Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has allocated RM2 million to sponsor 258 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel to enrol in Cohort Two of the Work-Based Learning (WBL) 2.0 Diploma Programme. In addition, an extra RM6.5 million has been set aside for the third cohort in the third quarter of this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Datin Roszanina Wahab stated that the RM6.5 million allocation is intended to support more personnel of other ranks across various service trades. The WBL programme acknowledges the work experience and skills of MAF personnel by aligning them with university academic curricula, thus enhancing their employability post-service.

Roszanina highlighted that the WBL programme aligns with the Defence White Paper's efforts to elevate the socioeconomic status of veterans, assist them in securing second career opportunities, and enable them to play a more active role in boosting their employability. The initiative is also in line with the National Defence Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which aims to strengthen competent defence capacity.

The first cohort of the programme was launched last year, involving 461 MAF personnel, with 230 studying at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) and 231 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). All participants are expected to graduate this year.

UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad expressed that the university is prepared to serve as a reference centre for the development of WBL academic programmes. UPNM has developed three diploma programmes - Diploma in Logistics Management, Diploma in Business Administration, and Diploma in Defence Technology Services - based on this approach, set to commence in early 2025.

He further mentioned that the programme acknowledges the expertise, skills, and work experience of other MAF rank personnel without necessitating regular physical attendance at lectures. Academic qualifications are awarded through a career experience mapping to academic curricula, granting diplomas recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). UPNM also plans to introduce the Diploma in Defence and Security Operations and the Diploma in Defence Transportation Services next year.