MalaysianUpdates

Category: Education

  • Unwavering Voices, Meaningful Transformation

    In conjunction with International Women’s Day, Taylor’s University shines a spotlight on three remarkable women whose work is shaping more inclusive, resilient, and compassionate communities. From climate-responsive design and dementia care to sustainable food innovation, their leadership reflects a powerful truth: transformative change begins with steadfast voices grounded in purpose, empathy, and evidence.

    At the forefront of climate and sustainability advocacy is Dr Praveena Nair Sivasankaran, Director of the Clean Technology Impact Lab. With over a decade of experience in clean technology, she founded ‘Cooling the Heat, Healing the Mind’ (CHHM) to examine how extreme heat affects mental health while exploring practical cooling strategies. Her conviction was strengthened after engaging with frontline personnel who described the psychological toll of working under prolonged heat stress. For Dr Praveena, climate resilience must go beyond infrastructure — it must account for the human nervous system. Collaborating with students from The Design School, she has proposed wearable cooling concepts and monitoring ideas informed by direct engagement with outdoor vendors. Her approach to sustainability is deeply human-centred, emphasising dignity, behavioural awareness, and inclusive participation, particularly ensuring women’s voices are meaningfully integrated into environmental decision-making.

    Championing cognitive health and dignified ageing, Professor Dr Rozainee Khairudin, Director of the Mental Health and Well-being Impact Lab, brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her work. Inspired by witnessing her late mother’s journey through stroke-related cognitive decline, she leads ‘ArtsProud: An Intervention Study Using Artistic Methods to Reduce Cognitive Decline in Normal Elderly and Individuals with Dementia’ in Malaysia. Building on the original ArtsProud social enterprise initiative, her research strengthens the evidence base for arts-based interventions, demonstrating that structured engagement in music, storytelling, movement, and art can activate neural networks and reduce cognitive decline. In a field often dominated by biomedical models, Professor Rozainee advocates for integrating behavioural science, empathy, and creativity into dementia care. She believes compassion is not a weakness in academia but a strength — one that deepens impact and builds trust across communities.

    In the realm of food innovation and nutrition security, Professor Ts. Dr. Chong Li Choo has earned international recognition, including the President’s Award from The Research Chefs Association and the Food Innovation Educator Award 2025. Yet for her, accolades affirm relevance rather than personal achievement. Through initiatives such as Nourish-U, she works with schools, meal providers, and community partners to design balanced, affordable meals while transferring practical nutritional knowledge to caregivers and educators. Her research journey, which began with developing high-fibre noodles from underutilised plantain and agricultural by-products, reflects her belief that small, thoughtful innovations can collectively address complex issues like the coexistence of obesity and malnutrition. As a mentor, she is especially committed to nurturing young female talents, encouraging confidence and resilience among students who may underestimate their own capabilities.

    Together, these three leaders embody a model of women’s leadership that is steady rather than loud, evidence-driven yet compassionate. Whether confronting climate stress, cognitive decline, or food insecurity, their work demonstrates that sustainable solutions must integrate technical expertise with human wellbeing. This International Women’s Day, their stories serve as a reminder that meaningful progress is not only about innovation — it is about inclusion, dignity, and the courage to lead with clarity and care.

  • Universiti Malaya and SATEERA® Formalise Research Partnership in Ceremony Witnessed by MOSTI Minister

    Universiti Malaya and SATEERA® Formalise Research Partnership in Ceremony Witnessed by MOSTI Minister

    Universiti Malaya has formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Malaysian biotechnology company SATEERA® Sdn Bhd, marking a significant milestone in strengthening university–industry collaboration within Malaysia’s biotechnology ecosystem. The agreement was witnessed by Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), and reflects the nation’s continued progress in translating academic research into commercially viable, science-based solutions.

    The technology underpinning SATEERA® was originally developed within Universiti Malaya’s research environment more than a decade ago, evolving through years of laboratory research, patent development and industrial translation. Today, SATEERA® operates as a BioNexus-status biotechnology company, focusing on microbiome-safe innovation. This collaboration represents the next phase of the university–industry partnership, with both parties committed to advancing scientific validation and expanding research into selective anti-infective mechanisms.

    At the core of the collaboration is SATEERA®’s Natural Smart Anti-Infective Technology, a targeted approach designed to suppress harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbes. Unlike conventional broad-spectrum antimicrobial solutions that act indiscriminately, this selective strategy aligns with growing global scientific concern over antimicrobial resistance and the importance of maintaining healthy microbial ecosystems. As hygiene and biotechnology research increasingly shift towards microbiome preservation, selective anti-infective solutions are gaining relevance across multiple health applications.

    Co-Founder of SATEERA, Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu

    The innovation has progressed beyond the laboratory into real-world application through REDFORES®, SATEERA®’s intimate care brand and the first commercial product line utilising its patented technology for women’s intimate health. Under the agreement, REDFORES® will undergo further scientific evaluation in collaboration with Universiti Malaya’s academic researchers, reinforcing a shared commitment to evidence-based product development and responsible hygiene innovation.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Datuk Chang Lih Kang highlighted the importance of academia–industry partnerships in creating meaningful societal impact, noting that innovation must extend beyond research environments into practical application. He added that science-driven, targeted biotechnology solutions support national priorities under Malaysia MADANI and the National Biotechnology Policy by strengthening technological capability while improving public health and quality of life.

    Co-Founder of REDFORES, Datuk Wira Jment Lim

    SATEERA® Co-Founder Datuk Wira Calvin Khiu emphasised the need to rethink traditional hygiene paradigms, stating that indiscriminate antimicrobial approaches can disrupt microbial balance and contribute to resistance. Meanwhile, REDFORES® Co-Founder Datuk Wira Jment Lim stressed that women’s intimate health requires scientific responsibility rather than aggressive marketing claims, advocating for solutions that respect the body’s natural ecosystem.

    The ceremony also featured recognition by ASEAN and ASIA Records, followed by a panel discussion titled “Leading the Good Bacteria Era: Redefining Global Hygiene Standards.” The session brought together academics and medical specialists to discuss microbiome preservation, selective anti-infective science and its implications for women’s health. The collaboration is expected to support expanded validation studies and deeper research engagement, further positioning Malaysia as a producer of advanced biotechnology solutions.

  • Yayasan MR D.I.Y. rolls out the 2026 STEM Discovery on Wheels programme, contributing 120,000 STEM kits to Muzium Negara.

    Yayasan MR D.I.Y. rolls out the 2026 STEM Discovery on Wheels programme, contributing 120,000 STEM kits to Muzium Negara.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2026 – Yayasan MR D.I.Y. has strengthened its commitment to inclusive and future-focused education with the launch of the 2026 STEM Discovery on Wheels programme, announced in Kuala Lumpur on 4 February 2026. Through this initiative, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. contributed 120,000 STEM kits to Muzium Negara, marking a strategic collaboration that brings Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics learning into a public cultural space. The programme is designed to spark curiosity and hands-on exploration, allowing students and visitors of all ages to engage with STEM concepts in a way that is interactive, accessible and enjoyable.

    By integrating STEM education within Muzium Negara, the initiative extends learning beyond traditional classroom settings and encourages experiential discovery through practical activities that foster creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. STEM Discovery on Wheels also functions as a mobile outreach platform, travelling directly to schools and communities across Malaysia to ensure wider access to quality educational resources. This dual approach—combining nationwide outreach with permanent educational support at a national institution—reflects Yayasan MR D.I.Y.’s holistic vision of nurturing future-ready talent while reducing educational gaps.

    The arrival of these STEM kits at Muzium Negara marks a collaborative effort by Yayasan MR. DIY to make science and technology learning more accessible to the public through the museum’s outreach programs.

    The programme is part of Yayasan MR D.I.Y.’s broader sustainability and community empowerment efforts, which focus on delivering high-impact, long-term initiatives that uplift youth and support national aspirations for an innovation-driven and resilient future generation. Through consistent investment in education and community development, the foundation continues to play a meaningful role in shaping an inclusive learning ecosystem across the country.

  • Six Wellness Themes Shaping Nutrition and Lifestyle in 2026

    Six Wellness Themes Shaping Nutrition and Lifestyle in 2026

    KUALA LUMPUR, 2026 – Nutrition is entering a new era as consumers shift toward intentional, personalised, and science-based habits. According to Herbalife’s Asia Pacific Health and Economic Empowerment Survey 2025, among 1,000 Malaysian respondents, 57% expect better health in the next 12 months, with 55% planning to exercise more and 48% intending to reduce unhealthy habits. Dr. Krissy Ladner, Director of Sports Performance, Nutrition and Education at Herbalife, identifies six wellness themes set to guide how people eat, train, and recover in 2026.

    1. Gut Health Comes First
    Gut health is becoming the foundation of daily nutrition. Consumers are increasingly including fibre-rich foods such as oats, beans, vegetables, and berries to support digestion, satiety, and stable energy levels. This focus aligns with the Malaysian Dietary Guidelines 2020, highlighting fibre and whole grains as key strategies to prevent non-communicable diseases.

    2. Mind and Stress Support
    Nutrition now plays a role in stress management and mental clarity. Diets rich in omega-3s, magnesium, B vitamins, choline, and antioxidants are gaining attention, while alcohol reduction helps maintain consistent energy. Combined with activities like yoga, meditation, walking, and gentle exercise, this approach promotes mental well-being as an everyday practice.

    3. Transparency and Ingredient Confidence
    Consumers are demanding clarity in what they eat. Simplified ingredient lists, whole-food options, and trustworthy brands are replacing obscure labels. People now scrutinise packaged products, restaurant meals, and meal delivery options, emphasising food quality over perfection.

    4. Personalised Nutrition Rises
    Nutrition is increasingly tailored to hormone balance, bone health, metabolic function, and recovery. Personalisation allows individuals to adjust their diets and supplements based on life stages and physical needs, supporting a practical, body-focused approach to wellness.

    5. Tech-Driven Habits
    Technology continues to transform health habits. Apps, sleep trackers, AI assessments, and home biomarker tests help consumers personalise nutrition, exercise, and recovery. Real-time feedback allows adjustments to protein intake, hydration, and micronutrients, creating routines that align with personal performance goals.

    6. Creatine Continues Momentum
    Once associated with strength athletes, creatine is now widely recognised for supporting power, training quality, and muscle recovery. Its adoption among active women highlights its growing role as a well-researched, reliable supplement for strength and consistency.

    Bottom Line:
    2026’s wellness landscape prioritises personalisation, practicality, and long-term well-being. Small daily habits—supporting digestion, stress relief, informed food choices, and exercise recovery—remain the most effective path to meaningful results.

    Director, Sports Performance and Nutrition Education
  • Yayasan MR D.I.Y. Impacts 300,000 Beneficiaries Nationwide in 2025

    Yayasan MR D.I.Y. Impacts 300,000 Beneficiaries Nationwide in 2025

    Yayasan MR D.I.Y. is closing 2025 on a strong and meaningful note, marking a year of impactful community engagement that has touched lives across Malaysia and beyond. Throughout the year, the Foundation channelled close to RM1.5 million into 250 community-driven programmes, reaching more than 300,000 beneficiaries nationwide. This milestone reinforces Yayasan MR D.I.Y.’s position as one of Malaysia’s most active and trusted foundations, translating the brand’s two-decade relationship with Malaysians through its 1,400-store network into people-first initiatives that deliver tangible and lasting outcomes.

    One of the most notable highlights of 2025 was the continued expansion of the Foundation’s flagship STEM Discovery on Wheels programme, which has now engaged over 200,000 children nationwide. As one of the largest privately driven STEM outreach initiatives in the country, the programme brings hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning directly to underserved schools and communities through partnerships with state and district education departments, museums and the National Science Centre. Beyond local borders, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. also strengthened its humanitarian footprint by distributing 9,600 STEM kits to children across 48 districts in Lebanon in collaboration with MALBATT 850-13 under UNIFIL, supporting education continuity in conflict-affected areas.

    Supporting the community by providing aid to the flood victims at Sabah

    At home, the Foundation continued to respond swiftly and compassionately to communities in need. From pooling senior management SARA allocations to support cancer patients at Home of Hope in Chow Kit, to providing flood relief in Jeli, Taiping and East Malaysia, donating essential furniture to Hospital Duchess of Kent in Sandakan, and assisting families affected by severe floods in Kota Kinabalu, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. demonstrated agility and empathy in action. The year concludes with its annual Christmas CSR programme, bringing joy and encouragement to paediatric patients at the School in Hospital, Rehabilitation Hospital Cheras. Guided by trust, strong partnerships and a deep understanding of community needs, Yayasan MR D.I.Y. continues to set a benchmark for people-centred corporate social responsibility in Malaysia.

  • PayNet Boosts Malaysia’s Financial Sector Workforce with Second Batch of Cloud-Skilled Graduates

    PayNet Boosts Malaysia’s Financial Sector Workforce with Second Batch of Cloud-Skilled Graduates

    Payments Network Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (PayNet) recently celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of 50 students from its Program Akar Powered by AWS re/Start, a digital upskilling initiative designed to cultivate cloud-ready talent for Malaysia’s financial services industry. Delivered through World Education Placement Services Sdn. Bhd. (WEPS), Program Akar represents PayNet’s first flagship national initiative aimed at bridging the country’s digital skills gap. The programme equips participants with globally recognized cloud technology and digital payments skills at no cost, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of Malaysia’s financial ecosystem.

    Aligned with the national agenda to strengthen digital talent, highlighted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Program Akar provides young Malaysians with practical skills beyond conventional academic learning, enabling them to thrive in technology-driven roles. Shafenaz Farouk, Chief People Officer of PayNet, emphasized that the programme is creating a robust pipeline of digital-ready talent for the financial sector, empowering participants with industry-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and confidence to contribute immediately to the workforce.

    The second cohort follows the successful pilot at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), where financial institutions such as Bank Negara, Maybank, Public Bank, CIMB, and Bank Islam have expressed interest in internships and job placements for graduates. Participants underwent a 14-week intensive training programme, covering foundational cloud computing, digital payments, and a two-day on-site values-driven development workshop. Graduates received multiple certifications, including the AWS re/Start Certificate of Completion, AWS Cloud Practitioner, Digital Payments Certificate, and Values-Driven Enrichment Programme Certificate, signaling readiness for industry roles.

    Program Akar graduates shared their experiences as cohort participants during the Akar Success Story session

    Hussein Mohd. Ali, Country Manager of AWS Malaysia, highlighted the importance of cloud skills as the backbone for the nation’s next phase of AI-driven transformation in financial services. Program Akar equips participants to contribute effectively in areas ranging from modern digital payments to emerging AI applications, while strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global fintech landscape. WEPS CEO Mughilen Rathakrishnan added that the initiative provides a clear pathway for young Malaysians to enter the workforce with in-demand, future-proof skills.

    With Cohort 2 achieving strong outcomes, PayNet continues to build momentum in nurturing Malaysia’s fintech talent. Through ongoing collaboration with industry partners, Program Akar ensures alignment with sector needs, addressing critical talent gaps and supporting the country’s digital finance ambitions. Globally, AWS re/Start operates in over 60 countries, with 98% of graduates securing interview opportunities, reflecting the programme’s proven impact on shaping a highly skilled, employable workforce.

    For more information on Program Akar, please visit https://www.paynet.my/beyond-payments/community-impact/paynet-akar.html

  • Taylor’s University Launches Lumicko to Enhance Digital Media and Content Education

    Taylor’s University Launches Lumicko to Enhance Digital Media and Content Education

    Taylor’s University, through its School of Media and Communication, has officially launched Lumicko, an innovative learning-integrated multimedia streaming platform designed to transform the way students learn, create, and showcase digital content. This platform represents a significant step forward in the university’s commitment to redefining creative education and strengthening the connection between academic learning and industry practice. Lumicko not only allows students to produce and publish their work but also functions as a dynamic discovery ecosystem where emerging talent can be easily seen by directors, producers, and creative agencies, bridging the gap between education and professional opportunities in the media and content production industry.

    The launch of Lumicko comes at a time when Malaysia’s digital content and streaming sector is experiencing rapid growth, generating RM 5.31 billion in 2023, with the over-the-top (OTT) market projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of around 18.5% between 2025 and 2031. As audiences increasingly migrate to online streaming and on-demand platforms, there is a rising demand for graduates who understand contemporary streaming conventions, audience engagement strategies, and the development of original content. By providing students with a platform to experiment, iterate, and present their work in a real-world environment, Lumicko equips them with the practical skills, creative confidence, and professional standards necessary to thrive in this evolving landscape.

    Professor Dr Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management at Taylor’s University, emphasized that Lumicko is more than a streaming platform, describing it as a “transformational learning ecosystem.” He noted that by allowing students to produce, publish, and present their work, the platform prepares them to enter the industry with confidence, creativity, and a thorough understanding of professional expectations. Guided by Taylor’s Industry Advisory Panel, which includes leading figures such as Mediha Mahmood, CEO of the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia, Dato’ Ts Dr Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia, and Anissa Maria Anis, media and telecommunications law expert at Christopher & Lee Ong, Lumicko is designed to adhere to high standards in ethics, copyright, and cybersecurity while exposing students to real-world industry best practices.

    Mediha Mahmood highlighted that Lumicko provides students with a structured environment to produce and publish content responsibly, building their understanding of industry standards and ensuring they are ready for Malaysia’s professional content ecosystem. Fully embedded across the School of Media and Communication’s programmes—including journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital media production—Lumicko offers students end-to-end experience from ideation to publication, allowing them to gain hands-on exposure to the full content creation process. By integrating education, creativity, and technology, the platform demonstrates Taylor’s University’s dedication to nurturing a new generation of job-ready, tech-savvy professionals who can excel in streaming, content production, and other emerging digital sectors.

    Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Offer, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia, delivering her opening speech, sharing insights on the importance of responsible content creation and industry standards.

    During the launch event, a panel of industry and academic experts, including Prema Ponnudurai, Founder of Lumicko and Head of the School of General Studies and Languages at Taylor’s University, Datuk P. Kamalanathan, former Deputy Minister of Education and Malaysian Qualification Agency Council Member, Peter Wong, filmmaker and CEO of ACE Pictures Entertainment LLC, and Prem Anand Rajahram, Vice President of Content at Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, discussed the evolving role of universities in cultivating creative talent. They underscored Lumicko’s importance in addressing the dynamic needs of Malaysia’s and the global media ecosystem. The platform is now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, providing students, educators, and industry professionals with seamless access to a growing library of original student-produced content, further reinforcing Taylor’s commitment to bridging academic learning and industry practice.

    For more information about the Lumicko, please visit https://lumicko.com/.

  • Nestlé Marks 15th Anniversary of Healthier Kids Program, Benefiting 220,000 Children

    Nestlé Marks 15th Anniversary of Healthier Kids Program, Benefiting 220,000 Children

    Nestlé For Healthier Kids (N4HK) recently celebrated its 15th anniversary at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Empat in Bandar Baru Bangi, marking a significant milestone for one of Malaysia’s longest-running school nutrition education programmes. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), teachers, parents, and students, highlighting the enduring partnerships that have strengthened the programme’s impact over the years. Since its inception in 2010, N4HK has reached over 220,000 students across 865 schools nationwide, educating children aged seven to twelve on balanced nutrition, physical activity, and hygiene through interactive sessions led by registered nutritionists. Looking ahead, the programme aims to extend its reach to 500,000 primary school students by 2030, furthering its mission to instill lifelong healthy habits among young Malaysians.

    Beyond school-based education, N4HK engages parents and caregivers through its PARENPRO initiative, ensuring that nutrition knowledge is reinforced at home. By combining classroom learning with parental involvement, the programme translates nutrition education into practical, everyday practices, such as meal planning, portion control, and enjoyable activities that foster healthier eating habits. YM Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director of Group Corporate Affairs at Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized that the 15-year milestone reflects the programme’s success in benefiting children, parents, and educators alike, while reaffirming Nestlé’s commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening parent-focused initiatives under PARENPRO.

    Highlighting the ongoing nutritional challenges in Malaysia, Ms Wong Mei Ching, Group Corporate Nutrition Manager at Nestlé Malaysia, pointed out the triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies—that continues to affect the population. National studies reveal that over 90 percent of adults and children fail to consume adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fibre remain prevalent. N4HK addresses these gaps by equipping parents with practical guidance and resources to promote healthier diets and lifestyle habits from an early age.

    Professor Dr. Mahenderan Appukutty, President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, underscored the value of the 15-year collaboration between NSM, Nestlé, and the Ministry of Education, highlighting how combining scientific knowledge with hands-on learning empowers children to adopt balanced eating and active living practices. The anniversary celebration featured a variety of engaging activities for both parents and children, including nutrition talks, interactive workshops such as “Build Your Healthy Plate” and “Smart Swaps for Healthier Choices,” as well as fun sessions like aerobics, games, and burger-making activities, reflecting N4HK’s focus on making health education both enjoyable and practical.

    Aligned with Nestlé’s global ambition to help 50 million primary school children lead healthier lives by 2030, N4HK continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact. By promoting better nutrition, physical activity, and health awareness, the programme contributes to the development of healthier families and communities across Malaysia, ensuring that the next generation grows up with the knowledge and habits needed for lifelong wellbeing.

  • Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

    Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

    The Fun(d) for Life (FFL) programme continues to strengthen financial resilience among young Malaysians through engaging, student-driven learning experiences that make financial literacy practical, relevant, and enjoyable. Now entering its seventh edition, the programme has transformed the way financial education is delivered in schools through gamification, hands-on activities, and youth empowerment. Since its inception, FFL has reached more than 123,011 students nationwide, establishing itself as one of Malaysia’s most impactful financial literacy initiatives for school-aged learners.

    In conjunction with Financial Literacy Month this October, students across the country took part in school-level projects powered by RM500 micro-grants, allowing them to design and implement creative finance-themed initiatives within their communities. These projects ranged from budgeting carnivals in Sabah and peer-to-peer savings challenges in Kedah to awareness campaigns in schools and the creation of simple expense-tracking tools for classmates in Terengganu. From these efforts, 100 outstanding students were selected to form the inaugural FFL Student Council, representing schools nationwide and marking a significant milestone in student-led financial education.

    During the four-day FFL 2025 Summit, held at UTM Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur, Student Council members underwent facilitator training, conducted simulation workshops, and led interactive, gamified sessions focusing on budgeting, saving, smart spending, and financial protection. They also directly engaged with 100 students from the Klang Valley, modelling what it means to be peer advocates for financial literacy. This shift—from teacher-led lessons to youth-led advocacy—signals a meaningful evolution in the programme, empowering students to champion financial education within their schools and wider communities.

    Over the years, Fun(d) for Life has demonstrated that when financial learning is dynamic and participatory, students not only absorb knowledge—they take ownership of it. The establishment of the Student Council represents the next phase of this mission, fostering a generation of confident, capable, and financially savvy youth who can positively influence their peers over the long term. “Fun(d) for Life was designed to make finance feel relevant, practical, and doable,” said Alina Amir, Programme Lead. “This year’s Student Council shows what happens when we hand the mic to students: they model positive money habits, teach their peers through interactive sessions, and turn financial literacy into a culture in schools.”

    FFL’s efforts align with Malaysia’s national financial literacy agenda under Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Education, and the Financial Education Network (FEN). The programme contributes to the upward trend in the Malaysian Financial Literacy and Capability Index, which has risen from 57.1 in 2018 to 59.1 in 2024, reflecting growing financial awareness nationwide. By embedding money management skills early, Fun(d) for Life plays a pivotal role in nurturing financially resilient future generations.

    Supported by FWD Takaful and Arus Academy since 2019, Fun(d) for Life continues its mission to build empowered young leaders and expand financial literacy across Malaysia. To follow the journey and stay updated on next year’s programme highlights, visit @fundfor.life on Instagram.

  • Nexpert Academy Tingkatkan Kepakaran Anak Muda Dalam AI Demi Masa Depan Digital Negara

    Nexpert Academy Tingkatkan Kepakaran Anak Muda Dalam AI Demi Masa Depan Digital Negara

    Sejak diperkenalkan pada Mac/April 2025, inisiatif pembiayaan pendidikan oleh Yayasan Peneraju telah menjadi pemangkin penting dalam memperluas penyertaan Bumiputera dalam sektor teknologi bernilai tinggi. Menjelang penutupannya pada Disember 2025, program ini telah memberi peluang kepada Bumiputera berusia 16 tahun ke atas daripada pelbagai latar belakang untuk mengikuti latihan profesional dalam bidang Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Networking dan Cloud Computing, iaitu bidang teras yang menggerakkan transformasi ekonomi digital negara.

    Walaupun inisiatif ini berada dalam fasa penutupan, permohonan bagi pengambilan terakhir masih dibuka. Nexperts Academy turut menyediakan elaun latihan kepada peserta yang layak di bawah program ini. Skim pembiayaan ini menawarkan mekanisme yang amat digalakkan peserta, termasuk 0% bayaran balik (Silver-tier) apabila syarat dipenuhi. Bagi kursus yang mempunyai peperiksaan, pembiayaan akan menjadi tanpa bayaran balik apabila peserta mencapai kehadiran yang ditetapkan dan lulus peperiksaan. Bagi kursus tanpa peperiksaan, pembiayaan bertukar kepada pembiayaan tanpa bayaran balik setelah peserta menamatkan keseluruhan kursus. Maklumat lengkap boleh dirujuk di laman rasmi Yayasan Peneraju.

    Sebagai salah satu penyedia latihan dilantik (ALTI), Nexperts Academy Sdn. Bhd. yang beroperasi di Petaling Jaya merupakan antara institusi yang menawarkan kursus berfokus industri di bawah inisiatif ini, selain universiti dan penyedia latihan lain. Peserta bebas memilih kursus dan penyedia latihan sebelum memohon pembiayaan melalui Yayasan Peneraju.

    Permintaan terhadap tenaga mahir dalam bidang Cloud Computing, Networking, AI, Keselamatan Siber dan analitik data semakin meningkat seiring perkembangan teknologi. Banyak syarikat melaporkan kewujudan kekosongan pekerjaan namun kekurangan bakat tempatan untuk mengisinya. Dalam masa sama, risiko serangan digital semakin meningkat, menjadikan sektor keselamatan siber berada pada tahap paling kritikal.

    Nexperts Academy turut melatih peserta dalam Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), kursus keselamatan siber terkemuka dunia yang diiktiraf EC-Council. Kursus ini memberi pendedahan kepada teknik serangan sebenar, membolehkan peserta berfikir seperti penggodam bagi mengukuhkan pertahanan organisasi. Keperluan ini semakin ketara selepas beberapa syarikat tempatan menjadi mangsa serangan ransomware, termasuk sebuah syarikat yang kehilangan data operasi sepenuhnya sebelum penyerang menuntut bayaran tebusan dalam bentuk mata wang kripto. Situasi ini mengukuhkan keperluan melahirkan lebih ramai profesional keselamatan siber Bumiputera yang bersistem, berkompeten dan bersedia menghadapi ancaman moden.

    Selain keselamatan siber, Network & Multicloud Bootcamp oleh Nexperts Academy merupakan antara kursus paling popular di bawah pembiayaan Yayasan Peneraju. Direka untuk peserta yang bermula dari sifar, bootcamp ini membolehkan mereka memperoleh tiga pensijilan antarabangsa: CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+ dan Microsoft Certified Azure Associate. Gabungan pensijilan ini membuka pelbagai laluan kerjaya termasuk IT Support, Network Engineer, Helpdesk Engineer serta potensi peningkatan ke peranan lebih tinggi seperti Cloud Engineer, Network Engineer Level 2 atau System Administrator. Laluan pensijilan ini turut menjadi alternatif untuk individu tanpa diploma atau ijazah IT, menjadikannya pilihan utama peserta baharu dan mereka yang ingin beralih kerjaya.

    Pertumbuhan data dan penggunaan aplikasi moden menjadikan pusat data tradisional semakin mahal dan kompleks, mendorong lebih banyak organisasi beralih kepada cloud. Peralihan ini melonjakkan permintaan terhadap jurutera cloud terlatih dan menjadikan pensijilan berkaitan antara keperluan paling kritikal dalam transformasi digital negara.

    Sepanjang program, peserta didedahkan kepada latihan industri dan simulasi dunia sebenar untuk memastikan kesiapsiagaan memasuki pasaran kerja. Pendekatan ini bukan sahaja membina kemahiran teknikal, malah membuka peluang kerja fleksibel seperti freelancing dan konsultansi.

    Bootcamp AI & Machine Learning yang ditawarkan Nexperts Academy juga antara kursus paling tinggi permohonan. Peserta mempelajari teknik analisis data, automasi, pembangunan penyelesaian berskala kecil dan besar serta membina sistem yang mampu membuat keputusan berdasarkan input pengguna. Ramai peserta bukan IT mendapati kemahiran automasi meningkatkan prestasi kerja harian mereka dan memudahkan proses perniagaan. Misalnya, suri rumah yang ingin memulakan perniagaan kecil dapat menggunakan teknik analisis data untuk menilai trend pasaran dan mengenal pasti produk berpotensi tinggi.

    Pengarah Nexperts Academy, Nazreen Abdul Ghani, menegaskan prinsip “Kenapa jadi basic kalau boleh jadi premium?”, percaya bahawa pendedahan kepada teknologi mampu menjadikan individu lebih produktif, kreatif dan bernilai dalam pasaran kerja moden. Menurut beliau, ramai Bumiputera memiliki potensi besar tetapi kurang akses kepada pensijilan global. Inisiatif Yayasan Peneraju membuka pintu kepada rakyat untuk mendapatkan kemahiran yang kini menjadi keperluan kritikal industri. Pensijilan membuka laluan kepada kenaikan pangkat, tawaran kerja baharu dan gaji lebih tinggi, seterusnya mengubah taraf hidup peserta dan keluarga mereka.

    CEO Nexperts Academy, Vaheed, turut menegaskan kepentingan pembangunan bakat Bumiputera dalam pertumbuhan ekonomi digital negara. Beliau menekankan bahawa ekonomi digital Malaysia tidak dapat berkembang tanpa barisan bakat Bumiputera yang terlatih. Matlamat mereka ialah menjadikan peserta sebagai profesional bertauliah yang bersedia memasuki industri teknologi bernilai tinggi dan menyumbang kepada aspirasi Malaysia sebagai negara berkemampuan AI menjelang 2030.

    Sebagai penutup program selama lapan bulan ini, media dijemput bertemu peserta yang telah menamatkan latihan. Alumni berkongsi kisah kejayaan termasuk peralihan kerjaya ke sektor IT, peningkatan kemahiran teknikal dan tawaran kerja baharu, mencerminkan impak jelas inisiatif ini terhadap mobiliti sosial Bumiputera dan pembangunan modal insan negara.

    Permohonan bagi pengambilan terakhir masih dibuka sehingga 15 Disember 2025. Maklumat kursus Nexperts Academy boleh disemak di www.nexpertsgrants.com dan laman rasmi akademi di www.nexpertsacademy.com.