MCMC and Huawei Malaysia Strengthen National Talent with 126 New Digital Leaders
TLDR
- MCMC and Huawei Malaysia celebrate the graduation of 126 senior leaders from the 2nd and 3rd cohorts of the Digital Leadership Excellence (DLE) Programme.
- A total of 176 leaders have now been trained since the programme’s inception in 2024.
- The initiative aims to produce 300 digital leaders by the end of 2026 to drive Malaysia’s digital economy.
- Curriculum covers 5G, AI, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Green Tech, with a focus on real-world capstone projects.
In a major boost to Malaysia’s human capital development, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) celebrated a significant milestone in their joint talent development journey. On 11 May 2026, a graduation ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur for 126 senior leaders who successfully completed the Digital Leadership Excellence (DLE) Programme.
Spanning government, academia, and private industry, these graduates represent the vanguard of Malaysia’s efforts to translate high-level digital ambitions into tangible societal and economic outcomes. The programme was originally inspired by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 2023 call for enhanced digital leadership, positioning this collaboration as a direct response to national strategic priorities.
Scaling the DLE Programme: On Track for 2026 Goals
The DLE Programme is a rigorous, four-month intensive hybrid learning experience. The recent graduation ceremony honored two distinct groups:
- Cohort 2: 60 senior leaders who completed the course in June 2025.
- Cohort 3: 66 senior leaders who finished in October 2025.
Combined with the 50 graduates from the inaugural 2024 cohort, the programme has successfully upskilled 176 digital leaders to date. With the fourth cohort currently in progress and the fifth expected to conclude later this year, MCMC and Huawei are well-positioned to reach their ultimate target of 300 certified digital leaders by 2026.
Beyond Theory: Applied Leadership and Emerging Tech
The DLE curriculum is designed to move beyond academic theory, focusing instead on applied leadership development. Participants are given immersive exposure to the “Big Five” technologies shaping the modern world:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- 5G Connectivity
- Cloud Computing & Big Data
- Cybersecurity
- Green Technology
“Digital transformation calls for leaders who can look beyond technology itself and focus on how it can solve real problems, strengthen organisations, and improve lives.” — Mr. Simon Sun, CEO of Huawei Malaysia.
Impact Across Sectors: From Tenaga Nasional to CIMB
The diversity of the graduates underscores the programme’s cross-sectoral impact. Notable alumni shared their experiences:
- Industry: Mohd Saiful Nizam bin Rahimi (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) highlighted the strategic value of exchanging ideas with global experts to drive ecosystem-wide impact.
- Finance: Danny Chan Tzu Zhung (CIMB Investment Bank) described the programme as a transition from being a “passive supporter” to an “active change-maker.”
- Academia: Dr. Norilmi Amilia (Universiti Sains Malaysia) emphasized that the programme “unites minds to move nations forward.”
A core requirement of the programme is the completion of capstone projects. These projects addressed critical national pillars, including healthcare, financial security, agriculture, and social inclusion, ensuring that the skills learned are immediately applied to Malaysia’s most pressing challenges.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for a Digital Economy
The partnership between MCMC and Huawei Malaysia reflects a long-term commitment to nurturing a future-ready leadership class. By equipping decision-makers with the technical literacy and strategic foresight needed to navigate the digital age, the DLE Programme serves as a foundational pillar for Malaysia’s inclusive and resilient digital economy.
