​HRD Corp is entrusted to deliver upskilling and reskilling training programmes and will be able to deliver its tasks through an integrated platform or ‘single window’ for Malaysians to search and apply for skills development programmes offered by the government. The integrated platform is expected to be accessed by more than one million Rakyat this year. Thus, HRD Corp is placed in a unique position to drive the Nation’s employment and industrial training placements, career coaching and counselling and developing income generating opportunities for Malaysians from a diverse range of skillsets, backgrounds and capabilities. In the past 18 months, HRD Corp introduced various programmes to preserve existing jobs and create new jobs for the Rakyat. PENJANA HRDF had helped close to 100,000 participants through five main schemes, namely Place & Train, B40 Development, Gerak Insan Gemilang (GIG) and SME Development. HRD Corp has also introduced free online training hub e-LATiH, which has more than 154,000 registered participants.

MEF President Dato’ Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman J.P. stated that “MEF appreciates the various programmes targeted to these groups. MEF is thankful to Datuk Shahul Hameed Dawood. HRD Corp CEO and YB Datuk Seri M Saravanan the Minister Human Resources for focusing to educate, train and develop these groups more employable. MEF supports these initiatives and encourages its members to support and make these programmes successful “.

” The senior citizen scheme that targets senior citizens aged 60 years and above is developed to generate income and provide employment for retirees by participating in value-added relevant training courses required by the employers and industries. The scheme offers income generation programs and job offers that are more productive and in line with the needs of retirees. It aims to increase recruitment of retirees as well as to utilise retirees' skills and their past experience.

The Seniors Back In Action (SEBA) scheme will further assist the Rakyat to earn and have a decent old age live going forward. These will to a certain extent address the low savings in EPF for some of its members”.

“The Housewives Enhancement & Reactivate Talent Scheme was developed by HRD Corp’s in collaboration with the Women Development Department to help housewives and single mothers by providing them with income-generation and employment opportunities. The programme is critical as many Malaysian women dropped their career midway and need assistance to make career comeback later. The programme also provides a platform for housewives and single mothers to earn income outside traditional employment either through formal employment or self-employment The programme also provides training opportunities with specialized skills such as social and economic improvement and technological advancement to achieve economic stability”
“The OKU Talent Enhancement Programme (OTEP) is an initiative of HRD Corp in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department to help People with Disabilities (PWDs) by providing them with income-generation and employment opportunities for them to become more productive and independent as well as to equip with the appropriate skills and contribute to the development of human capital and the national economy holistically. OTEP also provides awareness and readiness to the community on the acceptance of PWDs in the workplace. This will help to realise the objectives of providing at least 1% of job placement of PWDs both in public and private sector.”

“The online shopping platform Jana'Preneur and the skills training programme for placement of former convicts, Second Chances and Opportunities for People to Excel (Scope), and the introduction of reforms to the National Human Resource Centre (NHRC) will play a strategic role as a 'think tank' on HRD&M at the national level.”

Dato’ Dr. Syed Hussain added that “it is the collective responsibility of all Malaysian to help each other.” We cannot push everything to the government. MEF believes that the private sector employers will positively play their part to support these HRD Corp schemes by recruiting the trained staff that will enhance productivity and competitiveness.

“The government is doing every effort to train, retrain and upskill all segments of the society to ensure the Rakyat that need additional income have the opportunity to earn more. It is part of the government’s social responsibility as many of these special segments of the society need additional income to supplement their income.”

“Members of MEF who want to support or recruit people from these schemes may contact MEF Secretariat.”

For further information, please contact the MEF Secretariat at 03-7955-7778 or fax 03-7955-9008 or email mef-hq@mef.org.my.

11 FEBRUARY 2022