Pacing towards hastening workforce development and refining employability across multiple sectors

THE counntry is set to roll out a new nationwide human capital programme aimed at accelerating workforce development and improving employability across multiple sectors, with the government allocating RM100 million for the initiative.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced that the programme, known as Progressive Acceleration for Capability and Employability (Pace), will be spearheaded by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) as part of broader national efforts to future-proof Malaysia’s labour market.

Ramanan said the initiative would consist of 10 programmes targeting critical areas of workforce transformation, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), youth talent development, digital economy readiness and support for local enterprises.

The programme will also focus on regional workforce development, gig economy participation and initiatives aimed at strengthening inclusivity within the labour market.

“Pace is a major investment in the future workforce,” he said in an official statement issued on Sunday.

The minister said the initiative has received the backing of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and forms part of the government’s wider strategy to strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven regional economy.

According to Ramanan, the programme is intended not only to improve domestic employability but also to elevate Malaysia’s standing as a regional centre for skilled talent and workforce development.

The initiative comes as Malaysia faces growing pressure to adapt to shifting labour market demands, particularly in areas linked to digital transformation, automation, technical skills and emerging industries.

Through HRD Corp’s implementation framework, Pace is expected to focus on upskilling, reskilling and expanding access to workforce training opportunities across different sectors of the economy, especially among youths and workers navigating evolving employment patterns.

The government has increasingly emphasised TVET expansion and skills-based education as key pillars of its economic reform agenda, amid concerns over graduate employability, productivity growth and Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness within the regional labour market. - May 17, 2026