07/07/2026 09:45 PM

MINDEF Allocates RM2 Mln To Sponsor 258 MAF Personnel In WBL Diploma Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has allocated RM2 million to sponsor 258 Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) personnel to enrol in Cohort Two of the Work-Based Learning (WBL) 2.0 Diploma Programme, while an additional RM6.5 million has been set aside for the third cohort in the third quarter of this year.

Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (Management) Datin Roszanina Wahab said the RM6.5 million allocation would sponsor more personnel of other ranks from various service trades.

She said the programme recognises the work experience and skills of MAF personnel by mapping them against university academic curricula, thereby enhancing their employability after completing their service.

“The implementation of the WBL programme aligns with the Defence White Paper’s efforts to improve the socioeconomic status of veterans, assist them in securing second career opportunities and enable them to play a more active role in enhancing their employability.

“This programme also aligns with the National Defence Strategic Plan 2026-2030 through the strengthening of competent defence capacity,” she said when officiating the Ministry of Defence WBL 2.0 Diploma Programme Second Cohort, in collaboration with Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), here today.

Roszanina said the first cohort was implemented last year involving 461 MAF personnel, with 230 pursuing their studies at UPNM and another 231 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), adding that all of them compeleting their studies and are eligible to graduate this year.

Meanwhile, UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad said the university is ready to become a reference centre for the development of WBL academic programmes after becoming the first public university to develop three diploma programmes - Diploma in Logistics Management, Diploma in Business Administration and Diploma in Defence Technology Services - based on the approach in early 2025.

“This programme recognises the expertise, skills and work experience of other MAF rank personnel without the need for regular physical attendance at lectures at institutions of higher learning.

“Instead, academic qualifications are awarded based on the mapping of career experience to academic curricula, allowing students to receive diplomas recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA),” he said.

According to him, UPNM also plans to offer the Diploma in Defence and Security Operations and the Diploma in Defence Transportation Services from next year.

-- BERNAMA

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