**CelcomDigi’s CD: NXT Programme Aims to Produce 5,000 AI-Native Professionals Over 10 Years**
CelcomDigi Berhad launched its CD: NXT talent development initiative in late August, targeting the cultivation of 5,000 digital leaders and AI-native professionals over the next decade. This ambitious move comes as Malaysia continues to grapple with a skills mismatch in its technology sector.
Valued at over US$24 million (RM100 million), the programme is expected to produce significant economic multiplier effects that will benefit the country’s digital economy. Malaysia’s technology industry has faced ongoing challenges in aligning graduate skills with real-world industry demands, making initiatives like CD: NXT critical for future growth.
**Industry-Aligned Curriculum and Strategic Partnerships**
Built on collaborations with technology and university partners, CD: NXT delivers an industry-aligned curriculum focused on developing critical digital competencies. The programme targets essential skills in AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and sustainability, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the evolving digital landscape.
Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi until his departure on August 31, 2025, emphasized the long-term commitment behind the initiative:
“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.”
He added, “We believe the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people. CD: NXT reflects our 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 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**
CelcomDigi has onboarded its first cohort of 20 young talents, selected from a highly competitive pool of 3,600 applicants. Candidates went through rigorous cognitive and panel assessments evaluated by multiple leadership layers within the company.
The CD: NXT initiative comprises three key programmes:
– **Young Talent Programme (YTP):** A two-year track designed for high-potential graduates focusing 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 Commitment to Local Innovation**
In addition to talent development, CelcomDigi committed US$59 million (RM250 million) toward upgrading local innovation capabilities. The company’s AI Experience Centre (AiX), an immersive innovation hub launched last year, has partnered with over 55 global and local organisations.
The AiX showcases 61 ready-to-deploy use cases across eight key verticals, including manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities, with 25 active pilots underway.
“Nearly 50% of the enterprise solutions showcased at AiX 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 noted.
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.
**Addressing Skills Mismatch with Fresh Perspectives**
Skills mismatch between graduates and industry needs remains a pressing challenge, especially as AI capabilities develop rapidly. Albern Murty, Deputy CEO at CelcomDigi, highlighted how the programme addresses this gap:
“Mismatches will always happen. This programme helps with that mismatch because it not only gives 20 fresh graduates a chance to join us but also allows us to gain new capabilities and understanding from the talent we bring in.”
CelcomDigi aims for a diverse workforce, welcoming graduates from a range of backgrounds including non-technical fields such as finance, provided they’re adept at using technology.
Murty emphasised that success depends not just on academic qualifications but also on a candidate’s ability to understand the size and scope of the business, which often comes with experience.
“At CelcomDigi, we offer young talents the opportunity to broaden their knowledge while also benefiting from their fresh perspectives to modernise and innovate our workforce,” he added.
**RM4.6 Billion Invested Post-Merger, Aiming for RM10 Billion in Five Years**
Three years after the Celcom and Digi merger—a collaboration between Axiata and Telenor—CelcomDigi has invested RM4.6 billion in capital expenditure towards its planned RM10 billion outlay over the first five years post-merger.
This investment has facilitated the construction of 18,000 network sites, generating numerous job opportunities within Malaysia’s digital and telecommunications ecosystem.
“With 60% of CelcomDigi shares held by local institutions, including Khazanah via Axiata, KWSP, and PNB, we rank among the 10 most valuable companies on Bursa Malaysia,” said Idham.
“We are ready to play a larger role in ensuring the country has sustainable, high-quality, and fit-for-purpose digital infrastructure,” he added. “Whether it’s 5G, 6G, or even 10G technology, we aim to strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness for the future.”
*Exchange rate used: RM1 = US$0.22*
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/celcomdigis-us24-million-talent-push-aims-address-malaysias-digital-skills-gap
