Kuala lumpur: Longstanding concerns raised by industry players over the issue of skills mismatch among local graduates are now seeing a breakthrough through the Akademi Dalam Industri (ADI) initiative. Southern Region Department of Skills Development (JPKWSN) director Nor Asmah Daud said more importantly, the adaptation of the work-based learning model has directly transformed the role of companies from merely being workforce 'consumers' into 'co-owners' or strategic partners in developing national talent in line with market demands.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nor Asmah emphasized that the initiative is beginning to bear fruit, particularly as it addresses the skills mismatch gap in real-time. ADI is not merely a rebranding of the National Dual Training System (SLDN), but a transformation of the skills training ecosystem that positions industry as a key strategic partner in talent development. This transformation allows companies to shape training content, learning environments, and student competencies according to actual industry operational needs.
Nor Asmah noted that this approach has produced a 'ready-to-work' workforce as students are exposed to current technologies, real workplace culture, and compliance with operating standards from day one, thus minimizing the risk of culture shock. The flexible training model programme also plays a dual role in addressing youth unemployment and financial constraints by providing free training and a government allowance of RM1,000 per month for participants in selected sectors.
Participants who complete the training are awarded the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), which increases their employability value and opens up greater career development and mobility opportunities. Throughout 2025, nearly 9,000 apprentices and 2,000 existing talents have registered under the initiative, involving more than 1,500 companies across various major sectors nationwide.
To further strengthen the programme, JPK aims to target 10,000 participants annually over the next three to five years, focusing on high employability value and expansion into high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, EV automotive, Artificial Intelligence (AI), aerospace, and green technology.
From an employer's perspective, Borhan Yusoff, training department head at Muhlbauer Automation Sdn Bhd, highlighted the positive impact of the early absorption approach. Students are exposed to the real working environment, helping to avoid culture shock and saving orientation time and company costs. The programme's success is evident through graduates who have penetrated the international market and are serving in developed countries under the Muhlbauer Group.
Since the company's involvement in 2016, Muhlbauer Automation has produced 93 highly skilled apprentices, elevating the status of local graduates on the global stage. The ADI implementation structure at Muhlbauer Automation is designed for the Mechatronics field, targeting Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) leavers or those aged at least 18, with a focus on practical training.
The company provides full educational sponsorship, free hostel accommodation, and an attractive monthly training allowance, which has now reached RM1,700. Apprentices undergo continuous rotational schedules of theory classes and practical training and are closely monitored by industrial trainers or mentors.
Borhan Yusoff stated that the significant investment is highly relevant in overcoming the shortage of skilled workers, many of whom are not proficient in using basic instruments or equipment. Direct guidance from industry players allows apprentices to follow technological changes, which is crucial in today's rapidly evolving technological era.