Pepper Labs has partnered with Khazanah Nasional Berhad (“Khazanah”) to implement the K-Youth Development Programme 2024. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address youth unemployment in Malaysia.
Launched in 2023, the K-Youth Development Programme is a youth employability enhancement initiative spearheaded by Khazanah. This programme is focused on equipping Malaysia’s future talents with commercially valuable skills that will enhance their employability and experience needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.
Designed to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and industry expectations, Pepper Labs has enriched the programme with a dynamic, industry-relevant curriculum. As a leading accredited social enterprise in Malaysia, Pepper Labs has tailored the programme to meet current and emerging demands. This marks its first sustainability talent development initiative in collaboration with Khazanah.
Participants will engage in advanced technology modules which will be delivered through Pepper Labs’ strategic collaborations with industry leaders. Highlights include Career Essentials in Sustainable Tech and Generative AI by Microsoft and ESG, Sustainability and Green Skills by the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB). They will also be introduced to cutting-edge trends such as Industry 4.0 while offering a cluster of interpersonal and professional skills and leadership modules. Graduates will be certified as Sustainability Associates, a testament to their readiness for future-focused roles.
Comprehensive Approach to Youth Employability
Pepper Labs have secured job placements for trained graduates in collaboration with 28 leading companies across diverse sectors - including oil and gas, banking, engineering, digital infrastructure, green technology, government-linked companies (GLCs) and multinational corporations.
Some of the job roles offered include AI Developer, Sustainable Energy Associate, and Digital IoT Sandbox Executive.
One notable participant, Allya Shahira, a mechatronic engineering graduate, secured a position as a Manufacturing Engineer at Keysight Technologies within just 45 days of the programme’s launch on 2 May 2024. Allya has since been offered permanent employment. Reflecting on her journey, she said:
“The combination of technical training and real-world exposure allowed me to gain valuable work experience and secure a permanent role in my host company after the K-Youth programme.”
Another participant, Muhammad Izzuddin Mohd Azam, who had been unemployed for two years, was confirmed a permanent position as an Environmental Sustainability Design Consultant at DME Solutions after completing his K-Youth placement with the company. Grateful for the opportunity, he shared:
“Thank you for making this programme a reality. It has helped me and other participants prepare for better future careers.”
A Model for National Development
The partnership exemplifies Khazanah’s commitment to talent development and highlights the power of the synergistic collaboration in addressing critical socio-economic challenges. By leveraging on both Pepper Labs’ expertise in capacity building and Khazanah’s strategic vision in developing a ready workforce for the future of work, the programme has empowered young Malaysians to secure meaningful employment while equipping them to thrive in a fast-changing global economy.
The K-Youth Development Programme serves as a blueprint for addressing youth unemployment through targeted investments for the next generation. It demonstrates how collaborative efforts can drive Malaysia’s vision for an inclusive, resilient and sustainable society, which aligns with Khazanah’s Malaysia strategy that anchors on “A Nation that Creates” framework to increase national productivity and competitiveness, towards advancing the country.
Strategic Collaborations and Milestones
Pepper Labs was also able to successfully implement the K-Youth Development Programme through strong support from its extensive ecosystem of public and private sector partners. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) played a pivotal role in emphasising the programme’s sustainability focus and facilitating green industry participation.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, personally handed over appointment letters to the first group of participants and witnessed the collaboration between Pepper Labs and key agencies under his ministry.
In addition, Pepper Labs secured partnerships with leading digital employment platforms to ensure sustained career opportunities for graduates beyond the programme.
This content is provided by Pepper Labs.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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