KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is strengthening its commitment to the socioeconomic development of future retirees and veterans of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) through its Kertas Putih Pertahanan (KPP) initiative.
The ministry in a press release highlighted the focus on providing training programmes and second career opportunities for these individuals post-service.
The Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (PERHEBAT) plays a crucial role in this effort, offering Transition Training programmes in technical and vocational education (TVET) and entrepreneurship.
As of May, 3,256 retiring ATM members have successfully completed this training.
PERHEBAT is also monitoring the progress of 6,851 veterans who completed transition training in 2023.
According to their data, 17 per cent are employed, 23 per cent are self-employed or budding entrepreneurs, 20 per cent have become full-fledged entrepreneurs, and 40 per cent are currently seeking employment.
To further enhance education and employability, PERHEBAT, in collaboration with the Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK), has implemented the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) programme.
“This initiative offers Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM), Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM), and Diploma Lanjutan Kemahiran Malaysia (DLKM). Since 2017, 4,796 ATM members and veterans have been awarded these certifications, with 278 recipients this year alone,” the statement said.
PERHEBAT is also leading several initiatives in partnership with various ministries and agencies, such as the Program Pemerkasaan Usahawan Veteran ATM (PUVET ATM), VETERAN MyWIRA with Talent Corp, and funding from Agrobank.
Other programmes include the USAHAWANTANI PUTRA-PERHEBAT initiative with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and a digital marketing program with MAXIS.
On May 28, PERHEBAT signed eight memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with private companies, banking institutions, and universities.
These include Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, GIATMARA, GGS Global Sdn. Bhd., Bravo Energy Sdn. Bhd., Affin Islamic Bank Bhd., Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd., and Bank Simpanan Nasional.
These agreements aim to provide training, job placements, and business incentives for veterans.
These efforts align with the government’s broader Socio Economic Improvement Strategy for ATM veterans, aimed at uplifting veterans in the B40 group and enhancing their quality of life.
The initiative highlights the collective responsibility of government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), and the private sector in supporting second career opportunities for ATM veterans.
