Kuala lumpur: Career training for retiring Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) personnel is set to undergo a significant transformation. Under the new PERHEBAT Transformation Plan 2026-2035, training will be conducted directly within industries rather than being confined to camps or training centers under the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced the initiative as part of efforts to better prepare military retirees for the civilian job market. This approach represents a major shift in government support for ATM veterans, ensuring that training aligns with current industry needs and economic demands. The initiative was unveiled at a launch ceremony held at Royale Chulan Damansara.
The 10-year transformation plan is structured into three phases: capacity building and policy strengthening (2026-2029), commercialization and development of high-value industries (2030-2032), and concluding with PERHEBAT’s organizational excellence and sustainability (2033-2035). The plan focuses on four key areas: career market acceleration, sustainable economic development for the veteran community, access expansion and digitalization, as well as policy empowerment and professional governance.
Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the plan aims to establish a new ecosystem connecting soon-to-retire personnel with the private sector, emphasizing work-based learning. The skills acquired during military service will be formally acknowledged, at least at the diploma level, with industries providing suitable training and employment opportunities for a smooth transition into the workforce.
Despite over 189,000 ATM veterans having completed their service, only 17.4 percent are currently employed, with many involved in small businesses or not working. Mohamed Khaled underscored the need for a secure and dignified future for these veterans, who have sacrificed for the nation’s peace and security.
He called on industry players to view the plan as a chance to acknowledge veterans’ contributions by offering them meaningful career pathways. Industries are encouraged to leverage the diverse skills of veterans, such as mechanics, culinary arts, driving, or maintenance, recognizing their discipline and resilience.
The transformation plan aligns with the MADANI Economy framework, the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), and the National TVET Policy 2030, ensuring ATM veterans remain a highly skilled and productive workforce. The event also featured the symbolic exchange of cooperation documents between PERHEBAT and 44 private sector agencies and companies, alongside the handing over of job offer letters to selected veterans.
Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari and Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar were also present at the event.