TalentCorp and PERHEBAT support second cohort of veteran workforce initiative

The Veteran MyWira programme continues to open doors for retired armed forces personnel through tailored upskilling and industry placements.

TalentCorp and PERHEBAT have reaffirmed their commitment to helping Malaysian veterans' chart new professional paths, as the second cohort of the Veteran MyWira programme officially progresses. The initiative, launched in collaboration with Micron Memory Malaysia, continues to prepare retired armed forces personnel for roles in Malaysia’s fast-evolving industrial landscape.

At the event held on 27 May 2025 in Penang, YB Adly Zahari, Deputy Minister of Defence, met with participants from both the first and second cohorts. In a symbolic gesture of support, he listened to the veterans’ first-hand accounts of transitioning into civilian employment and navigating new career environments.

In his remarks, YB Adly highlighted the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to initiatives that equip veterans with meaningful employment in future-ready sectors.

“With the support of the Ministry of Human Resources through TalentCorp, the Ministry of Defence fully backs this strategic partnership with the Armed Forces Service Division (BPA) and the Department of Skills Development (JPK) to map and certify these valuable military skills accurately,” he said.

The collaboration aims to align veterans’ trades and geographic locations with current market needs, with the goal of better matching them to meaningful employment opportunities and, in turn, strengthening Malaysia’s workforce and economic future.

The second cohort, which kicked off in February 2025, involves 24 retired armed forces members undergoing a six-month training programme tailored to roles as technicians and supervisors in Micron. The initiative has received a strong response, with over 330 applications across both cohorts and 133 candidates interviewed, reflecting veterans’ continued commitment to serve the nation in new and meaningful ways.

Thomas Mathew, Group CEO of TalentCorp, reinforced the value that veterans bring to the private sector: “We recognise the wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership they bring from their years of service, and we believe these qualities are highly valuable in today’s competitive industries.”

He shared that through programmes such as Veteran MyWira, the aim is to create meaningful pathways for veterans to continue contributing to the nation in new capacities, as a way of giving back by honouring their sacrifices and supporting them in building secure and fulfilling second careers.

Speaking on behalf of the industry partner, Amarjit Sandhu, Corporate Vice President of Assembly and Test for NAND Operations at Micron, shared: “"At Micron, we create a space where every voice is valued, and curiosity is cultivated.”

He noted that integrating the unique skills of Malaysian Armed Forces veterans into the semiconductor industry helps build a more resilient and industry-ready talent ecosystem, adding that the collaboration reflects their ongoing commitment to empowering communities and ensuring inclusivity.

Launched in January 2024, the Veteran MyWira initiative, a joint effort by TalentCorp and PERHEBAT under the Ministry of Defence, aimed at equipping Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) veterans with sustainable post-retirement careers and upskilling opportunities. The programme focuses on private sector employment and industry-driven skills development, particularly in high-impact sectors such as semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.

With more than 300,000 veterans in Malaysia believed to possess transferable Industry 4.0 skills, the initiative seeks to reposition them as skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the nation's economic development.

In its pilot phase, which began in September 2023, 25 veterans were hired into full-time roles at Micron following a three-month training course conducted at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and the Walta Centre of Excellence (COE). These individuals now serve as technicians and supervisors, applying their previous experience and technical capabilities in their new roles.

Lead image / TalentCorp