AMID a mismatch between industry demand and graduates’ skills readiness, Rehda Institute has broadened its focus beyond built environment training to support national talent development.
Its latest venture, the Rehda Institute Youth Initiative (Riyi), is a year-long programme designed to equip final-year university students and recent graduates with future-ready skills for Malaysia’s key industries, says Rehda Institute chair Datuk Jeffrey Ng Tiong Lip.
“Riyi bridges academia and industry through corporate mentorship. It aims to enhance youth employability, close critical skills gaps, and strengthen the national talent pipeline to nurture Malaysia’s future leaders,” he explained.
According to Ng, who unveiled the first batch of Riyi candidates on the sidelines of the Rehda CEO Series 2026 in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Jan 15, selected students will have access to mentors from diverse backgrounds.
“Mentors are chosen not only for their seniority but also for their willingness to actively engage.
“Students gain exposure to real workplace realities, including career pathways, corporate culture, leadership expectations, problem-solving and decision-making. Mentorship sessions address topics such as transitioning from university to work, navigating early career choices, professional conduct, and long-term career planning,” he said.
Riyi mentor Faizul Ridzuan (pic), founder and chief executive officer of FAR Capital, a financial and property advisory firm, said the programme is a great opportunity to give back to society.
“I am proud and honoured to partner with Rehda on this wonderful initiative. It is a chance to groom young talent, and teaching is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
A collaborative effort involving Rehda Youth leaders – the youth wing of Rehda – Riyi has the support of Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd and the Human Resources Ministry.
Partner universities include Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Unimap), Universiti Teknologi Mara, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia, UCSI University, INTI University, HELP University, Taylor’s University, Sunway University, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, and Monash University Malaysia.
Next-gen leaders in the making
THE top three winners of Rehda Institute’s Malaysian Leaders of Tomorrow Challenge (MLTC) 2026 are among the top 50 students selected for the inaugural Riyi corporate mentorship programme. Here, they share their hopes with StarEdu.
The conversations I had through the MLTC taught me how to articulate my ideas by asking meaningful questions and to present myself with confidence and professionalism in ways no textbook could ever teach.
I learnt that executive-level leadership is defined not by titles alone, but by clarity of thought and patience in decision-making. It affirmed that CEO-level confidence is built early through embracing unconventional approaches and a willingness to learn continuously.
I hope the Riyi programme will strengthen my ability to think strategically, communicate with intent, and approach my career with a long-term leadership mindset.
Champion Tamilhselvi Selvanathan, Monash University Malaysia business psychology student
What excites me most about Riyi is the prospect of learning directly from leaders like Datuk Jeffrey Ng. I’ve always believed that innovation thrives at the intersection of fresh ideas and experienced guidance.
This mentorship programme represents a rare opportunity for students like me to gain invaluable industry exposure, refine our professional capabilities, and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape.
Runner-up Mohamad Harith Irfan Mohd Sadri, Unimap international business student
I was an exchange student at the University of Hong Kong in 2024. That experience reshaped how I view Malaysia. As someone who is deeply interested in unique life experiences combined with everyday convenience, I once believed that such qualities were found mainly in cities like Hong Kong.
Over time, however, I began to recognise and appreciate the emotional value and growing potential that Malaysia offers.
I look forward to the year-long mentorship and professional development journey that connects young talent with industry leaders.
Second runner-up Yap Huan Ying, USM human resource management and psychology student
