Aspiration to grow 5,000 future-ready Malaysian talent to lead the charge in AI-driven industries
PETALING JAYA, 26 August 2025 – Malaysia’s Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, today officiated the launch of CD:NXT, CelcomDigi Berhad’s (CelcomDigi) flagship initiative to develop Malaysia’s next-generation of digital leaders. This strategic programme marks a bold step forward in Malaysia’s journey to becoming a 5G-AI powered digital economy, with CelcomDigi committing to equip 5,000 Malaysian youth with knowledge, hands-on experience, and future-ready skills in AI, technology, data, and analytics.
CD:NXT is a long-term strategic initiative by CelcomDigi to cultivate a new generation of AI-native professionals who will lead Malaysia’s digital transformation. Built on strategic collaborations with technology and university partners, the programme delivers a comprehensive, industry-aligned curriculum and job roles focused on critical digital competencies aimed at enhancing employability and nurturing changemakers committed to sustainability and inclusive growth.
CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi said, “We believe the strength of a digital nation lies in the potential of its people. CD:NXT reflects our long-term commitment to shaping a generation of Malaysians who are equipped with the right skills, mindset, and confidence to lead an industry defined by 5G and AI today, and next-generation technology and innovation. This talent initiative is part of our broader role in advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions by nurturing thinkers, builders, and leaders who will drive the nation’s digital and economic future. We are pleased these young talents will not only join our workforce but drive the industry forward. It is about building industry-ready professionals, AI natives who see this as part of their own development growth journey.”
At the launch, CelcomDigi welcomed the first cohort of 20 promising young talents into its CD:NXT Young Talent Programme — a group meticulously selected from a highly competitive pool of 3,600 applicants through rigorous cognitive and panel assessments, evaluated by various leadership layers in CelcomDigi. These individuals represent the nation’s brightest emerging talent, chosen for their exceptional potential and expertise across critical digital fields.
CD:NXT will build a future-ready AI talent pipeline through three key programmes:
Accelerating innovation and adoption of 5G-AI solutions with CelcomDigi AiX
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to tour the CelcomDigi AI Experience Centre (AiX) — the company’s immersive innovation hub developed with over 55 global and local partners. The AiX features 61 ready-to-deploy use cases across industries eight (8) key verticals such as manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities, with 25 active pilots already in progress.
The AiX supports Malaysian enterprises in adopting digital and AI solutions by providing proven technologies and expert guidance to enhance productivity and scale innovations both domestically and internationally. These initiatives highlight Malaysia’s ability to deliver scalable, exportable innovations and foster cross-border collaborations, strengthening the nation’s position in the global digital economy.
With CD:NXT, CelcomDigi is investing in young talent as a powerful driver of Malaysia’s digital future. By empowering young Malaysians with the skills and mindset to thrive in a 5G-AI world, CelcomDigi is helping to build a digitally advanced nation that competes globally and grows inclusively.
