18-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Yayasan Peneraju unveils initiative to boost Bumiputera career switch, talents to get RM1,500 a month
KUALA LUMPUR: Yayasan Peneraju has launched YPXLR8 (YP Accelerate) to create accessible and sustainable tech career pathways for 1,000 Bumiputera individuals.
Peneraju, an agency under the Economy Ministry, said YP Accelerate is a place-and-train programme designed to bring more tech roles filled with workforce from non-tech roles.
Each selected talent will receive financial support of RM1,500 per month for eight months as part of the programme.
They will also receive a further RM9,000 one-off training credits to ensure that they get the necessary tech-related training while on the job.
Peneraju said the programme comes at a critical time, with global reports identifying digital transformation as the most significant trend affecting employment.
Technology-related skills, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data, networks, cybersecurity and technological literacy are expected to be among the fastest-growing in the coming years.
Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli said the economic landscape is becoming increasingly tech-driven.
While embracing innovative AI solutions, he said it is equally crucial for Malaysia's next-generation workforce to be equipped advanced skills in emerging technologies ensuring they meet the industry demands and remain competitive.
"YPXLR8 offers an ideal platform to pivot Bumiputera talents towards this opportunity," he said in a statement.
"This initiative supports Malaysia's digital transformation agenda by building a robust Bumiputera presence in strategic technology sectors, aligning with the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and 4IR Policy initiatives," he added.
As part of this effort, Peneraju is seeking industry partners from all sectors, to serve as hosting companies, playing a crucial role in the programme's success by providing both employment and training opportunities.
The roles must be in tech-related fields, such as digital analytics, cybersecurity, business intelligence or similar.
Peneraju chief executive officer Ibrahim Sani said the programme is are opening doors for Bumiputera individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of prior tech experience to participate in the programme and take on tech roles.
He noted that with the hundreds of thousands of jobs that will be displaced because of the AI revolution, the millions of talents today need to be re-equipped with the tools to be future-proofed by being tech-ready.
"Participants will receive industry-relevant training during a minimum eight-month placement with hosting companies or a permanent position, developing key skills through structured mentorship and hands-on experience.
