Terry KS Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has launched CelcomDigi’s CD:NXT programme, aimed at equipping 5,000 youths with AI, data, and digital technology skills. The initiative will cultivate industry-ready leaders to drive Malaysia’s 5G-AI powered digital economy.
MALAYSIA, 27 AUGUST 2025 – Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, today officiated the launch of CD:NXT, CelcomDigi Berhad’s flagship initiative to develop the country’s next generation of digital leaders. The long-term programme is designed to equip 5,000 Malaysian youth with future-ready skills in artificial intelligence (AI), technology, data, and analytics — building a workforce to lead Malaysia’s transformation into a 5G-AI powered digital economy.
CD:NXT aims to nurture AI-native professionals through strategic collaborations with technology and university partners. Offering an industry-aligned curriculum and targeted job roles, the initiative focuses on enhancing employability and developing changemakers committed to sustainability and inclusive growth.
“We believe the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people,” said CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi. “CD:NXT reflects our commitment to shaping a generation equipped to lead industries defined by 5G and AI, while driving Malaysia’s digital and economic ambitions forward.”
At the launch, CelcomDigi introduced the first cohort of 20 outstanding young talents selected from 3,600 applicants through rigorous assessments. These candidates, chosen for their expertise in critical digital disciplines, will embark on a two-year Young Talent Programme (YTP) covering eight future-critical skills including AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and sustainability.
CD:NXT’s talent pipeline is anchored on three programmes:
- Young Talent Programme (YTP): A two-year track for high-potential graduates.
- CelcomDigi UniConnects: Aligning university curricula with real-world digital requirements to enhance employability.
- Student Ambassador Programme: Empowering students to lead on digital inclusion and sustainability initiatives.
The launch also featured a tour of the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX), an innovation hub developed with over 55 partners, showcasing 61 ready-to-deploy solutions across eight industry verticals — from manufacturing to smart cities — with 25 pilots already underway.
By investing in young talent and fostering AI innovation, CelcomDigi is reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a competitive and inclusive digital economy, ready to deliver scalable technologies and cross-border collaborations.