Malaysia increased funding for its Work-Based Learning (WBL) programme supporting armed forces personnel from RM3 million to around RM9.9-10 million in 2026 [1, 2]. The programme aims to provide academic recognition based on skills and experience gained during military service [1, 2].

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said most military personnel join the armed forces with only an SPM qualification. Without intervention, they retire with the same qualifications, which limits their chances for better-paying jobs in a competitive labour market [2]. He added that service members accumulate skills and competencies over about 20 years, but these often lack formal certification recognized by employers [1]. "If we fail to resolve this issue at this stage, it will become a larger problem once they become veterans," he said [2].

The programme is fully government-funded and voluntary [2]. About 1,520 armed forces personnel are expected to benefit annually from WBL, which currently operates through 12 higher education institutions offering nearly 50 study programmes in areas such as business administration, culinary arts, defence technology, and logistics management [1, 2].

So far, 461 personnel have benefited from WBL, with 231 enrolled at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and 230 at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM). These participants are expected to graduate between November and December 2026 [1]. Certificates of completion were recently awarded to 36 participants of Cohort 1/2025, who began their studies in June 2025 [1]. Twenty-four new intakes for Cohort 2/2026 will begin studies in June 2026 [1].

Each year, about 5,000 armed forces personnel retire, mostly around age 41, with senior officers retiring at 55 [2]. The WBL programme allows retiring personnel to earn formal diplomas or qualifications awarded by universities after assessing their years of service, experience, and competencies [1, 2].

On May 29, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin launched the Defence Ministry’s WBL programme at Terendak Camp in Melaka, marking a step to expand academic recognition for military experience [1]. Earlier this month, he officiated the second phase launch of the expanded programme at Masjid Tanah [2].

The next major milestone will be the graduation of the 461 participants enrolled at UiTM and UPNM scheduled for November to December 2026 [1].