On 17 March 2025, H.E. Miss Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, was invited to the Launching of the Premier Employer Network (PEN) of the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) under the purview of the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia (KESUMA). The Launch was presided over by YBhg. Datuk Azman Bin Mohd Yusof, Secretary-General of the KESUMA, whereby HRD Corp executives, led by YBhg. Datuk Wira Shahul Dawood, Chief Executive Officer, along with foreign ambassadors and representatives from foreign embassies in Malaysia, including Ms. Tarinee Limchularattana, Minister Counsellor (Labour) of the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, as well as representatives from the Malaysian private sector, were in attendance.

 

The Premier Employer Network (PEN) is an initiative by HRD Corp to strengthen targeted workforce development and increase Malaysia’s industry competitiveness. Through PEN, leading employers in Malaysia are encouraged to collaborate with the government in implementing necessary upskilling and retraining programmes for their employees by utilising the HRS Corp’s levy grant system. Starting 1 June 2025, PEN employers will receive additional benefits from HRD Corp, such as access to a network of Learning and Development (L&D) experts, flexible levy utilisation, and approval fast track for HRD Corp’s services, among others.