BANGI, Nov 4 (Bernama) — The opportunity to join the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Frontier Fellowship programme opened up avenues for 24-year-old Hamdi Hasbullah Nasaruddin to explore the field of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML), with the hope of mastering the technology and producing innovations that benefit the country.
Hamdi Hasbullah, when interviewed by Bernama, said he chose the AI field after considering four areas offered in the programme, including cryptology, energy transition and green transition.
“The rapid development of AI technology and the demand for expertise in the field by various organisations prompted me to seize the opportunity to join this programme.
“My placement in the ‘Machine Learning and ‘Robot Operating System’ project has provided me with a new experience, in addition to the opportunity to learn about the technology through the guidance of experts and researchers,” he said when met at the inauguration ceremony of the TVET Frontier Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 Talent Acceptance here yesterday.
He said that the foundation of AI knowledge gained while pursuing a degree in Information Technology will be utilised to enhance skills and develop his talents throughout the programme.
Hamdi Hasbullah, who suffers from osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bone disease, said he hopes to master the field of ML within the 12-month programme to enable him to create innovations and expand the use of AI in various organisations in Malaysia.
Hailing from Rawang, Hamdi Hasbullah said his mother was his main motivator, always encouraging him to seize opportunities despite facing physical constraints.
“My mother encouraged me to be enthusiastic about joining this programme even though I have physical limitations. My mother said to keep trying, that efforts are not in vain if we strive, so that we can show that we are an important asset to the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, another TVET talent participant, R. KathikaLaxmi, 25, said joining the programme was a valuable opportunity to gain experience in research and new technologies after graduating in Chemical Engineering Technology.
She said she chose energy transition because it was closely related to her academic background, on top of wanting to learn how new technologies, particularly nuclear technology, are applied in industrial settings.
“My working experience in laboratories, participating in research and undertaking several projects during my internship would provide a useful foundation for enhancing my technical skills throughout the programme,” she said.
She hoped the knowledge and experience gained over the 12-month programme would provide a strong foundation for her professional career and enable her to contribute to the development of technology and engineering industries in Malaysia.
The pilot programme, coordinated by the National TVET Council Secretariat (MTVET) under the Prime Minister’s Department, offers a 12-month placement at selected government research institutions, providing participants with hands-on experience in research projects under the guidance of experts.
The programme focuses on four strategic areas, namely AI, cryptology, energy transition and green transition, with participants given opportunities to enhance their competencies through solving real-world problems.
A total of 1,174 applications were received when the application period closed on July 31, 2026, with 982 candidates subsequently shortlisted to undergo an online assessment before the interview process.
The interviews were conducted by the MTVET Secretariat together with eight research institutions, namely the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Malaysian Cryptology Management Technology Centre, Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skills Training, MIMOS Berhad and SIRIM Bhd.
A total of 77 selected TVET talents will receive monthly allowances under the PROTÉGÉ-RTW (Ready to Work) scheme, funded by three companies — Dhaya MajuLTAT Sdn Bhd, Meiden Malaysia Sdn Bhd and APEX Communication Sdn Bhd — throughout their placement at the eight research institutions.
— BERNAMA