The Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), an agency under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), today launched Vetri MADANI, a targeted skills development initiative aimed at expanding access to structured training and employment opportunities for the Malaysian Indian community.
In line with the MADANI Government’s ongoing commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to empower the Malaysian Indian community, Vetri MADANI represents the next phase in strengthening inclusive, community-focused human capital development, in line with national priorities outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).
Officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, the launch was held in conjunction with the Vetri MADANI Carnival at Dewan Kandiah, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, bringing together the community, training providers and industry partners on a single platform focused on skills, opportunities and career pathways.
Vetri MADANI is designed as a comprehensive training programme that focuses on skills enhancement, career mobility and workforce readiness, ensuring participants are equipped not only with knowledge but with the ability to transition into meaningful employment and sustainable careers.
The programme targets two key groups: existing workers seeking to upgrade their skills and individuals who are currently unemployed or seeking job opportunities, ensuring a balanced approach to workforce development.
With an allocation of RM10 million, Vetri MADANI is expected to benefit 2,000 participants nationwide by offering industry-recognised certifications and structured pathways to employment and career advancement.
YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan said the initiative reflects the Government’s continued focus on ensuring that skills development translates into real opportunities for the rakyat.
“This is not just about numbers; this is about creating real opportunities to transform lives. Vetri MADANI is designed to ensure that more Malaysians, particularly from the Indian community, have access to skills that can improve their employability and future prospects.”
The programme prioritises high-demand and future-oriented sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data and cloud technologies, automation, robotics and advanced engineering. This training programme presents a valuable opportunity for individuals aged 16 to 60 to enhance their skills, competencies and professional value.
Training will be delivered through HRD Corp’s network of registered training providers, in collaboration with industry partners and state-level skills development centres. A flexible delivery model, combining physical and hybrid learning approaches, will be adopted to improve accessibility and participation.
Chief Executive of HRD Corp, Dato’ Shamir Aziz, said the focus is on ensuring that training leads to measurable outcomes.
“Building on the progress achieved through the Malaysian Indian Skills Initiative (MISI), with 8,719 Malaysian Indians trained from 2024 to 2025. Vetri MADANI represents the next phase in strengthening our support for the Malaysian Indian community through skills development. At HRD Corp, our focus is on ensuring these efforts translate into real outcomes, where individuals gain the right skills, access better job opportunities and improve their livelihoods.”
Beyond training, the Vetri MADANI Carnival also served as a community engagement platform, drawing approximately 1,000 participants and featuring activities aimed at raising awareness on skills development, career opportunities and lifelong learning.
The launch of Vetri MADANI reflects KESUMA and HRD Corp’s broader commitment to building an inclusive, resilient and future-ready workforce, while ensuring that no community is left behind in Malaysia’s economic transformation.
