SANDAKAN, 18 July 2026 – The fourth edition of National Training Week (NTW) was launched today, reaffirming the continued commitment of Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) and the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) to strengthen the culture of lifelong learning and expand access to upskilling opportunities for all Malaysians.

The launch ceremony held at Dewan Masyarakat Sandakan was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Human Resources, YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, marking Sandakan as the first location in Borneo to host the NTW launch since the initiative was introduced in 2023.

Themed ‘Learn, Grow, Elevate’, NTW 2026 will be held nationwide from 20 to 26 July 2026, offering thousands of free courses and learning activities open to all Malaysians regardless of age, background or occupation, including students, employees, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, gig workers, homemakers and retirees.

Courses offered under NTW 2026 include AI Prompting, digital marketing, autism support programmes, AI animation, drone handling, autism support, senior citizen health and mobility assistance, multilingual courses, technical skills and vehicle maintenance, entrepreneurship and many more.

Speaking at the launch of NTW 2026, Deputy Minister of Human Resources YB Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that National Training Week is an important Government initiative to expand access to upskilling opportunities while fostering a culture of lifelong learning among Malaysians.

“National Training Week is more than just an annual programme. It is a national movement to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning among Malaysians. In line with this year’s theme, ‘Learn, Grow. Elevate’, we want to ensure that opportunities for skills development are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background or location. What matters most is the willingness to keep learning, because when people continue to upskill themselves, the nation will continue to progress,” said Datuk Khairul Firdaus.

He added, “The selection of Sandakan as the launch venue is more than just an honour for Sabah. It is also a recognition of the state’s important role in Malaysia’s human capital development agenda.”

Meanwhile, HRD Corp Chairman Datuk Rusli Jaafar said that lifelong learning must be translated into easily accessible learning opportunities for all Malaysians.

Lifelong learning is no longer a choice, but a necessity. That is why National Training Week was introduced, to make quality learning opportunities more accessible to all Malaysians. The NTW will take place nationwide from 20 to 26 July, offering thousands of free training courses through the collective efforts of the Government, industry players, training institutions and strategic partners working together to bring more learning opportunities to the people,” he said.

Today’s launch ceremony also saw the presentation of incentives to 149 outstanding SPM 2025 students from Parliament Batu Sapi, in recognition of their academic excellence and as encouragement for them to continue their education and upskilling journey.

Visitors also had the opportunity to take part in a full day of activities at the training carnival held in conjunction with the NTW launch, including knowledge-sharing sessions, free training, training provider booths, interactive exhibits and career development and upskilling advisory services.

The NTW 2026 campaign will continue nationwide before culminating at the Kemuncak NTW 2026 closing ceremony, scheduled to take place on 25 and 26 July 2026 in Penang.

Members of the public can access the official NTW portal throughout the year to explore the wide range of learning opportunities and training courses available at www.nationaltrainingweek.gov.my.