Call on private sector to give capable army veterans a chance
Graduates share a light moment as they take a look at their respective certificates.
KUCHING (June 10): Private sector companies have been called to provide career opportunities to Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans who are still capable of contributing to the nation's development.
First Infantry Division commander Maj-Gen Dato Khairul Anuar Abd Aziz said that about 5,000 to 6,000 ATM personnel retire annually, and most are within the productive age range of 33 to 42 years old.
'Such a move aligns with the government's target of ensuring every quarter — including government agencies, government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies and the private sector — plays their part in providing second career opportunities to ATM veterans,' he said.
Khairul made this call when officiating the presentation of Malaysian Skills Diploma (Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning Programme) Award Ceremony and Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) certificate at the Kuching Civic Centre here today.
He also encouraged ATM veterans to seize second career opportunities through various government-led initiatives in skills development, education and entrepreneurship.
He added Perhebat has been actively conducting various efforts in employment placement and entrepreneurship initiatives through partnerships with leading companies such as the ATM Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme and i-Tekad programme, which offer grants, training and micro-financing to veteran entrepreneurs.
Khairul (right) presents a certificate to a graduate, witnessed by Amir (second right). — Photos by Galileo Petingi
'Since 2023, 216 veterans have benefitted from grants amounting to RM1.08 million via the ATM Veteran Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme.'
At the event yesterday, some 360 graduates comprising ATM veterans, personnel and nearly retired were awarded with Perhebat certificates. Of this total, 36 also received Malaysian Skills Diploma.
Also present were Perhebat director-general Dato Amir Md Noor and 3rd Brigade commander Brigadier-General Mohd Sauffi Omar. army veterans job opportunities lead malaysian armed forces private sector
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