First AWS Cohort Graduates Under RM4.3 Million AWS–Exabytes Talent Initiative
108 graduates complete first cohort, with early employability outcomes already recorded.
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 June 2026 — Amazon Web Services (AWS), Exabytes and Forward College today celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of 108 learners under the AWS training programme delivered through the Exabytes Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE), marking an important milestone in their shared effort to strengthen Malaysia’s digital talent pipeline and prepare more Malaysians for high-demand cloud and technology roles.
Held at Amazon Web Services (AWS-KUL15) Malaysia, the ceremony marks the first completed cohort under the broader RM4.3 million, two-year cloud and AI skills initiative launched earlier this year by AWS and Exabytes, with Forward College as delivery partner. Designed for Malaysians who are unemployed, underemployed or transitioning careers, the programme combines cloud training, certification pathways and career support, with hiring support from industry partners including Exabytes, Hiredly, AltShift, PAIX and Consurv Technic.
More than 15% of the first cohort had already secured interviews or employment opportunities before graduation, with the hiring partners also present at the graduation ceremony to connect with graduates and explore recruitment opportunities. One graduate who previously worked as an IT Executive has secured a Network Engineer role through the programme, demonstrating how industry-recognised cloud skills can help participants advance into more specialised, in-demand technology careers.
The milestone comes at a time of accelerating digital demand in Malaysia. By the end of Q3 2025, the country had recorded RM54.13 billion in approved Malaysia Digital investments, expected to create 21,815 high-value jobs, while digital exports reached RM6.8 billion across 2024 and the first half of 2025. As demand for cloud, AI and digital infrastructure talent continues to grow, the graduation offers a timely example of how industry-led training can translate directly into employability outcomes.
For AWS, the programme reflects a longer-term commitment to building local talent capacity through structured workforce pathways. Kirsten Gilbertson, Partner Organization Leader, AWS ASEAN, said, “A 2025 AWS survey of 1,000 businesses on their AI ambitions revealed that only 29% feel prepared with their current skillset. In fact, businesses say they would be willing to increase a salary offer by over 30% to a candidate with strong AI skills. Malaysia’s digital growth will depend on whether more people can move into cloud and AI-related roles with confidence and employer-ready skills. Through our collaboration with Exabytes and Forward College, we are helping more Malaysians move from potential to employability in a fast-growing digital economy.”
Howie Chang, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Forward College, said, “This programme combines technical training with employability support in a very deliberate way. Learners are not only exposed to cloud knowledge, but also hands-on practice, career coaching and employer readiness. We are already seeing strong momentum in the upcoming cohorts, with 271 participants in Cohort 2 and 341 in Cohort 3, which reflects growing demand for structured, industry-aligned pathways into digital careers.”
The programme sits within Exabytes’ broader Centre of Cloud Excellence (CCoE), which was established to accelerate digital transformation, talent development and innovation through a collaborative platform linking businesses, educators and cloud providers. The CCoE reflects a longer-term effort to create more practical, employer-facing pathways into the technology workforce.
Chan Kee Siak, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Exabytes, said, “This first graduation matters because it shows that talent development can deliver measurable outcomes when industry, education and technology partners work together with a clear employment objective. For us, success is not just about training completion, it is about opening real pathways into the digital economy for Malaysians who are ready to build new careers.”
The AWS–Exabytes initiative also includes the fully sponsored NitroDegree in Applied Software Engineering, with both tracks aimed at bridging Malaysia’s digital talent gap through structured learning, certification pathways and employment support.
As Malaysia advances its ambitions under MyDIGITAL and Malaysia Digital, initiatives like this highlight how industry, education and technology partners can work together to deliver measurable workforce outcomes. The first graduation cohort stands as an early but important milestone, demonstrating how targeted, inclusive talent development can help build a stronger, more future-ready digital workforce for the country.
Applications for upcoming cohorts under the AWS–Exabytes cloud skills initiative remain ongoing. To apply, visit https://www.exabytes.my/enterprise/ccoe.
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Exabytes Group
Founded in 2001, Exabytes Group is Southeast Asia’s leading AI-powered digital solutions provider, offering end-to-end capabilities across AI Hosting, Business Applications, Commerce, Digital and Enterprise solutions (ABCDE), serving over 160,000 customers in more than 120 countries worldwide. Driven by the mission “GROW Digital”, Exabytes helps businesses and communities accelerate their digital journeys through reliable, accessible, scalable and AI-driven solutions. Beyond commercial services, Exabytes supports digital inclusion through initiatives that uplift B40 youth, women entrepreneurs and underserved SMEs, through training, sponsorship and talent development programmes.
About AWS
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is guided by customer obsession, pace of innovation, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. By democratizing technology for nearly two decades and making cloud computing and generative AI accessible to organizations of every size and industry, AWS has built one of the fastest-growing enterprise technology businesses in history. Millions of customers trust AWS to accelerate innovation, transform their businesses, and shape the future. With the most comprehensive AI capabilities and global infrastructure footprint, AWS empowers builders to turn big ideas into reality. Learn more at aws.amazon.com and follow @AWSNewsroom.
Forward College
Based in Penang, Malaysia, Forward College is a technology and future-skills education institute that equips aspiring learners and working professionals with industry-ready skills for the digital age. With programmes co-designed by industry practitioners, Forward College emphasises real-world, hands-on learning and employer-aligned pathways. Its focus on employability, mentorship, and job placement connects learners directly to the digital workforce.
