First Batch Of 22 Youths Complete ADi Programme Organised By QSR Brands, Yayasan JCorp

JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 22 youths, mostly from B40 families, successfully completed their training as the first cohort of graduates from the Akademi Dalam Industri (ADi), opening up opportunities for careers and higher education.

QSR Brands stated in a press release that the programme, previously known as the National Dual Training System (SLDN) apprenticeship, was a collaboration between QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, Yayasan Johor Corporation (Yayasan JCorp), and the Johor State Education Department (JPNJ).

According to the statement, the initiative, led by the Ministry of Human Resources through the Department of Skills Development, was designed to provide practical vocational skills, thereby offering relevant industrial training to underprivileged youths, especially at KFC restaurants.

"Over the course of almost two years, the trainees balanced practical training at the restaurants with classroom learning, and as a result, they obtained Malaysian Skills Certificates Levels 2 and 3 in addition to the Malaysian Education Certificate (SPM).

"Furthermore, the graduates also received a KFC completion certificate, which provides a faster path to joining QSR Brands' growing workforce. QSR Brands is the first private company to act as an industry expert to train upper secondary students as KFC apprentices," the statement read.

Meanwhile, QSR Brands' Chief Human Resources Officer, Dr. Sharifah Musainah Syed Alwi, said the graduation of the first cohort was a proud moment for the company, in line with its commitment to guiding young talent and equipping them with the skills to succeed.

"We believe in the potential of the nation's youth and strive to guide them towards meaningful careers. Through the ADi programme, we are not only shaping the future of individuals but also strengthening the national workforce. We are even prouder that eight of the 22 graduates chose to continue their careers with KFC Malaysia, which is a clear testament to the opportunities and growth offered," she said.

Yayasan JCorp's Chief Executive Officer, Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman, added that the programme paves the way for youths, especially from B40 families, to acquire real-world skills that can change their life trajectory.

"We are always committed to empowering the younger generation. In the future, the ADi programme will be expanded to the healthcare sector through the JCorp group company, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, so that more youths have a pathway to success," she added.

Additionally, the Johor State Education and Information Committee Chairman, Aznan Tamin, said in his speech at the graduation ceremony held at the Sultan Abu Bakar Heritage Complex, Yayasan Warisan Johor, that the state government fully supports this initiative that provides opportunities for underprivileged students to build a better life.

"What is being celebrated (the graduation ceremony) proves that with the right support, the younger generation can overcome challenges and shape their own future.

"The success of these 22 students is in line with Johor's vision to produce talent that will drive the nation forward. We appreciate the efforts of QSR Brands and KFC in providing this excellent training programme," he said.

--BERNAMA