Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) is set to collaborate with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in an effort to bolster the development of Malaysia's future talent. This initiative aligns with a recent World Bank report that highlights productivity and talent development as essential components of the employment agenda.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced that the collaboration will focus on providing early exposure to school students regarding future career paths in fields such as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their education and career paths before entering the workforce.
Ramanan emphasized that KESUMA is committed to expanding cross-ministerial collaborations, alongside its agencies and strategic industry partners, to ensure that skills development and talent interventions are effectively implemented. This effort includes enhancing job matching through MyFutureJobs, improving the marketability of local talent, and assisting Malaysians in accessing high-value and better-paid jobs.
KESUMA's approach is informed by the findings of the World Bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor April 2026 report, titled 'Raising the Ceiling, Raising the Floor: The Jobs Agenda as a Productivity Agenda.' The report, launched today, stresses the importance of anchoring the country's employment agenda in productivity, talent development, and quality job creation to drive Malaysia towards becoming a high-income economy.
The report also identifies the need for Malaysia to not only create jobs but ensure they are well-matched with skills and productivity, capable of enhancing income levels. It underscores the necessity for investments in AI, digitalisation, and high-value sectors to be supported by a skills ecosystem responsive to industry demands, including TVET and lifelong learning.
Ramanan noted that the report's findings align with KESUMA's dedication to advancing the employment agenda towards quality job creation through skills, productivity, and improved labour market matching. Recognising the role of talent development and AI readiness, KESUMA aims to build a competitive workforce prepared for economic and technological shifts.
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, KESUMA, through TalentCorp, continues to develop the MyMahir ecosystem. This includes initiatives like the Future Skills Talent Council (FSTC), the Critical Occupations List (MyCOL), and the AI Readiness Index (AIRI) to align skills development with current and future industry needs.
The World Bank report acknowledges the significance of initiatives such as MyMahir FSTC and MyMahir platform in creating a responsive, industry-driven skills ecosystem. Additionally, KESUMA's departments and agencies will remain pivotal in enhancing labour standards, occupational safety, industrial relations, and the development of technical talent in Malaysia.
The statement concludes by affirming KESUMA's commitment to ensuring that Malaysia's economic growth and productivity improvements lead to better jobs, meaningful wages, and equitable opportunities for all Malaysians, in line with the ethos of Pekerja MADANI Kesuma Bangsa.