Write an article about Doubt to determination: thanking the PM and the NTW 2025 team .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from
From Shahul Hameed Shaik Dawood
It all began with a simple discussion in Penang, where senior training providers and Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) representatives mooted the idea of offering free learning and training opportunities for all.
Looking back, 2023 was the year we dared to dream. The idea of establishing a National Training Week (NTW) – a large-scale, inclusive learning and development (L&D) initiative – was initially met with scepticism. Some doubted the vision. Others criticised the ambition. Many questioned the feasibility.
But we forged ahead, driven by the belief that this initiative would ultimately benefit the people and the nation.
We believed that every Malaysian deserves access to lifelong learning and that skills development must become a way of life, not a privilege. It was a difficult journey, but a necessary one. And in that very first year, we proved that the impossible was indeed possible.
Since then, NTW has grown from strength to strength, with real, measurable impact:
- Malaysians from all walks of life are increasingly recognising the value of lifelong learning.
- Employers are now investing more in upskilling their workforce.
- Trainers and training providers are rising to the occasion, offering high-impact, industry-relevant training contents.
- NTW has become a platform where learning happens organically, anytime, anywhere.
We saw the support grow, most notably when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally officiated the launch of NTW 2024. His continued support reflects the government’s belief in human capital development as the backbone of national progress.
On June 14, the prime minister once again officiated NTW at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. His unwavering presence is a true testament to Malaysia’s leadership in advancing learning and development, not just nationally, but across the Asean region.
This aligns with the announcement made by human resources minister Steven Sim on May 27, in which he extended access to NTW’s portal and its free courses to all Asean member countries, with the aim of fostering regional collaboration, strengthening workforce capabilities, and promoting a shared culture of lifelong learning.
NTW 2025 is one of the flagship platforms under the Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) 2025, aligning with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship for 2025. With the virtual platform (www.nationaltrainingweek.gov.my) now open to all member nations, we are proud that NTW has evolved into a regional learning movement.
Recorded training hours and estimated training value:
- NTW 2023: 503,572 training hours at an estimated value of RM116 million.
- NTW 2024: 1,027,911 training hours at an estimated value of RM323 million.
- NTW 2025: 10,424,808 training hours at an estimated value of RM485 million (as of June 14, 2025).
If not for NTW, these would have been lost learning hours and the cost of training people would have been significantly higher for the government.
NTW offers a scalable and cost-effective model for nationwide learning. Its all-encompassing approach ensures that no one is left behind, including the underprivileged group, underserved and rural communities, as well as people with disabilities.
This inclusive model is well taken care of through deliberate design and has received global praise from the International Labour Organization, the Asean Secretariat and the bloc’s member states as a best practice in inclusive human capital development.
As we are on the third day of NTW 2025, I would like to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come and to express my heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to this journey. The milestones we are achieving today are built on the foundation of resilience, collaboration and a shared belief in the power of learning.
We also saw tremendous public participation at the NTW Learn-a-Thon Explorace held on June 15. The initiative brought together over 6,000 participants to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur, for a 5km fun run, with three checkpoint stops featuring interactive learning activities, blending education, energy and enthusiasm.
Led by the human resources ministry through its agency, HRD Corp, NTW is proud to be a people-first initiative.
As the adviser for AYOS 2025, I am confident that NTW will continue to thrive, becoming not only Malaysia’s pride, but a regional flagship for skills development.
I wholeheartedly thank the prime minister for his trust and belief in this journey. Let us now call for NTW to be officially gazetted as Malaysia’s National L&D Week, to be observed annually during the last week of June – the nation’s most impactful platform for human capital development.
To the human resources minister, thank you for the encouragement and constant support, even when the road was not easy.
To the partners, trainers, training providers and the Malaysian public, thank you for walking this journey with us. Your involvement is the heartbeat of NTW.
Last but not least, thank you to the winning team of HRD Corp – your dedication and drive continue to set new benchmarks. Keep moving forward with purpose, guided by the unwavering values of HRD Corp Heroes.
Â
Shahul Hameed Shaik Dawood is an adviser for the Asean Year of Skills 2025 and a former Human Resource Development Corporation CEO.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
and integrate them seamlessly into the new content without adding new tags. Include conclusion section and FAQs section at the end. do not include the title. it must return only article i dont want any extra information or introductory text with article e.g: ” Here is rewritten article:” or “Here is the rewritten content:”