Today, World Education Placement Services Sdn Bhd (WEPS) announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, to provide free cloud computing skills and job training in Malaysia through AWS re/Start. The 12-week free workforce development program helps unemployed and underemployed individuals build entry-level cloud computing skills and connects them with job interview opportunities at local employers.
A recent Asia Pacific Digital Skills study by Gallup and AWS found 86% of male and 84% of female workers in Malaysia are “extremely” or “very interested” in digital skills training; however, 52% of male and 49% of female workers are unable to afford it. WEPS is helping Malaysians from diverse backgrounds, who might not have had access to a career in technology, get access to vital cloud skills training through the free AWS re/Start program.
With the support of accredited instructors and professional mentors, AWS re/Start participants develop skills in programming, networking, security, and relational databases through scenario-based learning, hands-on labs, and coursework. They are prepared for entry-level cloud roles, such as cloud operations, site reliability, infrastructure support, and technical adjacent business support functions. By the end of the course, graduates earn their AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Certification, an industry-recognized credential that validates their cloud computing skills.
“WEPS, in collaboration with AWS, is delivering the AWS re/Start program to help address the shortage of skilled professionals in Malaysia’s cloud industry. The program is helping build a diverse pipeline of cloud talent for the industry, at a time when emerging technologies are being prioritized and adopted. Entry-level cloud professionals are needed to foster innovation and help accelerate the country’s ongoing digital transformation,” said Mr. Mughilen Rathakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer, World Education Placement Services Sdn Bhd.
“AWS re/Start is helping individuals to launch successful cloud careers, organizations to increase their competitive edge with ‘net new’ talent, and communities to thrive and grow. The program attracts people from all walks of life and career paths who may not have considered a career in cloud computing. We are proud to be collaborating with WEPS to help grow Malaysia’s vital technology sector, in line with Malaysia’s digitalization and digital inclusion goals,” said Emmanuel Pillai, Head of AWS Training and Certification, ASEAN, Amazon Web Services Singapore Private Limited.
The first WEPS and AWS cohort successfully completed the program in March, with two other cohorts currently underway. Learners range in age from 18 to 50 years and have prior work experience in administration, banking, education, engineering, information technology, and management. Graduates from the first cohort are now certified as AWS Cloud Practitioners and some of them have been hired by Credence, a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia.
“Credence is currently establishing an internal Darwinbox delivery team, which is a human capital management solution for our clients and partners. We are excited to have hired new tech talent who are certified as AWS Cloud Practitioners from the AWS re/Start program. Credence provides technical support in configuration and troubleshooting, and we know the graduates will thrive in our innovative and fast paced environment,” said Dina Krishnan, Chief People Officer, Credence.
“As a mother and wife, I was unemployed throughout the pandemic. But in life, you’re either a dreamer or a winner. I encourage Malaysians to grasp this opportunity through the AWS re/Start program and WEPS today. Being part of the cloud industry now, I have full confidence in myself and my new career,” said Nur Shazwani binti Alidza, AWS re/Start Malaysia Graduate.
“The AWS re/Start program has opened up new career possibilities for me in the cloud industry, something I never thought I would be able to do, and for which I am grateful,” said Muhamad Zahid bin Azahar, AWS re/Start Malaysia Graduate.
The AWS re/Start program is currently available in more than 60 countries and connects over 98% of graduates with job interview opportunities. It is part of Amazon’s commitment to help 29 million people around the world grow their tech skills with free cloud computing skills training by 2025.