MinDef enters cooperation with HR Ministry on veteran employment

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 — The Malaysian Armed Forces' Ministry of Defence (MinDef) is teaming up with the Ministry of Human Resources (HR) to enhance welfare and future prospects for MAF personnel and veterans via the MyBakat Veteran program. This initiative targets benefiting over 15,000 people by the year 2030. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin revealed that this approach signifies a shift in MinDef's strategy, aiming to better prepare MAF personnel for post-retirement careers.

He emphasized aligning military skills with industry demands to broaden job opportunities for MAF personnel and veterans. "We are shifting from 'train first, find a job later' to directly matching competencies with industry needs, offering relevant training, and creating actual career opportunities," he stated. Nordin mentioned this during the signing of a cooperation note between MinDef and HR Ministry, which took place yesterday.

Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, secretary-general of MinDef, and Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof, secretary-general of HR Ministry, signed the note of cooperation alongside Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. General Tan Sri Malek Razak Sulaiman, Chief of Defence Force, was also present. Additionally, an MoU was signed by MinDef, the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT), and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) to assist PERHEBAT trainees and MAF veterans in securing placements with MEF companies for a six-month transition period before permanent job roles.

Mohamed Khaled highlighted that the initiative emphasizes career preparation at least two years prior to retirement, noting that 5,000 to 7,000 MAF personnel leave service annually. The collaboration aims to recognize military experience and expertise as professional qualifications through Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) and Malaysian Skills Diploma (DKM) qualifications, contingent on competency assessments and eligibility criteria.

It also strengthens the roles of PERHEBAT and JHEV, supported by TalentCorp and relevant agencies, by providing career transition training and job opportunities. The initiative underscores MinDef's commitment to creating a more structured, integrated support ecosystem for MAF personnel, responding to labour market requirements.