The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has set an ambitious goal to train the place 1,000 Indian youths in high-paying professional roles under the Malaysia Indian Skills Initiative (MISI) 2.0 this year. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the initiative focus on skill-based training that leads directly to employment, with the aim of improving income levels among youths from B40 families.
“My goal is to train and place at least 1,000 young people from the Indian community into professional roles with good salaries, such as engineers, technicians, and executives”, Sim said during his speech at the KESUMA Deepavali event organised by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) in George Town.
“While the target is 1,000 individuals, I believe this programme will create a ripple effect, inspiring more Indian youth to success and transforming an entire generation.”
The event was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, with PERKESO board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal also in attendance.
Building on Success
Sim, who is also the Bukit Mertajam MP, said MISI 2.0 goes beyond basic skills training by providing high-quality programmes that prepare participants for sustainable and well-paying careers. The initiative builds on the success of it’s predecessor, MISI 1.0, and is closely monitored by KESUMA to ensure that investments deliver measurable benefits to the Indian community, particularly the youth.
Sim highlighted several success stories, including three participants who have already secured jobs with starting salaries RM3,500 after completing MISI 2.0. One such success story is M.Pravin Raj, 23, from Johor. Coming from a financially struggling family after his father was injured at work, Pravin joined the MISI 2.0 Software Developer Programme. He is now employed as a software engineer at Dell, earning RM5,000 a month.
Training Designed for Real-World Impact
MISI 2.0 is a results-oriented programme that offers specialised training based on current industry demands with guaranteed job placements upon completion. Training receive industry-recognised certification in key areas such as Electrical and Electronics (E&E), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Aerospace, Global Business Service (GBS), Food Processing, Tourism and Retail.
According to KESUMA, the programme represents a long-term investments in Malaysia’s Indian community, aiming not only to upskill but to uplift families and empower a new generation through education, career readiness, and equitable opportunities.
Sources: Bernama
