KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp), under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), has launched its ‘Pocket Talk’ HRD Corp – From Policy to People roadshow in Kempas, Johor Bahru, aimed at delivering human capital development information directly to the public.
In a statement, HRD Corp said the programme was officiated by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan and is designed to enhance public access to information on skills upgrading initiatives and economic opportunities intended to improve livelihoods.
The roadshow comprises a series of engagement sessions covering HRD Corp products and services, leadership development, individual empowerment, and preparation for future workforce demands through continuous learning and upskilling.
Johor was selected as the starting location due to its role as one of Malaysia’s key economic growth engines. With significant investments flowing into the state, including developments under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), human capital development is seen as essential to ensure locals are prepared to seize emerging job and business opportunities.
In line with this, HRD Corp is strengthening talent development in Johor through the Skills4Johor initiative, launched with the Johor Strategic Human Capital Unit in 2025. The programme, backed by RM20 million, focuses on upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet current and future industry needs.
The impact of HRD Corp’s initiatives in Johor is reflected in its ecosystem, with 13,425 employers registered under the organisation, involving 479,905 workers who have directly benefited from its programmes.
In 2025, HRD Corp recorded levy collections of RM208.21 million, with RM183.96 million channelled back to employers through training claims. In addition, RM191.50 million in financial assistance was disbursed, enabling 232,072 individuals in Johor to undergo training.
The initiative underscores HRD Corp’s commitment to ensuring government policies move beyond planning stages and are delivered directly to communities, allowing wider access to their benefits.
In his speech, Ramanan said, “The true measure of success of any policy is not the number of policies announced, but the extent to which people are aware of them, understand them, and benefit from them.”
“Through this Pocket Talk roadshow, we want to ensure that every opportunity provided by the government reaches the people directly. When people are aware of and understand these opportunities, they will be better prepared to upgrade their skills, strengthen their competitiveness, and build a better future for themselves and their families,” he said.
HRD Corp chief executive officer Datuk Shamir Aziz said the programme reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to ensuring human capital development information is accessible to all segments of society.
“We believe that good policies must reach the people. This Pocket Talk roadshow has therefore been created to ensure that information on training, skills and opportunities provided by the government is accessible to all, including workers, youth, jobseekers and small entrepreneurs seeking to improve their livelihoods through knowledge and skills.”
The Johor launch marks the beginning of a nationwide series aimed at strengthening public understanding of human capital development initiatives and promoting lifelong learning, upskilling, and sustainable workforce development in line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration. – June 20, 2026