UNITAR to offer AWS re/Start for free in Malaysia to build local cloud talent

Petaling Jaya, 20 January 2022 – UNITAR International University announced a collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to provide free cloud computing skills development and job training through the AWS re/Start program in Malaysia. AWS re/Start is a 12-week training program that prepares unemployed and underemployed individuals for cloud careers and connects them to potential employers. The first AWS re/Start cohort in Malaysia began the program in December 2021 and will graduate in March 2022.

As of 9th August 2021, Malaysia’s unemployment rate stood at 4.8% with 768,700 unemployed persons. While there are jobs, according to 451 Research, 85% of organizations reported deficits in cloud expertise. Additionally, research from AlphaBeta shows that the need for advanced cloud computing and data skills in APAC is expected to triple by 2025 – the greatest increase forecasted across all digital skill competencies.

Together, UNITAR and AWS re/Start are building an inclusive, diverse global pipeline of new cloud talent by engaging unemployed or underemployed individuals who otherwise might not have had access to this career path.

The first cohort of AWS re/Start students at UNITAR includes a wide range of talents between the ages of 20-56. This group of students comes from a variety of backgrounds including engineering, banking, education & learning, and general administration.

The AWS re/Start program is part of Amazon’s upskilling commitment to help 29 million people globally grow their cloud computing skills for free by 2025. AWS re/Start has a presence in 95 cities in 38 countries, and the collaboration with UNITAR expands the global presence to Malaysia. Working closely alongside UNITAR on this upskilling initiative is Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO), a government agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources. PERKESO will connect learners with potential employers in search of candidates with a cloud computing skill set.

Throughout the 12-week program, students will complete real-world-scenario-based exercises, hands-on labs, and coursework, to build Linux, Python, networking, security, and relational database skills. In addition, the program covers practical career skills, such as interviewing and resume writing, and also covers the cost for learners to take the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam so they can validate their cloud skills with an industry-recognized credential. Ultimately, AWS re/Start helps individuals prepare for roles in operations, site reliability, and infrastructure support.

Puvan Balachandran, Chief Executive Officer of UNITAR International University, said, “UNITAR’s vision is to accelerate innovative solutions in a global learning ecosystem for a sustainable future, which will aim to be delivered via its mission to create highly employable and entrepreneurial global citizens. This is aligned with the program’s mission to help unemployed and underemployed individuals who might not otherwise have access to technical education to develop the skills they need to pursue entry-level cloud roles. UNITAR will help learners gain job-specific skills, connect with employers, and embark on their cloud careers.”

Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman bin Aziz Mohammed, CEO of PERKESO, said, “Based on real-time vacancies posted on MYFutureJobs today, more than 67% of available job opportunities posted by employers require digital and computing skills. As such, PERKESO welcomes the initiative by AWS and UNITAR to enhance the employability of unemployed jobseekers with cloud computing skills and reduce structural mismatches between labour supply and labour demand in Malaysia. The timely initiative complements PERKESO’s effort to reduce unemployment and stabilize the labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic. “

Andrew Sklar, Head of AWS Training and Certification, APJ, said, “The AWS re/Start program establishes a win-win-win scenario for individuals in need, communities in which they reside, and our customers and partners. The program focuses on connecting unemployed and underemployed individuals to in-demand cloud opportunities, lifting people and economies within that community, and providing AWS customers and partners with a means to build a loyal and diverse workforce.”

To find out more about the AWS re/Start program at UNITAR, visit https://www.unitar.my/aws-re-start/

To connect with AWS re/Start graduates or learn more, fill out an employer interest form or visit https://aws.amazon.com/training/restart/.