In ‘urgent’ Reinforced conference, strong start may hold key

First cohort of 20 already onboarded from 3, 600 applicants CD: NXT programme launched in August seeks to produce 5, 000 AI-native professionals over 10 years CelcomDigi Berhad launched its CD: NXT talent development initiative in late August, setting an ambitious target to cultivate 5, 000 digital leaders and AI-native professionals over the next decade as Malaysia grapples with a persistent skills mismatch in its technology sector. The programme, valued at over US$24 million (RM100 million) with a broader economic multiplier effect, comes as Malaysia’s technology sector continues to face challenges in bridging the gap between graduate skills and industry demands. Built on collaborations with technology and university partners, CD: NXT delivers an industry-aligned curriculum focused on critical digital competencies. “Over the next eight to ten years, we are determined to produce more than 5, 000 young digital talents. We estimate this initiative is worth more than RM100 million, with an economic multiplier effect that is much larger and more meaningful to the country’s digital economy,” said Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, who has since stepped down effective Aug 31, 2025. “We believe the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people. CD: NXT reflects our long-term commitment to shaping a generation of Malaysians equipped with the right skills, mindset, and confidence to lead an industry defined by 5G and AI today, and next-generation technology and innovation tomorrow,” Idham added. He described the talent initiative as part of CelcomDigi’s broader role in advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions by nurturing “thinkers, builders, and leaders who will drive the nation’s digital and economic future.” First cohort already undergoing training The telecommunications giant has already onboarded its first cohort of 20 young talents, selected from a competitive pool of 3, 600 applicants through cognitive and panel assessments evaluated by various leadership layers within the company. CD: NXT comprises three key programmes: Young Talent Programme (YTP): A two-year track for high-potential graduates focused on eight future-critical skills including AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and sustainability. CelcomDigi UniConnects: A university-industry bridge that aligns academic curricula with real-world digital demands to enhance graduate employability and industry readiness. Student Ambassador Programme: A leadership and innovation platform empowering students to become changemakers in digital inclusion and sustainability. US$59 million (RM250 million) commitment for local innovation Alongside the talent initiative, CelcomDigi committed to investing US$59 million (RM250 million) to upgrade local innovation capabilities. The prime minister toured the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX), the company’s immersive innovation hub launched last year, which has since partnered with over 55 global and local organisations. The AiX features 61 ready-to-deploy use cases across eight key verticals including manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities, with 25 active pilots currently in progress. “The enterprise solutions showcased at AiX are not just theoretical use cases nearly 50% are in pilot phase or have been adopted by leading organisations such as Petronas, DHL, IOI Group, and 10 local universities including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,” Idham said. Other university partners include Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Asia-Pacific University, and Universiti Tenaga Nasional. [RM1 = US$0. 22] Addressing skills mismatch through fresh perspectives Skills mismatch between graduates and market demand remains an ongoing challenge for government and education institutions, particularly as AI capabilities advance rapidly. Albern Murty, deputy CEO at CelcomDigi, said the programme would help address this gap. “Mismatches will always happen. This program actually helps with that mismatch, because it not only gives 20 fresh graduates a chance to join us, but allows us to gain new capabilities and understanding from the talents we bring in,” he said. CelcomDigi seeks a diverse workforce with varied skills and backgrounds, including graduates from non-technical fields such as finance who are adept at using technology, Murty added. He emphasised that success is not solely about academic qualifications, “but their ability to comprehend the size and scope of the business, which comes with experience. At CelcomDigi, we will offer these young talents the ability to broaden their knowledge, and at the same time benefit from bringing in young talent to modernise and innovate our workforce.” RM4. 6 billion invested post-merger Three years after the merger of Celcom and Digi through a collaboration between Axiata and Telenor, CelcomDigi has invested RM4. 6 billion in capital expenditure toward its planned RM10 billion investment in the first five years post-merger. This investment has created job opportunities in Malaysia’s digital and telecommunications ecosystem through the construction of 18, 000 network sites. “With 60% of CelcomDigi shares held by local institutions, including Khazanah through Axiata, KWSP, and PNB, we are among the 10 most valuable companies on Bursa Malaysia,” Idham said. “We are ready to play a larger role in ensuring the country has digital infrastructure that is sustainable, high-quality, and fit-for-purpose whether with 5G, 6G or even 10G technology to strengthen the country’s competitiveness.”.