MIDA and MARA Partner to Build Industry – Ready Talent Pipeline and Deepen Local Supplier Intergration
Eight multinational and major domestic investors anchor new demand-driven talent platform
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 May 2026 – The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) today formalised a strategic partnership to close two of the most persistent constraints facing high-value investment in Malaysia: the supply of industry-ready technical talent, and the readiness of local enterprises to integrate into global supply chains.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged yesterday evening, in conjunction with MARA’s 60th anniversary celebration at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The exchange between MIDA Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid and MARA Director-General Dato’ Zulfikri Osman was witnessed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional
Development, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Eight companies have already committed to anchor the partnership’s flagship initiative, the PRIME Talent Hub: Medtronic Malaysia Operations Sdn. Bhd., EVE Energy Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., DayOne Data Centre, UWC Industrial Sdn. Bhd., Linergy Power Sdn. Bhd., Panasonic Industrial Devices Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., ND Paper (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., and Base Maintenance Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Their participation signals firm industry demand for a structured, demand-led approach to TVET and technical talent development in Malaysia.
Enhancing Talent readiness for Industry Needs
Under the PRIME Talent Hub, participating companies define the specific skills and competencies they require, allowing MARA’s training and education ecosystem to align curricula and intake with real industry needs rather than generic supply. The model is intended to reduce the talent mismatch that has slowed project ramp-up for several recent investments in semiconductors and advanced packaging, medical
devices, electrical and electronics, and aerospace — sectors prioritised under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030.
For investors, this translates into shorter lead times to operational capacity, lowerreliance on expatriate hires for technical roles, and a more predictable pipeline oflocally trained talent. For graduates and trainees, it means qualifications that arerecognised and absorbed by employers from the point of entry.
Strengthening local supplier participation
The MoU also establishes a structured pathway for MARA-linked manufacturers, including Bumiputera enterprises, to participate in the supply chains of multinational corporations and lead Malaysian companies operating in priority sectors.
Through MIDA’s Supply Chain Programmes, identified firms will be matched with MNC procurement requirements, supported with vendor development, and prepared for participation in higher-value segments moving beyond traditional contract roles into components, sub-assemblies, and specialised services.
MARA-linked enterprises will also gain access to two MIDA-led platforms: the Investment Coordination Platform (ICP), which connects high-potential projects with financing partners, and the Enterprise Growth Platform (EGP), which supports SME capability building, investment readiness, and expansion. Together, these create a continuous progression from capability development, to financing, to entry into MNC
supply chains.
These initiatives are designed to strengthen the competitiveness, resilience, and long-term sustainability of MARA entrepreneurs, enabling them to participate more effectively in higher-value segments of the industrial ecosystem.
A direct contribution to NIMP 2030 delivery
Commenting on the partnership, Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said:
“Through this strategic collaboration with MARA, we are strengthening the link between investment and talent, while creating new pathways for MARA entrepreneurs to adapt, upgrade and grow in a more technology-driven economy. MIDA will continue to work closely with MARA and our industry partners to ensure that investors can access the right talent, and that more Bumiputera companies are ready to participate in higher-value supply chains.”
Dato’ Zulfikri Osman, Director-General of MARA, added:
“For sixty years, MARA has built the foundation of education, entrepreneurship and economic participation for the communities we serve. The next chapter is industrial. Through this partnership with MIDA, our trainees will graduate into roles that investors are actively trying to fill, and our entrepreneurs will be prepared to supply the multinationals operating here. We are extending MARA’s mandate into the heart of Malaysia’s industrial transformation.”
The collaboration directly supports the MADANI Economy Framework and NIMP 2030’s mission to deepen economic complexity, raise productivity, and expand inclusive participation in Malaysia’s industrial base.
From left to right:
1. Datuk Zulfikri Osman, Director General of MARA,
2. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development
3. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA
4. Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Chairman of MARA
5. Encik Mohd Riduan Abd. Rahman, Executive Director, Investment Facilitation, MIDA
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About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Name: Puan Azrina Hashim
Designation: Director, Industry Talent Management And Expatriate Division
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +603-2267 3454
