FutureReady (Employability Upskilling Programme) 2026 Application Is Open

FUTUREREADY TODAY, SUCCEED TOMORROW

[Kuala Lumpur, 9/6/2026] - While more young Malaysians are earning university degrees than ever before, many youth from underserved backgrounds still face challenges in translating their qualifications into meaningtul career opportunities and upward economic mobility. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, 41% of 25 - 34 year-old youth face skill-related underemployment, highlighting a growing need to better support youth to transition from education to employment and thrive.

Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR) believes that while talent is everywhere; opportunity is not.

To bridge this gap, YTAR has launched applications for FutureReady, its flagship employability upskilling programme. The programme aims to equip university students and unemployed recent graduates with skills, knowledge and experience to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Applications for the programme are open at www.yayasantar.org.my/futureready. The programme is fully funded for all participants with the support of CIMB Foundation.

"Today's youth are entering a workforce that is evolving faster than ever before," says Kularetnam Vijayakumar, CEO of YTAR. "Through FutureReady, we are committed to support youth to further develop their capabilities, capacities and confidence in their career and the world beyond, in line with YTAR's belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background."

Programme Highlights

Throughout the 5-month programme, participants can expect to develop foundational and transferable employability and career-readiness skills through a specially curated, beginner-friendly curriculum. Participants will undergo a series of conferences, workshops and mentorship opportunities conducted both physically in Kuala Lumpur as well as virtually, which will expand their professional network and build confidence to transition into the workforce.

Participants will also have the opportunity to work on real-world social challenges, gaining practical experience that strengthens their portfolios and prepares them for future career opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme is open to Malaysian university students undertaking an undergraduate degree in a local public or private MQA-certified university, who are from low-income and high-need backgrounds. Final-year/penultimate year students and unemployed fresh graduates are especially welcome to apply.

Melody Wong Jie, an alumnus from the previous cohort, shared her experience: "FutureReady taught me that growth doesn't happen overnight, it happens when you choose to keep trying. With mentors who believed in me and inspired me, I learned that progress is built through practice, and that my future is something I can shape, one step at a time." Melody has since graduated and secured a role at Mastercard as an Associate Consultant.

The FutureReady programme is powered by Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman with CIMB Foundation as an Impact Partner. Applications are now open at www.yayasantar.org.my/futureready.