Kuala lumpur: Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) approved RM2.62 billion in financial assistance towards training and skills development activities in 2025, a growth of 32 per cent against 2024.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, HRD Corp reported more than 2.8 million training places for its administered programmes and schemes last year, marking a positive growth of 3 per cent compared to 2024. The manufacturing sector emerged as the leader, accounting for over 795,000 training places in 2025. As Malaysia's second-largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), the manufacturing sector typically contributes between 23 to 25 per cent of the national GDP.
The sector employed 2.4 million people as of November 2025, spanning segments such as electrical and electronics products, food and beverages products, and petroleum and chemical products. The average salaries and wages in manufacturing saw a year-on-year increase of 1.1 per cent during the same period.
The statement highlighted the significant role of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in driving Malaysia's digital economy. In 2024, the digital economy contributed 23.4 per cent to the GDP, with an expected rise to 25 per cent in 2025. HRD Corp approved RM130 million for Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) initiatives, facilitating over 103,000 training places across digital economy and ICT sectors.
HRD Corp emphasized that skills development is crucial for workforce resilience and business competitiveness. As industries navigate technological advances, talent shortages, and evolving job requirements, HRD Corp prioritized practical outcomes for employers, community accessibility, and alignment with the future workforce development in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
In addition to employer-led training priorities, HRD Corp focused on inclusive access to skills development. Through targeted initiatives, 18,137 Malaysians benefitted from skills development programs, funded by both government grants and HRD Corp's internal resources.