Manpower Minister Discusses Internship Hub Programme and Digital Era Work Challenges

Manpower Minister Yassierli has confirmed the continuation of the National Internship Programme in 2026 with a quota of 150,000 participants, set to commence on 10 August 2026 for a period of six months. The Ministry of Manpower is also promoting the equitable distribution of the programme by encouraging regional businesses and industries to participate in the national scheme.

Furthermore, the ministry is pushing for the improvement of workforce competencies to face the disruption of the digital economy by cooperating with universities in the development of digital study programmes. The ministry is also encouraging the role of vocational training centres to enhance the skills of prospective workers, boosting digital competencies in the era of Artificial Intelligence through reskilling and upskilling.

The Minister also responded to the issue of outsourced workers, which is currently considered excessive, where certain core job types are outsourced with unclear contracts, resulting in wages below the proper rate and a lack of career clarity. Therefore, the government, together with employers and labour unions, is working towards restrictions.

The Ministry of Manpower continues to drive various efforts to build an adaptive employment ecosystem through a number of strategies, including improving the skills and competencies of prospective workers in collaboration with universities. It is also developing the SIAP KERJA platform, which connects job seekers with companies looking for workers.