AWS And Exabytes Launch RM4.3 Million Cloud Skills Initiative To Train Malaysians For High-Demand Tech Jobs

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Amazon Web Services (AWS) has entered into a RM4.3 million Social Impact Agreement with Exabytes to equip hundreds of Malaysians — particularly from B40 and M40 communities — with cloud computing and AI skills to meet the country’s growing demand for digital talent. Forward College will serve as the delivery partner for the initiative.

The two-year programme forms part of Exabytes’ Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE) and aims to bridge Malaysia’s digital skills gap through two fully funded pathways: a Diploma in Applied Software Engineering (NitroDegree) and AWS re/Start, a cohort-based workforce development programme. Both tracks prepare participants for roles in cloud computing, DevSecOps, and AI and machine learning engineering. Eligibility is determined through an internal aptitude assessment, with priority given to B40 applicants.

Malaysia’s digital economy continues to be a key driver of national growth, with ICT and e-commerce contributing 23.4% of GDP, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. Despite this momentum, the country faces persistent shortages in skilled cloud and AI talent. Youth unemployment remained at 10.1% for ages 15 to 24 as of October 2025. The partners say the initiative directly addresses these challenges by creating a structured skills-to-jobs pipeline that includes certification, internships and job placement opportunities.

Under the agreement, AWS will provide approximately RM4.3 million in funding over two years, with disbursements tied to measurable outcomes such as programme completion rates, AWS certifications achieved and successful job placements. The initiative includes reporting mechanisms to track progress and social impact. Graduates who meet performance requirements will be eligible for internships and full-time roles within Exabytes and its partner ecosystem.

“In partnership with AWS and Forward College, we are building an end-to-end talent engine — from education to employment,” said Chan Kee Siak, Founder and CEO of Exabytes. “By prioritising B40 youth and supporting career-switchers from M40 communities, we are helping Malaysians gain financial independence through future-ready digital careers.”

“This initiative reflects AWS’s commitment to nation-building in Malaysia,” said Kirsten Gilbertson, Partner Organisation Leader, AWS ASEAN. “From first-time learners to career-switchers, we are developing cloud and AI fluency across the talent pipeline to support Malaysia’s role as a regional technology hub.”

Fully Funded Pathways For Malaysian Learners

The NitroDegree in Applied Software Engineering fully sponsors B40 youth aged 18 to 30 for a two-year programme delivered by Forward College. The curriculum covers full-stack development, networking and security, machine learning, Agile methodologies, UI/UX, Android development and software entrepreneurship, alongside AWS Cloud Computing Fundamentals. Graduates will complete a three-month internship and, subject to academic and interview requirements, receive priority job placement with Exabytes or its partners. The programme leads to an accredited Level 4 Diploma under the Department of Skills Development, Ministry of Human Resources.

The AWS re/Start programme targets unemployed, underemployed and career-switching Malaysians aged 18 and above through a 12-week instructor-led course requiring no prior IT background. Participants gain technical and professional skills for entry- and mid-level cloud roles, pursue AWS certification, and receive career coaching and job placement support through the Exabytes and Forward College employer network.

Building Malaysia’s Cloud Talent Ecosystem

Established to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation, the Exabytes Centre of Cloud Excellence operates across GROW Digital, GROW Talent and GROW Innovation pillars. The platform brings together businesses, educators and cloud providers to support cloud adoption, upskilling, entrepreneurship and community-driven innovation.

The initiative follows AWS’s US$6.2 billion investment in the AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region, announced in 2024, which is expected to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and increase nationwide demand for certified cloud professionals.