Armed Forces Veterans Embark on New Path of Entrepreneurship and Skilled Employment

As many as 60 to 70 per cent of Malaysia's 26,000 armed forces (ATM) veterans have opted for entrepreneurship and skilled employment over salaried jobs after completing their service in the past five years, according to Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. This significant shift in career choices has not only transformed public perception of veterans but also opened up new opportunities for these individuals to utilise their diverse skills and expertise.

Background & Context

Malaysia's armed forces veterans have long been associated with roles such as security guards, often due to a lack of awareness about their diverse skills and expertise. However, the trend of entrepreneurship and skilled employment among veterans is changing this narrative, highlighting the need for the government and private sector to provide more opportunities for these individuals.

The government's efforts to support veterans in their transition to civilian life have been instrumental in this shift. Through the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen Affairs Corporation (Perhebat), the government has been working to place veterans in skilled employment sectors that offer better income prospects. This includes encouraging veterans to enter high-technology fields and the national defence industry, which have strong potential for growth and job creation.

Key Details

Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari revealed that over the past five years, around 60 to 70 per cent of ATM veterans have chosen entrepreneurship and skilled employment over salaried jobs. This trend has led to the placement of more than 195 government agencies and private companies in aerospace, automotive, logistics, and services sectors, with salaries ranging from RM2,500 to RM5,000. Additionally, 2,318 veterans have registered under the Lindung Kerjaya MYFutureJobs Wira programme, which develops profiles and resumes to match them with employers nationwide.

Adly Zahari also highlighted the importance of recognising the skills and expertise acquired by veterans during their service. The government is working to establish a certification system equivalent to certificates, diplomas, and higher qualifications to enable veterans' skills to be systematically recognised and utilised by government agencies and the private sector. This move aims to reduce the need for additional training and enhance veterans' employability.

What Experts Say

The trend of entrepreneurship and skilled employment among veterans is a positive development that highlights the adaptability and resilience of these individuals. According to Adly Zahari, ATM veterans possess strong attributes developed during service, including discipline, commitment, and the ability to operate in challenging environments. These skills are highly valued in the private sector, making veterans attractive candidates for employment.

The certification system proposed by the government will also play a crucial role in ensuring that veterans' skills are recognised and utilised. This will enable veterans to transition smoothly into civilian life and take advantage of the many opportunities available in the private sector.

Key Takeaways

• 60 to 70 per cent of ATM veterans have chosen entrepreneurship and skilled employment over salaried jobs in the past five years.
• More than 195 government agencies and private companies have placed veterans in aerospace, automotive, logistics, and services sectors, with salaries ranging from RM2,500 to RM5,000.
• 2,318 veterans have registered under the Lindung Kerjaya MYFutureJobs Wira programme.
• The government is working to establish a certification system equivalent to certificates, diplomas, and higher qualifications to recognise veterans' skills and expertise.

What This Means For You

The trend of entrepreneurship and skilled employment among veterans has significant implications for the private sector and government agencies. It highlights the need for these organisations to provide more opportunities for veterans and to recognise their skills and expertise. By doing so, organisations can tap into the valuable skills and experience of veterans and benefit from their adaptability and resilience.

For everyday readers, this trend means that veterans are no longer limited to traditional roles such as security guards. Instead, they have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of careers that leverage their diverse skills and expertise. This is an exciting development that can lead to greater job satisfaction and career advancement for veterans.

As the government continues to support veterans in their transition to civilian life, it is essential for the private sector and government agencies to work together to provide more opportunities for these individuals. By doing so, we can ensure that veterans are able to utilise their skills and expertise to their full potential and make a meaningful contribution to the economy and society.

As we move forward, it is essential to continue to promote the skills and expertise of veterans and to provide them with the support they need to succeed in their chosen careers. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and diverse workforce that benefits from the valuable skills and experience of veterans.