**CelcomDigi Launches CD: NXT Programme to Cultivate 5,000 AI-Native Professionals Over 10 Years**
CelcomDigi Berhad has launched its ambitious CD: NXT talent development initiative, aiming to nurture 5,000 digital leaders and AI-native professionals over the next decade. Introduced in late August, the programme addresses Malaysia’s ongoing skills mismatch in the technology sector.
Valued at over US$24 million (approximately RM100 million), with a broader economic multiplier effect, CD: NXT is designed to bridge the gap between graduate skills and industry demands. This initiative is built on strong collaborations with technology companies and university partners and offers an industry-aligned curriculum focusing on critical digital competencies.
“Over the next eight to ten years, we are determined to produce more than 5,000 young digital talents. We estimate this initiative is worth more than RM100 million, with an economic multiplier effect that is much larger and more meaningful to the country’s digital economy,” said Idham Nawawi, CEO of CelcomDigi, who stepped down effective August 31, 2025.
He added, “We believe the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people. CD: NXT reflects our long-term commitment to shaping a generation of Malaysians equipped with the right skills, mindset, and confidence to lead an industry defined by 5G and AI today, and next-generation technology and innovation tomorrow.”
Idham described the talent initiative as part of CelcomDigi’s broader role in advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions by nurturing “thinkers, builders, and leaders who will drive the nation’s digital and economic future.”
### First Cohort Already Undergoing Training
CelcomDigi has already onboarded its first cohort of 20 young talents. These participants were selected from a competitive pool of 3,600 applicants through rigorous cognitive and panel assessments involving various leadership levels within the company.
CD: NXT comprises three key programmes:
– **Young Talent Programme (YTP):** A two-year track for high-potential graduates focused on eight future-critical skills including AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and sustainability.
– **CelcomDigi UniConnects:** A university-industry bridge that aligns academic curricula with real-world digital demands to enhance graduate employability and industry readiness.
– **Student Ambassador Programme:** A leadership and innovation platform empowering students to become changemakers in digital inclusion and sustainability.
### US$59 Million Commitment to Local Innovation
In addition to the talent initiative, CelcomDigi has committed US$59 million (RM250 million) to upgrade local innovation capabilities. The Prime Minister recently toured the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX), an immersive innovation hub launched last year. AiX has partnered with over 55 global and local organisations and features 61 ready-to-deploy use cases across eight key sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities. Currently, 25 active pilot projects are underway.
“The enterprise solutions showcased at AiX are not just theoretical use cases; nearly 50% are in pilot phase or have been adopted by leading organisations such as Petronas, DHL, IOI Group, and 10 local universities including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu,” said Idham.
Other university partners include Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Asia-Pacific University, and Universiti Tenaga Nasional.
### Addressing Skills Mismatch with Fresh Perspectives
Skills mismatch between graduates and market demands remains a significant challenge, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI capabilities. Albern Murty, Deputy CEO at CelcomDigi, explained that the CD: NXT programme helps mitigate this issue.
“Mismatches will always happen. This programme actually helps with that mismatch because it not only gives 20 fresh graduates a chance to join us but also allows us to gain new capabilities and understanding from the talents we bring in,” he said.
CelcomDigi seeks a diverse workforce comprising varied skills and backgrounds, including graduates from non-technical fields like finance who are adept at using technology. Murty emphasized that success is not solely dependent on academic qualifications but also on the ability to comprehend the size and scope of the business, which comes with experience.
“At CelcomDigi, we offer these young talents the opportunity to broaden their knowledge while benefiting from their fresh perspectives to modernize and innovate our workforce,” he added.
### Significant Investment Post-Merger
Three years after the merger of Celcom and Digi—led by Axiata and Telenor—CelcomDigi has invested RM4.6 billion in capital expenditure toward a planned RM10 billion investment within the first five years post-merger. This investment has contributed to creating job opportunities within Malaysia’s digital and telecommunications ecosystem, including the construction of 18,000 network sites.
“With 60% of CelcomDigi shares held by local institutions—including Khazanah through Axiata, KWSP, and PNB—we are among the 10 most valuable companies listed on Bursa Malaysia,” Idham said.
“We are ready to play a larger role in ensuring the country has digital infrastructure that is sustainable, high-quality, and fit-for-purpose, whether with 5G, 6G, or even 10G technology, to strengthen the country’s competitiveness.”
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*Exchange rate: RM1 = US$0.22*
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/celcomdigis-us24-million-talent-push-aims-address-malaysias-digital-skills-gap