KUALA LUMPUR August 11 2026 – Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its human capital must go beyond government initiatives, with stronger collaboration between industry, education providers and skills-training organisations needed to ensure Malaysians are equipped for the jobs of the future.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government could establish policies, provide funding and develop the necessary ecosystem, but meaningful human capital development required the participation of all stakeholders.
He said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) had evolved into a pathway of excellence and should play a central role in preparing Malaysians to benefit from new investments and emerging industries.
“Every new investment coming into Malaysia must translate into meaningful opportunities for our people,” he said in a speech read by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir at the launch of Pertubuhan Gabungan Mukmin Nasional’s Mukmin Skills platform.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia needed to ensure that the skills acquired by its workforce could lead to better employment opportunities, higher incomes and greater economic security.
He stressed that the ultimate objective of human capital development should be to create a workforce capable of growing alongside the country’s expanding industrial ecosystem.
The Mukmin Skills platform brings together government agencies, industry players, higher education institutions, TVET providers and professional organisations in an effort to connect education and skills training with employment and career opportunities.
The initiative is particularly significant as it brings together more than 150 Indian Muslim organisations under a single network, creating a wider platform for collaboration in skills development and employment.
Ahmad Zahid said he wanted to see more young Malaysians obtain industry-recognised qualifications and professional certifications, while stronger partnerships should create more opportunities for apprenticeships, internships and direct employment.
He also envisioned more Malaysians progressing into roles as technologists, professionals, entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Meanwhile, Mukmin president Datuk Wira Shahul Hameed Dawood said skills development should no longer be regarded simply as an additional component of education, but as an important investment in Malaysia’s long-term economic competitiveness.
He said the changing economy required workers who could continuously learn, adapt to new technologies, solve problems and create value.
“Skills are the new currency of the future economy,” he said, highlighting the need to move beyond a system that focuses primarily on academic qualifications.
Through Mukmin Skills, the organisation aims to help young Malaysians transition from being consumers of technology to becoming technology creators, while encouraging them to pursue higher-value careers and develop entrepreneurial capabilities.
The initiative will also seek to build on the community’s established strengths in entrepreneurship and commerce while expanding participation in high-growth sectors.
Among the areas identified are artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, healthcare, digital technology, automation and advanced manufacturing.
The launch reflects a growing emphasis on aligning Malaysia’s education and skills ecosystem with industry demand, particularly as the country seeks to attract investment while ensuring that local talent is positioned to benefit from new economic opportunities.
With closer cooperation between government, industry and training providers, initiatives such as Mukmin Skills could play a role in strengthening Malaysia’s talent pipeline and preparing the workforce for an increasingly technology-driven economy.
-Mukmin
-Minutesmy
By: Vashini Verasingam
