Terendak camp: Allocation for the Work-Based Learning (WBL) programme for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) has been increased from RM3 million to RM9.9 million this year, expanding opportunities for 1,520 personnel to obtain academic recognition based on their experience and skills gained throughout their service.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin highlighted that the strategic initiative aims to improve the employability of MAF personnel after service, aiding them in securing more stable jobs and income. So far, a total of 461 MAF personnel have benefited from the WBL programme, with 231 enrolled at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and 230 at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), all expected to graduate in November and December this year.
This year, the programme has expanded to 12 higher education institutions, offering nearly 50 study programmes across various fields, including business administration, culinary arts, defence technology, and logistics management. Mohamed Khaled shared these details while speaking to reporters after officiating the launch of the Defence Ministry's WBL Programme at Terendak Camp. The event also saw the presence of Royal Malaysian Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Dr Zulhelmy Ithnain and Armed Forces Headquarters Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Datuk Seri Muhammad Huzaimi Sabri.
Earlier, Mohamed Khaled witnessed the exchange of Memoranda of Agreement between MAF, UPNM, UiTM, and City University Malaysia, symbolising stronger strategic cooperation in implementing the WBL initiative. He also presented certificates of completion to 36 participants of Cohort 1/2025 who began their studies in June 2025, as well as offer letters to 24 new intakes for Cohort 2/2026 who will begin their studies next month.
The Defence Minister emphasized the importance of the programme, noting that most military personnel join the service with only the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification. Without intervention, they would retire with the same qualification in an increasingly competitive job market. Through collaboration with higher education institutions, personnel's experience and skills will be assessed and recognised, enabling them to obtain diplomas or formal academic qualifications through a work-based learning approach.
Mohamed Khaled added that with better academic qualifications, MAF personnel, who on average retire at around 41 and still have growing families to support, will be better positioned to secure jobs and reduce the risk of financial hardship if they rely solely on pensions and welfare assistance. Importantly, this work-based learning approach does not interfere with or affect their core duties in service, an advantage that personnel should fully utilise.