Abu Dhabi:The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is enhancing its support for Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel and veterans through the MyBakat Veteran initiative. This program aims to benefit over 15,000 individuals by 2030.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized MINDEF's commitment to preparing MAF personnel for second careers post-retirement. The initiative focuses on aligning military skills with industry requirements to expand job opportunities.
He noted a shift from the traditional 'train first, find a job later' approach to directly matching military competencies with industry needs, providing relevant training and actual career opportunities. This was announced during the signing of a Note of Cooperation between MINDEF and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to implement MyBakat Veteran.
The Note of Cooperation was signed by MINDEF secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali and KESUMA secretary-general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, in the presence of Mohamed Khaled and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman was also present.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by MINDEF, the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT), and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF). This MoU aims to facilitate the placement of PERHEBAT trainees and MAF veterans with MEF companies for a six-month transition before permanent employment.
Mohamed Khaled stated that the initiative begins career preparation at least two years before retirement. It provides opportunities for military experience to be recognized as professional qualifications through the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM), subject to competency assessments and eligibility criteria.
This collaboration strengthens the roles of PERHEBAT and the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV), with support from TalentCorp and relevant agencies, offering career transition training and access to job opportunities. Mohamed Khaled highlighted that MINDEF's efforts aim to expand the support ecosystem for MAF personnel through a structured, integrated approach that meets labor market demands.