CelcomDigi launches CD:NXT to equip 5,000 youths with AI skills
Malaysia's Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has launched CD:NXT, a talent development initiative by CelcomDigi aimed at equipping young Malaysians with skills relevant to 5G and artificial intelligence industries.
CD:NXT is positioned as a long-term programme with the goal of developing 5,000 local talents for future roles in technology, AI, data, and analytics. The initiative is built on collaborations with technology and academic partners and centres on an industry-aligned curriculum to address the evolving demands of Malaysia's digital economy.
Programme structure
The initiative comprises three central tracks designed to reach a range of young talent at educational and early professional levels. The first key programme, the Young Talent Programme (YTP), offers a two-year pathway for graduates focusing on eight skills critical to future employment, which include AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and sustainability. Another component, CelcomDigi UniConnects, seeks to bridge the gap between university education and industry needs by aligning academic courses with practical digital competencies. The Student Ambassador Programme aims to foster student leadership and encourage innovation, particularly in the areas of digital inclusion and sustainability.
The launch event featured the introduction of the first CD:NXT Young Talent cohort, comprising 20 individuals selected from a competitive pool of 3,600 applicants through a series of cognitive tests and evaluations by various leadership teams within CelcomDigi. The selected participants represent a diverse set of digital skills required for Malaysia's growing digital ecosystem.
Strategic intent and leadership comment
We believe the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people. CD:NXT reflects our long-term commitment to shaping a generation of Malaysians who are equipped with the right skills, mindset, and confidence to lead an industry defined by 5G and AI today, and next-generation technology and innovation. This talent initiative is part of our broader role in advancing Malaysia's digital ambitions by nurturing thinkers, builders, and leaders who will drive the nation's digital and economic future. We are pleased these young talents will not only join our workforce but drive the industry forward. It is about building industry-ready professionals, AI natives who see this as part of their own development growth journey.
Datuk Idham Nawawi, Chief Executive Officer of CelcomDigi, outlined the organisation's ambitions to support Malaysia's digital transformation through targeted investments in human capital, emphasizing the importance of developing professionals who are adept in AI and digital technologies.
AI Experience Centre
The Prime Minister's engagement with the programme included a tour of the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX), an innovation centre designed to demonstrate AI applications across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and urban development. The AiX centre, developed in partnership with over 55 local and global companies, currently showcases 61 use cases, with 25 active pilot projects in progress. It provides enterprises with access to tested technologies and expert advice, supporting both productivity gains and the scaling of technological innovations domestically and for export.
These efforts are part of CelcomDigi's strategy to encourage the adoption of digital and AI-driven solutions in Malaysian enterprises. The company's aim is to increase the presence of scalable Malaysian technologies on an international stage while promoting industry partnerships both within Malaysia and abroad.
Talent pipeline impact
CD:NXT's combination of in-depth training programmes, university partnerships, and student leadership opportunities represents CelcomDigi's approach to nurturing a pipeline of professionals prepared for the demands of AI-enabled industries. The initiative is aligned with government objectives to develop a digitally proficient workforce capable of contributing to inclusive economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.
With a commitment to prepare 5,000 future-ready young Malaysians, CelcomDigi emphasises the role of home-grown talent in driving the next phase of national economic development focused on digital industries.
