THE Ministry of Human Resources has launched the VETRI MADANI 2026 Skills Programme, known as VETRI, as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen inclusive skills development and enhance employment prospects within Malaysia’s Indian community.
The programme, introduced on Saturday, is backed by RM10 million in funding from the Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) and is expected to provide structured training to 2,000 participants across the country.
It is designed to combine skills training with job placement opportunities, reflecting a broader strategy to build a resilient and inclusive workforce.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said the initiative aligns with the focus areas of the 13th Malaysia Plan and the ministry’s aspiration to strengthen the development of a highly skilled talent pool.
“This programme is aimed at enhancing employability and supporting professional upskilling through industry-recognised certification,” he said in a statement.
Ramanan said the launch of VETRI coincided with the national-level Ponggal celebrations, which symbolise the success of the harvest season and renewal.
“Vetri, which means ‘victory’, reflects KESUMA’s commitment to opening pathways for the Indian community in Malaysia to rise and build a better future through skills development and job placement opportunities,” he said.
“Through this programme, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that support inclusive growth and sustainable workforce development,” he added.
He explained that VETRI has been designed around structured training programmes aligned with current and future industry needs, with the objective of improving participants’ quality of life through clearer career pathways and continuous skills enhancement.
“The courses offered cover high-impact and strategic sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity and Information Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Data Science Analytics, Automation, Robotics and Industry 4.0, Semiconductors, and Advanced Electronic Engineering,” he said.
Ramanan added that the programme further reinforces HRD Corp’s commitment to inclusive talent development by equipping Malaysia’s Indian community with future-ready skills, while supporting social mobility and national economic growth.
Meanwhile, HRD Corp chief executive Dr Syed Alwi Mohamed Sultan said the corporation would work closely with State Skills Development Centres and registered training providers to ensure effective implementation and broad outreach.
In line with efforts to uphold governance and transparency, he said the programme would be administered entirely online, while training would be delivered either physically or through hybrid models.
“The VETRI MADANI Skills Programme reflects HRD Corp’s commitment to supporting KESUMA and the MADANI Government’s mission to build a future-ready Malaysia through the empowerment of skills and talent across communities,” he said. - January 18, 2026
