KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The government, through the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), will establish the KESUMA Semiconductor Academy (ASK) to train local talent in the fields of chip design and artificial intelligence (AI) manufacturing.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the setting up of the academy is in line with the direction of the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13) in driving Malaysia as an AI nation.
"We want the label 'Made by Malaysia' to be displayed on integrated circuits and AI software worldwide.
"Not just as users of technology, we want to be creators of technology, which is why KESUMA will establish the KESUMA Semiconductor Academy to train talents in chip and AI design," he said.
He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Workers' Day celebration, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at Unifi Arena here today.
Also present at the event were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, other Cabinet ministers and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Ramanan also announced the Mobile Gig Clinic initiative, which will be placed in strategic locations such as delivery hubs and city centres, to facilitate the registration of Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) contributions and provide direct welfare access to digital economy workers.
"The Madani Workers' Card will be extended to registered gig workers to enable them to receive free health check-ups and mental counselling directly at the mobile clinic."
In the same development, Ramanan said KESUMA is reforming 26 labour laws, including the introduction of the Mobile Labour Court to facilitate workers' access to justice.
He also said that starting from June, SOCSO will implement the Skim Lindung 24 Jam that provides coverage to 9.6 million contributors at all times, even outside of working hours.
He added that the age limit for the Skim Lindung Kasih for housewives will be raised to 60 years, which will benefit more than 720,000 women.
The annual event celebrated every May 1 serves as a platform to appreciate the significant contributions of the nation's workforce, as well as to strengthen the career ecosystem via the provision of job opportunities and skill development.
With the theme 'Madani Workers, the Nation’s Pride’, the celebration gathered more than 15,000 workers from the public and private sectors from across the country.
Among the main attractions is the Career Carnival organised by SOCSO, which offers 4,000 job vacancies through the MYFutureJobs platform with a salary range between RM2,500 and RM16,000.
In addition to direct interview sessions with employers, the carnival provides career guidance services and participation from over 50 exhibitors from various ministries, departments, and government agencies that offer direct services to the public.
Also adding to the celebration are the Rahmah Sale, Agro Madani Sale, health check-ups, blood donation, the National Registration Department counter and industrial technology exhibitions.
