LABUAN, July 10 – The Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR), through its agency Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), successfully organized the Young Employable Students (YES!) We Are Ready 2023 program in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) at the UMS Labuan International Campus (UMSLIC) on June 11, 2023. More than 400 students participated in the three-day program, which aimed to enhance their graduate employability.

The activities included creating awareness about future career prospects, developing vital communication skills for personal branding, and fostering creative problem-solving methods through innovative thinking. During the closing ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, YB Tuan Ts. Mustapha Sakmud, commended TalentCorp for their efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s talent ecosystem through initiatives that focus on developing industry-ready graduates.

“In today’s knowledge economy, talent is the key to success. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, TalentCorp is working to ensure that Malaysia has the talent it needs to compete in the global economy,” he said. The TalentCorp’s YES! initiative is a proactive intervention that aims to enhance the employability of Malaysian students, ensuring that they are future-ready and equipped with skills in high demand by employers. In 2023, the initiative expanded to include Technical and Vocational Training Education (TVET) institutions as a strategic measure to address the issue of job mismatch in the workforce.

Thomas Mathew, the Group Chief Executive Officer of TalentCorp, emphasized that Malaysia has a young talent pool capable of meeting the needs of investors. TalentCorp collaborates with industry partners, educational institutions, and government agencies to create a well-aligned workforce through various efforts and initiatives.

“Employers, who play a crucial role in determining skills needs and providing industry training, can apply for TalentCorp’s National Structured Internship Programme (MySIP). This enables them to build their talent pipeline, and eligible employers can benefit from the double tax deduction incentive offered by MySIP,” stated Mathew.

The YES! We Are Ready 2023 program and TalentCorp’s collaborative initiatives signify Malaysia’s commitment to nurturing and empowering its youth, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the evolving job market. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, Malaysia aims to create a dynamic workforce that can meet the demands of the future and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.