Arm On-Demand Training Expected to Train 5,000 Engineer Talents by 2027

Malaysia is setting an ambitious target to cultivate a skilled engineering workforce, aiming to train at least 5,000 local engineers through the Arm On-Demand Training program by the end of 2027.

This initiative is a key component of a larger four-year plan to develop a total of 10,000 skilled talents. Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, the Minister of Economy, emphasized the need to maintain momentum and fulfill commitments made to selected companies. The program, which began in 2025, requires reaching the 5,000-participant mark by the end of 2027 to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

To strengthen the talent pipeline, a significant collaboration has been established involving 12 universities, supported by the ministry, relevant agencies, and industry partners. This synergy is crucial for ensuring that the training provided directly meets the demands of the companies involved. Key aspects of this collaboration include aligning academic calendars, integrating Arm's modules into university curricula, and recognizing this training as part of industrial internships.

The Ministry of Economy, along with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT), will work cohesively to implement this program effectively. The goal is to transition from addressing talent shortages to proactively building a robust talent pipeline, ensuring that skilled individuals are developed before industry demand becomes critical. Access to Arm's computing technology is expected to accelerate integrated circuit design and research and development activities in Malaysia, particularly in areas like advanced microelectronics and drones.

Currently, eight Arm technology access licenses, comprising four Arm CSS and four Arm Flexible Access tokens, have been granted to five local companies. In terms of talent development, 1,530 participants have already engaged with the Arm On-Demand Training program, moving towards the overall target of 10,000 talents over four years. The initiative aims to prevent Malaysian talent from being recruited by other nations, thereby bolstering the country's semiconductor industry.