Government Launches Bakat Madani, Targets 25,000 Youths Through Skills and Employment Initiative
SEREMBAN: The Malaysian government has launched the Bakat Madani programme, a nationwide talent development initiative aimed at equipping 25,000 young Malaysians with industry-relevant skills, quality employment opportunities and greater prospects for long-term social mobility.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative represents a collaborative effort involving the government, government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), PETRONAS and higher education institutions to strengthen the country’s talent pipeline while improving graduate employability.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Bandar Sri Sendayan, Anwar said Bakat Madani is designed to provide more than conventional training programmes by creating direct pathways for young people to secure meaningful employment and enhance their future career prospects.
He described the initiative as an example of how public institutions and major corporations can work together to expand opportunities for Malaysia’s younger generation, particularly students and graduates preparing to enter the workforce.
According to the Prime Minister, the programme aims to benefit 25,000 participants, with a strong emphasis on university students and fresh graduates. He noted that such large-scale collaboration demonstrates a national commitment to investing in human capital development and preparing local talent for future economic needs.
Anwar said sustainable job creation depends on a combination of political stability, national unity and continued economic growth. These factors, he added, provide the foundation for businesses to expand, attract investment and generate more employment opportunities for Malaysians.
The Prime Minister also stressed that talent development should be inclusive, ensuring that youths from rural communities and underserved areas are not left behind. He said access to quality education, training and employment opportunities should be available regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic background.
As part of the programme’s long-term objectives, the government intends to address skills mismatches between graduates and industry by strengthening collaboration with employers and introducing additional training where required. The approach aims to ensure that graduates possess competencies that align with evolving labour market demands.
Anwar said sectors such as engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence and digital technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in Malaysia’s future economy, making investment in skilled local talent essential for sustaining national competitiveness.
Beyond technical expertise, the Prime Minister encouraged young Malaysians to remain grounded as they pursue professional success. He reminded participants that personal achievement should always be accompanied by humility, strong values and appreciation for the sacrifices made by parents and families throughout their educational journey.
The Bakat Madani programme forms part of the government’s broader strategy to develop a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting Malaysia’s economic transformation. Through continued collaboration with industry and educational institutions, the initiative seeks to strengthen graduate employability while creating more inclusive opportunities for young Malaysians to contribute to the country’s future growth.
