New Vetri MADANI 2026 Skills Programme to equip Indian community in Malaysia with future-ready skills

Areas of training will include high growth and strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security and information security, and cloud infrastructure.

A new RM10mn initiative by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) and HRD Corp aims to provide skills development and job placement opportunities within Malaysia's Indian community.

Launched on by HR Minister Ramanan Ramakrishnan on Saturday (17 January 2026), the Vetri MADANI 2026 Skills Programme (VETRI) will see about 2,000 locals of Indian descent undergoing training to equip them with future-ready skills that seek to improve marketability, promote social mobility, and support the country's economic growth. 

Areas of training will include high growth and strategic sectors such as:

• Artificial intelligence,
• machine learning,
• cyber security and information security,
• cloud infrastructure,
• science data analytics,
• automation,
• robotics and Industry 4.0, and advanced semiconductor and electronic engineering.

Talking about the new initiative, Minister Ramanan referenced the meaning of 'Vetri' – which means 'victory' in South Indian languages such as Tamil, saying it symbolises a commitment to providing the right opportunities for the Indian community, adding that the focus will be on meaningful opportunities that support inclusive growth as well as sustainable workforce development.

According to HRD Corp, the programme is currently open to Malaysians on Indian descent between the ages of 16 to 50, with registration opening on 1 February 2026.