JOHOR BAHRU, 10 July 2026 – QSR Brands through KFC Malaysia continues to play a leading role in developing Malaysia’s future workforce with the graduation of 37 students from Cohort 2 of the Akademi Dalam Industri (ADI) programme. The milestone reflects KFC Malaysia’s commitment to creating meaningful career pathways for young Malaysians by combining education with hands-on industry experience.
The graduates completed nearly two years of classroom learning and structured workplace training, aligning with Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen industry-education collaboration through vocational education. As the industry partner, KFC Malaysia provided students with real-world learning opportunities in its restaurants, enabling them to gain practical skills while completing their upper secondary education.
Established in June 2023, ADI is the first programme of its kind in Malaysia’s quick-service restaurant industry. The initiative was developed through a strategic collaboration and jointly developed by KFC Malaysia, the Department of Skills Development under the Ministry of Human Resources, and the Ministry of Education. As the pioneering private-sector industry partner under the ADI framework, KFC Malaysia contributed its operational expertise to help design and deliver the Fast Food Preparation and Services vocational syllabus, ensuring students acquire skills that meet industry needs.
Ts. Zulkernai Fauzi, Director of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Division at the Ministry of Education, said the programme represents a benchmark for industry-integrated vocational education.
“The ADI programme reflects the kind of industry-education integration we want to see more of. Students earn nationally recognised certifications while gaining real work experience. That is the direction we are moving in for technical and vocational education in Malaysia,” said Ts. Zulkernai.
The latest graduating cohort builds on the success of the inaugural intake of 23 students who completed the programme in March 2025, bringing the total number of ADI graduates trained through KFC Malaysia to 60.
Rozaini Mohd Sani, Chairman of Yayasan JCorp, said: “At Yayasan JCorp, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, regardless of their background. ADI is about creating opportunities that empower students to build confidence, develop practical skills and take meaningful steps towards a brighter future.
“The continued support of partners such as QSR Brands reflects our shared commitment to developing Malaysia’s future workforce. By bringing together education and industry, we are creating meaningful opportunities for young people to gain real-world exposure, grow in confidence and realise their full potential.”
Highlighting KFC Malaysia’s long-term commitment to talent development, Dr. Sharifah Musainah Syed Alwi, Chief People Officer of QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd, said the success of Cohort 2 demonstrates the effectiveness and sustainability of the programme.
“We are not just handing out certificates. These students were trained in actual KFC restaurants, handleD real operations and graduated with skills that are recognised and valued by the industry.
“At KFC Malaysia, we are committed to nurturing future talent and creating accessible career opportunities for young people. We remain committed to offering career pathways to graduates who choose to continue their professional journey with KFC Malaysia,” she said.
All 37 students, most of whom are underprivileged, were placed at KFC restaurants across Johor Bahru, where they underwent training based on the Fast-Food Preparation and Services vocational syllabus. Through direct exposure to restaurant operations, customer service, food preparation and workplace standards, students developed industry-relevant competencies that prepared them for future employment.
The cohort achieved outstanding results, recording a 100 per cent pass rate for both Mata Pelajaran Aliran Kemahiran (MPAK) and the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) Levels 2 and 3, while 95 per cent also passed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Each graduate received five qualifications: the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Vokasional (SPMV), SKM Level 2, SKM Level 3, a Certificate of Completion and a Brands Certification.
The Cohort 2 graduation ceremony also recognised outstanding achievements through awards for Best Apprentice (Industry Category), Best Apprentice (SPM Category) and Outstanding Logbook Achievement. More than 200 guests attended the event, including parents, school representatives, officials from the Johor State Education Department and officers from the Department of Skills Development, celebrating the achievements of students and the continued success of a programme that is helping shape Malaysia’s next generation of skilled talent.
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