Malaysia is taking a significant step towards becoming a 5G and AI-powered digital economy with the launch of CD NXT, the flagship initiative by CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi).
The programme was officially launched by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and is designed to equip 5,000 young Malaysians with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and skills required to excel in the rapidly evolving fields of artificial intelligence, technology, data, and analytics.
CelcomDigi sees CD NXT as a strategic effort to create a new generation of digital leaders who will play a critical role in Malaysia’s economic and technological future. By nurturing talent with both technical skills and leadership capabilities, the company is helping the country achieve its ambition of becoming a global player in digital innovation.
What CD NXT Aims to Achieve?
CD NXT is a long-term programme designed to develop AI-native professionals who can lead Malaysia’s digital transformation. The initiative combines practical training, mentorship, and real-world project experience to ensure that participants are not only knowledgeable but also industry-ready from day one.
The programme is built on strong partnerships with technology companies and universities, ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with current and future industry demands. Participants will gain exposure to emerging technologies while developing skills that make them highly employable in a competitive job market.
CelcomDigi believes that the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people. CD NXT is a reflection of the company’s commitment to building a workforce that is future-ready, innovative, and capable of driving sustainable growth.
Three Key Programmes under CD NXT
Young Talent Programme (YTP)
This is a two-year development track for high-potential graduates, focusing on eight critical skills needed for the future workforce. These include AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, sustainability, data analytics, digital strategy, software development, and project management. Participants gain hands-on experience working on real projects while being mentored by industry experts.
CelcomDigi UniConnects
This programme acts as a bridge between universities and the industry. It aligns academic curricula with real-world digital demands, helping students graduate with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a technology-driven workplace. This approach improves graduate employability and ensures that industry needs are met efficiently.
Student Ambassador Programme
This initiative empowers students to become leaders and changemakers in digital inclusion and sustainability. Participants are trained to drive community projects, advocate for innovation, and contribute to initiatives that promote social and environmental responsibility alongside technological advancement.
During the launch, CelcomDigi welcomed the first 20 young talents into the programme. These individuals were selected from a highly competitive pool of 3,600 applicants through rigorous cognitive and panel assessments. Each participant represents some of the brightest emerging talent in Malaysia, chosen for their potential, creativity, and technical expertise.
The first cohort will serve as role models for future participants and demonstrate how young Malaysians can successfully develop advanced digital skills while contributing meaningfully to the nation’s transformation.
The Prime Minister also toured the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX), a hub of innovation developed with over 55 global and local partners. AiX showcases 61 ready-to-deploy AI and 5G solutions across eight key industries, including manufacturing, logistics, smart cities, healthcare, education, retail, finance, and energy.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri.
