SOCSO partners Pepper Labs to upskill jobless grads via Google Career Certs Scholarships
This pioneering collaboration marks another significant stride in Pepper Labs' decade-long journey of impact and nation-building through technology, innovation and strategic partnerships.
Having empowered over 300,000 Malaysians with AI (artificial intelligence) fluency and future-ready digital skills, Pepper Labs now works closely with public sector stakeholders to integrate AI solutions into the transformation of governance and service delivery.
This partnership exemplifies Pepper Labs' unique positioning as a trusted enabler of Malaysia's digital and socioeconomic agenda.
Under the scholarship, unemployed Malaysian youth are offered fully sponsored scholarships to access globally recognised certifications in high-demand areas such as AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, project management and digital marketing curated by Google and delivered via www.coursera.org/google-career-certificates.
The programme bridges the education-to-employment gap and supports the national goal to build a future-ready, digitally skilled workforce.
Under the strategic direction of the Human Resources Ministry, SOCSO facilitates candidate identification through its MYFutureJobs platform and career fairs while Pepper Labs as the lead implementation partner, delivers end-to-end support, ranging from technical skills, 21st century skills, soft and living skills, future of works related skills to job placement support, thus ensuring graduates are well-positioned to secure meaningful employment.
Digital pursuit
'Through this partnership between SOCSO and Pepper Labs, we're ensuring that unemployed graduates are not left behind in the digital transition,' enthused Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
'This initiative is a testament to our belief in the potential of our young talent and our resolve to uplift them with meaningful, globally recognised opportunities.'
As an entity recognised by the Government for its consistent impact-driven innovation, Pepper Labs was most recently recognised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim under Budget 2025 with a national commitment to establish community cloud kitchens across underserved communities, hence further expanding its role in inclusive job creation and local enterprise development.
This tripartite collaboration reflects a shared commitment to nation-building, digital empowerment and inclusive economic recovery.
By investing in human capital and fostering public-private partnerships, Malaysia moves one step closer to achieving its digital aspirations under the Malaysia MadanI vision. This pilot initiative sets the foundation for a scalable model that could benefit even more Malaysian youth in the future.
The first group of participants began their training on May 26 with candidates identified through SOCSO's outreach efforts.
While enrolment is currently by invitation, interested graduates may reach out to Pepper Labs at [email protected] to express interest and learn about future opportunities under this initiative. – Aug 6, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
23 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
New drive for M-League
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor have become the second M-League club to secure a sponsorship deal with a global car brand, which could mean that Malaysian football is regaining commercial traction. Hyundai Motor Malaysia today announced its partnership with the Red Giants as the Official Mobility Partner for the 2025-2026 season. "Together, we're driving passion, performance, and pride both on and off the pitch as we shape a future inspired by our core belief: Progress for Humanity," Hyundai said in a statement. "To all Red Giants fans, we can't wait to journey through this thrilling season with you." Hyundai's support is a sign that the M-League, long plagued by financial uncertainty, is gradually regaining corporate confidence. Last month, UMW Toyota Motor came on board as the Official Mobility Partner of Johor Darul Ta'zim, with the brand's iconic logo featured on the team's jerseys for the 2025-2026 season.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Boost PayFlex offers smarter way to manage unexpected expenses
AS Malaysians deal with rising living costs, Boost PayFlex has emerged as a responsible and convenient Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solution. Offered by Boost, this Syariah-compliant financing tool allows users to split payments during emergencies or unplanned situations, or even for bills, shopping and even prepaid top-ups into instalments of up to 24 months without collateral. Designed for users who need help managing unexpected expenses or budgeting monthly payments, Boost PayFlex puts control in the hands of the consumer. Unlike traditional loans, eligibility is determined in-app based on one's ability to repay. All charges are transparent, and approvals are instant. Users can make payments across more than two million DuitNow QR merchants nationwide, and even link their account to the Boost Beyond Card, which is accepted at over 100 million Mastercard merchants globally. For greater flexibility, users can also cash in Boost PayFlex funds into their Boost eWallet, which can be used for a wide range of payments on the Boost eWallet app. Activating Boost PayFlex is simple via the Boost eWallet app: just tap on the Boost PayFlex tile and register an account! After you're onboarded, you can choose to pay later during checkout by selecting Boost PayFlex and choosing a suitable instalment plan, up to 24 months. Repayments are automatically deducted based on users' chosen instalment schedules. The repayment amount and due date will be clearly listed to help them make informed decisions before they purchase. RM15 CASHBACK OFFER As part of its ongoing "Guna Smarter, Bayar Better" campaign, Boost is offering RM15 cashback to new Boost PayFlex users who spend a minimum of RM150 in a single transaction. The promotion, which runs from Jul 1 to Sept 30, is limited to the first 20,000 successful redemptions on a first-come, first-served basis. Since its launch, Boost PayFlex has already helped countless Malaysians. A single mother shared that Boost PayFlex allowed her to manage monthly bills while supporting her daughter's wedding. Another user turned to it during an emergency, allowing them to make payments and maintain a stable cash flow. Boost PayFlex has also proven helpful for spreading out large payments like car road tax renewals or multiple monthly bills, especially when they pile up at the same time. Boost PayFlex key benefits: Users can also benefit from the Boost PayFlex referral program, earning RM10 for every friend they refer, while their friend gets RM10, too. Users simply need to open the Boost app, tap 'Profile', select 'Refer & Earn', and share their unique PayFlex invite code.
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
MATRADE Supports RM2.09 Trillion Export Target By 2030
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 8 (Bernama) — The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) supports the country's gross export growth target, averaging 5.8 per cent annually, to reach RM2.09 trillion by 2030. In a statement today, it said it will continue to play a strategic role in expanding global trade networks and intensifying export promotion in high-impact sectors aligned with MADANI economic principles. MATRADE chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the agency's initiatives will be coordinated to support the government's aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). "Priority will be given to strengthening the nation's export competitiveness by empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), exploring new markets, enhancing product innovation, and adapting to an increasingly complex and challenging global trade landscape by embracing digital and sustainable business models." "These efforts align with the 13MP's aspirations, which emphasise the importance of driving economic growth via increasing exports, strengthening economic inclusivity, and incorporating technology and innovation in strategic sectors," he said. Meanwhile, MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said the export promotion programme focuses on key sectors such as electrical and electronic goods, halal, digital, agriculture, franchised products, and services. "These efforts also leverage MATRADE's network of overseas offices to help Malaysian companies effectively foray into international markets," he added. According to MATRADE, expanding export matching programmes, foreign market guidance, and the provision of capacity-building programmes such as seminars, workshops, and related courses will be implemented for MSMEs. It will also take strategic steps in planning export development and promotion programmes that align with government aspirations, particularly in developing high-growth, high-value industries. These include the electrical and electronics sector, games and digital animation, halal products, modern agriculture, global services and franchising.
