TalentCorp Celebrates Veteran MyWIRA’s First Cohort Transitioning to Private Sector Careers, Welcomes New Corporate Partners

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong delivering his speech at the First Cohort Recognition Ceremony at Micron Memory Malaysia

PENANG, 27 September 2024 – Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), a strategic agency and think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) continues to support post-retirement career transitions for military veterans through its Veteran MyWIRA initiative.

The first cohort, in collaboration with Micron Memory Malaysia (Micron), consisted of 25 retired armed forces personnel who completed a three-month training programme at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) and the Walta Centre of Excellence (COE). Following their training, all participants were hired by Micron in full-time roles, where they now serve as technicians and supervisors, utilising their prior experience and skills.

At an appreciation event for the inaugural cohort, the Minister of KESUMA, YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, emphasised the alignment of this initiative with KESUMA’s 3K strategic mission: Welfare (Kebajikan), Skilling (Kemahiran), and Productivity (Keberhasilan).

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong presented a certificate of recognition to one of the veteran soldiers, Mohd Daniel bin Abdullah who is currently working at Micron Memory Malaysia

“I am proud of the 25 military retirees who have successfully secured meaningful jobs in the private sector through this initiative. Their success highlights the potential of the Veteran MyWIRA initiative and serves as a model for other veterans and companies to participate, helping to ease the transition of ATM veterans into fulfilling careers in the private sector,” he said.

The minister also announced four new companies joining the Veteran MyWIRA initiative, which are FedEx, Western Digital, Walta COE, and Hilton Malaysia.

Launched in January earlier this year, Veteran MyWIRA is a TalentCorp initiative in collaboration with PERHEBAT under the Ministry of Defence. The initiative aims to provide sustainable post-retirement careers and upskilling opportunities for ATM veterans, focusing on industry-driven skills development and private sector employment.

During the event, the minister also witnessed the exchange of a collaboration agreement between TalentCorp and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA). This partnership will leverage NCIA’s Advanced Technology Meister Programme (ATMP) grant to support employers in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) who participate in the Veteran MyWIRA initiative, with a focus on upskilling efforts. Micron was the first company to receive the ATMP grant for their participation in Veteran MyWIRA.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad, Mr. Thomas Mathew during his speech at the First Cohort Recognition Ceremony at Micron Memory Malaysia

Thomas Mathew, TalentCorp’s Group CEO, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of veterans through initiatives like Veteran MyWIRA. "By leveraging TalentCorp’s tools, such as the MyNext profiling platform, and connecting veterans with industry partners through our MyMAHIR Future Skills Talent Councils, we aim to facilitate their transition into the workforce."

He added, “We encourage more companies from various industries to offer similar opportunities for our national heroes, allowing them to pursue quality careers after their military service.”

Amarjit Sandhu, corporate vice president, assembly and test for NAND operations highlighted the company’s role in pioneering new career pathways for veterans. "In a landscape of increasing talent shortage, Micron is redefining career entries into the semiconductor industry. We are proud to pioneer new semiconductor pathways and welcome veterans and army retirees into our workforce. We not only honour their service but also enrich our team with their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences."

"As the leading global memory and storage solutions company, we welcome their dedication, leadership, and resilience, which will be invaluable assets that drive us forward and help us build a more inclusive and dynamic workplace,” he added.

YB Steven Sim Chee Keong together with all 25 Veterans and KESUMA Leadership team and Representative of Mindef and Micron Memory

The event was also attended by Datuk Azman Bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary General of KESUMA; Major General Dato' Haji Semaon bin Haji Marjuki, Director General, Department of MAF Veteran Affairs; and senior representatives from TalentCorp and Micron.

For more information, please visit: www.talentcorp.com.my/veteranmywira

Issued by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp)

27 September 2024