KUALA LUMPUR, 22 January 2026 — Amazon Web Services (AWS) has entered into a RM4.3 million Social Impact Agreement with Exabytes to equip hundreds of Malaysians, particularly those from B40 and M40 communities (lower and middle-income households), with cloud computing and AI skills to meet the country’s fast-growing digital workforce demand. Forward College will serve as the delivery partner for the initiative.
The two-year initiative is part of the Exabytes’ Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE) and aims to bridge Malaysia’s digital talent gap through a fully sponsored Diploma in Applied Software Engineering (NitroDegree) and AWS re/Start, a cohort based workforce development training program. Both pathways are designed to prepare participants for employment opportunities in cloud computing, DevSecOps, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning engineering. Eligibility is based on an internal aptitude quiz and priority will be given to B40 families.
Malaysia’s digital economy has become a key pillar of national growth, with ICT and e-commerce contributing 23.4% of GDP based on the latest official figures, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Despite this strong momentum, the country continues to face a shortage of skilled digital talent, particularly in cloud and AI-related roles. Meanwhile, youth unemployment stood at 10.1% (ages 15–24) as of October 2025. The partners say this initiative directly addresses both challenges by creating a skills-to-jobs pipeline with certification, internship and job placement opportunities.
Under the agreement, AWS will provide Exabytes with approximately RM4.3 million in funding over two years (2026-2028), with disbursements tied to measurable program outcomes including student completions, AWS certifications achieved, and successful job placements. The initiative includes robust reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and track the program’s social impact. All graduates who meet performance standards will be well-placed to explore job opportunities through internships and full-time placements within Exabytes and its partner network.
“In partnership with AWS and Forward College, we’re building an end-to-end talent engine, from education to employment,” said Chan Kee Siak, Founder and CEO of Exabytes. “Through the Centre of Cloud Excellence, we’re helping customers and communities alike to grow digital, grow talent, and grow innovation. By prioritising B40 youth and enabling career-switchers from M40 communities, we’re helping Malaysians gain financial independence through future-ready digital careers.”
“This initiative represents AWS’s deep commitment to nation building in Malaysia. By investing in the AWS Malaysia Region, we’re building the next generation of digital leaders who will drive Malaysia’s innovation economy forward. From students taking their first steps in technology to career-switchers seeking new opportunities, we’re committed to developing AI fluency and cloud expertise at every stage of the talent pipeline. Malaysia has tremendous strengths as a regional technology hub, and through partnerships like this, we’re ensuring that Malaysians from all backgrounds have the skills and credentials to lead in the AI-powered future,” said Kirsten Gilbertson, Partner Organization Leader, AWS ASEAN.
Benefitting hundreds of Malaysian learners
The first track, the NitroDegree in Applied Software Engineering, will fully sponsor B40 youth aged 18–30 for a two-year programme delivered by Forward College. Covering full-stack development, networking and security, machine learning, Agile, UI/UX, Android and software entrepreneurship, it also includes an AWS Cloud Computing Fundamentals module. Graduates will complete a three-month internship and, subject to meeting the required academic and interview criteria, receive priority job placement with Exabytes or its partners. They will also earn an accredited Level 4 Diploma under the Department of Skills Development (JPK), Ministry of Human Resources (MoHR)
The second track, AWS re/Start, will train unemployed, underemployed or career-switching Malaysians aged 18 and above through a 12-week, instructor-led course requiring no prior IT background. Participants will acquire technical and professional skills for entry- to mid-level cloud roles, pursue AWS certification, and receive career coaching and job placement opportunities through the Exabytes and Forward College employer network, subject to meeting the required academic performance and interview criteria.
The Exabytes Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE) was established to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation and align with the nation’s vision of becoming a regional technology hub. Through its GROW Digital, GROW Talent and GROW Innovation pillars, the CCoE provides a collaborative platform for businesses, educators and cloud providers to innovate, train and scale together. It serves as both a learning ecosystem and a launchpad for new ideas, from SME cloud adoption and upskilling to entrepreneurship and community-driven innovation.
The launch follows AWS’s US$6.2 billion investment to develop its AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region, announced in 2024, which is expected to create thousands of high-skilled jobs and expand demand for certified cloud professionals nationwide.
Applications for both tracks will open via the Exabytes CCoE website, with recruitment and selection managed by Forward College.
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NitroDegree applicants must be Malaysians aged 18–30 with SPM, IGCSE or equivalent qualifications; priority will be given to B40 applicants.
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AWS re/Start applicants must be 18 and above, including fresh graduates and those seeking to transition into the tech industry.
Each track involves an aptitude test, interview and motivation assessment, ensuring the most dedicated learners receive access to these fully funded opportunities. To apply, visit https://www.exabytes.my/enterprise/ccoe.
