PEPPER Labs has successfully onboarded and placed 400 graduates with host organisations across a diverse range of industries under Khazanah Nasional Berhad’s (Khazanah) K-Youth Development Programme 2026, marking strong early progress for the programme since its commencement in April.
As an appointed training partner, Pepper Labs delivers a structured employability and industry-readiness programme that combines comprehensive professional and technical training, industry-recognised certifications and meaningful workplace experience through a four-month paid apprenticeship.
The programme is designed to prepare graduates to contribute from their first day at work and to build lasting careers.
“Employers today are looking for graduates who can contribute from day one. That takes more than knowing how to use the latest tools,” said Selan Rajendran, Managing Director of Pepper Labs.
“It takes strong professional skills, credentials that employers recognise and real experience of how a workplace runs. Through the K-Youth Development Programme 2026, we have built a pathway that takes young Malaysians from the classroom into the workplace, with support at every step, so they leave the programme ready to contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s economy,” he added.
“Preparing young Malaysians for the future of work requires more than technical skills; it requires confidence, adaptability and meaningful exposure to real workplace environments,” said Shahrizal Mohd Suffian, Head, Strategic Human Capital Management, Khazanah Nasional Berhad.
“Through this programme by Pepper Labs, we are helping youths build the capabilities and mindset needed to thrive in an AI-enabled economy, while strengthening the talent pipeline that will support Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness,” Shahrizal said.
Industry-recognised certification is a central feature of the programme.
Participants work towards the Google AI Essentials and Google Cybersecurity professional certificates, alongside certifications from Anthropic and Climate Governance Malaysia, earning credentials from respected global and national organisations that span AI, cybersecurity, sustainability and climate governance.
These certifications give participants verifiable proof of their capabilities that they can carry into job applications and throughout their careers.
The training is designed to develop well-rounded, job-ready graduates. Participants build the core workplace competencies that employers consistently look for, including communication, presentation, problem-solving, leadership and corporate professionalism.
Alongside this, the technical curriculum covers digital productivity, AI foundations, responsible technology use, emerging industry trends and applied use cases, ensuring participants understand not only how to use technology, but how to apply it effectively and responsibly in their roles.
Learning is delivered through a blended, structured model. Through the Pepper Labs Learning Management System (LMS), participants complete self-paced modules alongside practical exercises, hands-on Design Labs and Vibe Coding activities.
They then undertake Capstone projects that tackle real-world challenges, as well as a Teaching Practicum that builds their confidence in communicating and presenting ideas to others.
Following the bootcamp, participants undertake a four-month paid apprenticeship with host organisations, gaining hands-on experience, professional mentorship and first-hand exposure to how established organisations operate.
The programme is supported by Pepper Labs’ growing network of host companies, including Media Prima, MRT Corporation, Pos Malaysia, Access Group and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
These placements help participants build practical skills, industry knowledge and the confidence to succeed in an evolving workforce.
Building on the success of previous cohorts, Pepper Labs’ initiative demonstrates the value of industry-led talent development.
This year, it attracted more than 2,000 applications and facilitated employment opportunities for hundreds of young Malaysians within five months.
Support continues beyond the programme. Graduates are encouraged to remain active in Pepper Labs’ alumni communities, comprising the Education Swarm, Solutioning Swarm and Content Creation Swarm, where they share knowledge, collaborate with peers and continue developing their skills and professional networks.
As an accredited social enterprise with more than a decade of experience, Pepper Labs has supported more than 400,000 people through employability, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and community empowerment initiatives.
To date, it has trained more than 312,000 learners in digital and AI skills, with over 47,000 earning certifications through its programmes and initiatives, including its AI-Ready Malaysia initiative.
Working with strategic partners including Microsoft, AWS, Google.org, AVPN, the Asian Development Bank, the National AI Office and the National Cyber Security Agency, Pepper Labs has expanded access to workforce development and digital transformation opportunities nationwide.
The collaboration between Khazanah and Pepper Labs reflects a shared commitment to Bakat MADANI’s aspiration to nurture future-ready Malaysian talent.
By combining recognised credentials, comprehensive training and real workplace experience, the programme supports stronger youth employability and meaningful pathways into employment, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient Malaysian workforce under the Malaysia MADANI framework.—Oct 23, 2026
Main image: Pepper Labs
