The HRD Awards 2025 honoured organisations and leaders who are raising the bar for Malaysia’s human capital development and driving the nation towards a more dynamic and resilient workforce.
A nation’s most valuable asset is its people, and the HRD Awards 2025 celebrated those who are shaping Malaysia’s workforce for the future.
For the 23rd edition of the prestigious HRD Awards, employers, training providers, and trainers showcased how innovation, resilience, and inclusive learning are redefining workforce excellence.
Organised by the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) with support from the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), the gala dinner at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) brought together leaders driving human capital development across the country.
Since its inception in 2001, the HRD Awards has established itself as Malaysia’s benchmark for human resource excellence.
This year, a record 770 submissions were received, underscoring growing recognition that human capital is the foundation of sustainable national development.
“This remarkable participation reflects a growing awareness that human capital is the foundation of sustainable and inclusive national development,” said KESUMA secretary general Datuk Azman Mohd Yusof.
“No matter how advanced our technology or infrastructure, ultimately, the skills, creativity, and resilience of our people will determine the future direction of this country.”
Datuk Azman underscored the importance of strategic, future-ready skills development.
HRD Corp chief executive Dr Syed Alwi Mohamed Sultan described the awards as more than a celebration.
“Excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey of growth and impact,” he said.
“Each recipient represents the future of Malaysia’s human resource landscape, inspiring others to embrace lifelong learning and workforce innovation.”
A spotlight on excellence and leadership
This year, forty awards were presented across seven categories, recognising excellence in leadership, innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning.
Among the gold award recipients, the Learning and Development Icon Award went to Muniandy Arigasamy of Flextronics Technology (Penang) Sdn Bhd, celebrated as an exemplary human resources (HR) leader whose work has left a lasting mark on both his organisation and the nation.
The Human Resource Minister Award for Trainer category was presented to Captain Dr Shan Moorthi (Retd), honoured for achieving the highest level of excellence in human capital and learning development.
Three organisations were recognised under the Human Resource Minister Award for small and medium-sized enterprises, mid-large and large employers, reflecting their outstanding commitment to workforce development.
The Asean Year of Skills (AYOS) Special Recognition Award highlighted two visionary leaders, Datuk J. Palaniappan and Dr Akiko Sakamoto, whose contributions have advanced regional collaboration and innovation in human capital development under the AYOS 2025 initiative.
The AYOS awards underscore Malaysia’s growing role in shaping a future-ready Asean workforce.
Datuk Palaniappan, executive chairman of the Asean Future Workforce Council, has played a pivotal role in strengthening TVET and skills development policies, bridging the gap between industry and education across the region.
Dr Sakamoto of the International Labour Organisation has provided technical guidance for AYOS initiatives, helping align training systems with emerging economic needs and promoting inclusive, resilient skills ecosystems.
Raising industry standards
The awards aim to do more than recognise achievement; they set benchmarks for HR best practices, catalyse positive change, and enhance employer branding.
Through rigorous multi-stage evaluation, judging panels comprising industry experts and HRD Corp leaders assessed submissions on strategic impact, innovation, inclusivity and business sustainability.
Datuk Azman stressed the importance of collaboration. “Excellence in human capital development cannot be achieved alone; it is realised through a shared vision, strong partnerships, and recognition that skills are the foundation of Malaysia’s future competitiveness,” he said.
HRD Corp’s mission is to uplift skills, opportunities, and pathways for all Malaysians, says Dr Syed.
Dr Syed Alwi highlighted the HRD Awards’ evolving focus: “From training achievements to visionary leadership, innovation in learning and development, and sustainable people practices, these awards showcase how organisations can nurture talent, adapt to economic changes and contribute to national and regional growth.”
Inspiring change
The 2025 edition marks a new era of inclusivity, with refined award categories and a strengthened evaluation framework.
The HRD Awards dinner brought industry, government and training leaders together for an evening of recognition and inspiration.
The reintroduction of the Learning & Development Icon Award and the division of large employer categories into Large and Mid-Large segments reflect HRD Corp’s commitment to recognising diverse contributions across industries.
With support from key national bodies, including the Malaysian Employers Federation, SME Corp Malaysia, TalentCorp, MDEC, and Malaysia Productivity Corporation, HRD Corp continues to build a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce.
The HRD Awards 2025 demonstrates that investing in people is not just an organisational imperative, but a national mission with regional impact.
Malaysia’s workforce is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow, driven by innovation, collaboration and a commitment to lifelong learning.
For the complete list of winners and more information about the HRD Awards 2025, visit hrdcorp.gov.my/hrd-awards-2025.
