked companies (GLCs) and Petronas to build a stronger talent pipeline and enhance social mobility.
“The programme provides exposure to about 25,000 individuals,” he said, adding that successful implementation depends on strong collaboration with corporate partners providing financing and training support.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the initiative is built on three core pillars: Improving employability and job placement within the GLiCs, GLCs and Petronas ecosystem, widening access to employment in strategic sectors and strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He said priority sectors include semiconductors, renewable energy, the digital economy and advanced manufacturing, reflecting Malaysia’s focus on future-ready industries.
To support industry participation, Anwar said the government will introduce tax incentives for companies running training programmes under the programme, alongside improved employability schemes covering TVET graduates and higher trainee allowances to ensure competitive compensation.
Flagship initiatives include the transformation of Petronas’ VISTA programme into Vista i-Plus, developed with the Malaysian Petroleum Resources Corporation and the Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council, creating a structured TVET ecosystem involving institutions such as MARA Skills Institutes, National Youth Skills Institutes, Advanced Technology Training Centresand the Malaysian Construction Academy.
Anwar also highlighted that Khazanah Nasional Bhd is also partnering with 23 universities to provide students with industrial training, technical certification and structured exposure to employer requirements.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Malaysia’s talent pipeline while improving long-term workforce readiness and supporting the country’s shift toward high-skilled, high-income employment.
