Kuala lumpur: A total of RM3.5 million has been allocated under the 2026 Trade Union Affairs Programme (PHEKS) Grant to strengthen the capacity of the country's trade unions in navigating changes in the world of work driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation, said Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. He stated that the allocation, distributed in June and July, demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that trade unions remain resilient and equipped to respond to evolving labour market trends.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Human Resources Minister emphasized that these changes are transforming the nature of work and the skills required by industries, influencing how workers are protected, represented, and prepared for the future job market. Ramanan highlighted the need for trade unions to keep pace with the changing landscape of work, advocating for unions that are not only vocal in championing workers' rights but also possess the knowledge, credibility, and capacity to understand the new challenges facing workers.

Ramanan made these remarks while officiating the 2026 National Trade Union Convention, themed 'Towards Creating Progressive, Principled, and Dynamic Trade Unions'. He also stressed the importance of integrity, professionalism, and good governance among trade union leaders, noting that a union's strength depends not only on its membership but also on workers' confidence in its leadership. He urged unions to remain close to workers, understand workplace concerns, and effectively bring those voices to the negotiating table.

Ramanan further mentioned that tripartite cooperation among the government, employers, and workers must be strengthened to ensure that workers' welfare, business sustainability, and national economic progress advance simultaneously. He called upon trade union leaders nationwide to continue serving as credible voices for workers by staying close to their members and playing a greater role in national development.