Amazon Web Services (AWS) has entered into a MYR 4.3 million (USD 1.06 million) Social Impact Agreement with Exabytes to equip hundreds of Malaysians with high-demand tech skills. This two-year initiative specifically targets individuals from the B40 and M40 communities to meet the rising demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence expertise.
The funding will be disbursed over a two-year period between 2026 and 2028 based on measurable outcomes such as student completions and AWS certifications. Forward College, a technology and future skills institution based in Penang, Malaysia will serve as the delivery partner for the programs which are designed to create a direct pipeline from education to employment. This collaboration is a key component of the Exabytes Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE) which aims to support Malaysia’s vision of becoming a regional technology hub. This end-to-end talent engine will help communities grow digital innovation while providing Malaysians with financial independence through future-ready careers.
The program offers two distinct pathways for participants. The first is a fully sponsored NitroDegree in Applied Software Engineering which provides B40 youth with a Level 4 Diploma accredited by the Ministry of Human Resources. The second track is the AWS re/Start program which is a 12-week intensive course designed for unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking to switch careers into the ICT sector. Both pathways prepare students for specialized roles in DevSecOps, machine learning, and cloud architecture.
This initiative addresses critical economic challenges as Malaysia’s digital economy now contributes 23.4% to the national GDP. Despite this growth, the country faces a significant shortage of skilled talent in AI and cloud roles while youth unemployment remains a concern. By leveraging AWS’s recent USD 6.2 billion investment in the Malaysia Region, this partnership ensures that local talent is prepared to lead in an AI-powered future.
(Sources: TechNode; Digital News Asia)
