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This Spotlight is sponsored by HRDCORP.
Every community has stories of determination waiting to be heard.
For Malaysia's Indian community, many such stories are being written through the Malaysian Indian Skills Initiative (MISI).
Implemented by HRD Corp and TalentCorp under the The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), MISI offers specialised skills training and job placements in fields like technology, electrical and electronics (E&E), and automotive services.
But beyond the statistics and achievements, MISI's greatest success lies in the people whose lives have been transformed.
Here are five inspirational success stories resulting from MISI's efforts:
1. Pravin Raj was given a chance to become his family's breadwinner
When Pravin Raj A/L Muralitharan's father could no longer work after an accident, he knew it was his turn to carry the family's responsibilities.
"My mother worked alone. I saw how tired she was every day. I promised myself I must help her," he said.
After months of unemployment, Pravin joined the MISI Software Developer Programme, gaining practical IT skills that matched real industry needs. Shortly after completing his training, he landed a job as a Software Engineer at DELL Global Business Centre, earning RM5,100 a month.
"The day I got the job, I immediately called my mother. She cried. But this time, it was tears of joy," he said.
2. Kavinash found a way to showcase his creativity despite his disability
Since birth, Kavinash A/L Sri Murugan has lived in silence due to a hearing impairment. But through photography and video editing, he found a new way to express himself.
"I can't hear music, but I can feel the rhythm through visuals," he said.
Through the AI-Powered Photography & Visual Editing course under MISI, Kavinash mastered cutting-edge tools that helped him create powerful visual stories.
Today, he's a digital influencer and content creator who uses technology to share his art and inspire others with disabilities.
"This training changed my life. I'm more confident, more independent, and I know I can also succeed," he said.
Kavinash's journey has proven that ability comes in many forms, and that with the right guidance, every talent can shine.
3. Kalaiarasan gained enough skills to become a car detailing specialist
Before joining MISI, Kalaiarasan A/L Karunanithi had no prior experience in the automotive field. But after signing up for the Automotive Car Detailing Technician Level 2 (TVET Programme), he discovered a new passion.
Through the course, he learned how to handle professional tools and perform paint protection film (PPF) installations.
Today, Kalaiarasan works full-time as a Car Detailing Technician at Prestige Detailing 63, serving high-profile clients and luxury vehicles.
"Before MISI, I had no experience. After the training, I not only got certified but also gained confidence to build a career.
"Now I'm proud to be part of this industry," he said.
4. Madhuumithaa found a way to ease her family's burden
For Madhuumithaa A/P Simon, 26, from Bukit Mertajam, the opportunity arrived just in time.
After earning a degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering with Management, she struggled to find her footing and was unemployed for nearly two months.
But things took a turn when she joined MISI's Front End Wafer Fabrication Process Programme under the E&E sector.
Upon completing the course, she secured a position at Jabil Circuit as a mechanical engineer, engineer-in-training (EIT), earning RM3,550 a month.
"I'm grateful this opportunity came when I really needed direction. This programme not only gave me skills but also the confidence to start over," she said.
So far, more than 1,500 trainees have benefited from HRD Corp's MISI programme in 2025
With focus areas including E&E, information technology, AI, and cybersecurity, most participants have successfully landed jobs earning between RM2,000 and RM6,000 a month.
"The goal of MISI is to ensure that the skills training provided is truly impactful and capable of changing their lives," said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
"We're not just giving them fish or fishing rods, but speed boats and large nets so that they can continuously improve their standard of living," he added.
In the spirit of Deepavali, KESUMA and HRD Corp wishes all Malaysians joy and the opportunity for new beginnings!
If you're keen to apply or learn more about MISI's training opportunities, visit the official page here.
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