For 22 young Malaysians, the graduation on 9 September marked more than an event, it was the start of a new future. Hailing mostly from B40 families, these students became the first cohort to graduate from Akademi Dalam Industri (ADi), formerly known as Sistem Latihan Dual Nasional (SLDN) Apprenticeship Programme, walking away with national skills certifications and a ticket to a better higher education opportunity and employment.
The country’s first-ever SLDN or ADi programme is a collaboration between QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd (QSR Brands), Yayasan JCorp and Johor State Education Department (JPNJ) tailored for upper secondary school students to be trained as KFC apprentices, QSR Brands being the first private sector to collaborate as the industry expert.
The initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Resources through the Department of Skills Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran) is designed to provide vocational skills, and aims to open doors for underprivileged youths through hands-on training that directly meets industry needs, particularly in KFC restaurants.
Marking the occasion, Johor State Executive Councillor for Education and Information, YB Tuan Aznan Tamin commended this initiative, “The State Government of Johor fully supports the initiative and opportunities offered to underprivileged students, helping them build better lives.”
“What we celebrate today is proof that with the right support, our youths can rise above challenges and shape their destinies, empowering them, as evident by the 22 students graduating today. This initiative aligns with Johor’s vision to nurture talents that will drive the nation forward and we commend QSR Brands and KFC for giving their best training programme,” he added.
The apprentices, all based in Johor Bahru, spent nearly two years balancing real-world restaurant training with classroom learning, earning Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM Level 2 & 3) along with their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia. Graduates also received a KFC completion certificate, putting them on a fast-track path into QSR Brands’ growing team.
Dr. Sharifah Musainah Syed Alwi, Chief People Officer of QSR Brands said, “The graduation of this first batch marks a proud milestone for QSR Brands, as we remain deeply committed to nurturing young talent and equipping them with the tools to succeed.”
“We believe in unlocking the potential of young Malaysians and guiding them towards meaningful careers. Through the ADi programme, we are not only shaping individual futures but also strengthening Malaysia’s workforce. We are especially proud that 8 of the 22 graduates have chosen to continue their career journey with KFC Malaysia, a testament to the opportunities and growth the programme provides,” she added.
Meanwhile, Puan Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan JCorp, said, “The ADI programme represents hope and opportunity. It opens doors for youths, especially from B40 families, to gain real skills that can change the course of their lives.”
“As the “Membela” arm of Johor Corporation, Yayasan JCorp is committed to empowering the next generation. Moving forward, the ADi programme has been expanded beyond the food services sector into healthcare through JCorp’s group company, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, ensuring more young people have pathways to success.”
The graduation held at Kompleks Warisan Sultan Abu Bakar, Yayasan Warisan Johor, gathered parents, education leaders, and industry partners, all united in celebrating a new chapter for the apprentices. The success of this first cohort serves as motivation for other young Malaysians to embrace similar vocational pathways that lead to meaningful employment and brighter futures.
The ADi Graduation celebrates the achievements of students who have successfully completed the dual training program. It highlights the importance of combining hands-on experience with formal education to develop a skilled workforce. It also strengthens the relationship between educational institutions and industries and inspires current and future students to pursue similar training programmes.
The press release is provided by QSR Brands.
