IN conjunction with National Training Week (NTW) 2025, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) launched Trainerthon 2025 — an industry-driven initiative aimed at strengthening corporate skills development and fostering a culture of lifelong learning among Malaysian businesses.

Organised by and held at Bertam Resort and Water Park, Kepala Batas, Penang, the event brought together 1,000 participants from both the public and private sectors in a large-scale team-building programme, which set a new Malaysia Book of Records entry for the most corporate team building facilities in a resort.

HRD Corp Chief Programmes Officer Soffian Amin said Trainerthon 2025 is a key platform to empower the industry to take a more active role in human capital development and lifelong learning.

He said the initiative supports NTW 2025’s goal of fostering a culture of continuous learning—not just in technical training, but also in soft skills, which are vital in today’s economy.

“As an agency under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), HRD Corp is committed to upskilling and reskilling efforts, and positioning NTW as an open platform for accessible learning across all segments of society.

“Trainerthon 2025 reflects this vision, showing how experiential learning can help build a competitive future workforce,” he said at the closing ceremony.

Through NTW, he said HRD Corp is building an ecosystem where Malaysian companies of all sizes are empowered to take the lead in promoting lifelong learning among their workforce.

Soffian, who also serves as NTW chairman, added that Trainerthon 2025 exemplifies the value of public-private collaboration in driving national learning and skills development.

He said the programme reflects how the private sector is stepping up to champion innovation in corporate learning.

"It showcases a model where the government and industry work together to deliver scalable, impactful learning experiences that benefit employees and organisations alike.

"This is exactly the type of partnership HRD Corp seeks to foster under Malaysia's leadership in Asean Year of Skills 2025 by inspiring more cross-sector action to build a future-ready workforce," he said.

He said the programme offers an experiential learning approach that helps employees develop critical soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork and adaptability that are essential in the digital and Al-driven economy.

"More than just a ‘fun’ teambuilding exercise, it is a strategic tool for building agile, resilient teams — reflecting how Malaysian employers are reimagining learning for the future of work.”

A programme that is challenging yet rewarding

Participant S. Koamathi, 43, said it was her first time taking part in such an event. “I feel great, and I believe this is a valuable platform to enhance my skills both as an employee and a trainer,” she said.

Koamathi, a florist who runs a flower shop in Sungai Petani, said the programme also helped her develop new skills in team building, collaboration and critical thinking.

“It also taught us how to think strategically to achieve our goals and develop leadership qualities,” she added.

IT trainer Fazlu Muhyudin Syed Ibramsa, 36, who attended the programme with three of his employees, said the one-day event not only equipped him with new knowledge and skills, but also taught him the importance of effective communication and teamwork.

The programme also provided a great opportunity to connect with peers from other companies.

“The team-building activities helped us make new friends and improved our communication, collaboration and understanding of different workplace cultures,” he said, adding that he hopes similar programmes will be held regularly for their valuable experiences that go beyond the typical work environment.

Quality engineer Lee Khan En, 29, described the programme as a valuable opportunity to strengthen teamwork among participants.

“We had the chance to learn from one another’s ideas throughout the activities. Some of the challenges were tough, but they really pushed us to collaborate and rely on each other.”

Lee added that the programme also helped sharpen their social and interpersonal skills. “As someone who’s naturally introverted, it helped me become more confident in communicating and connecting with others,” he said, adding that the experience also exposed him to diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

According to Soffian, HRD Corp through NTW is building an ecosystem where Malaysian companies of all sizes are empowered to take the lead in promoting lifelong learning among their workforce.

A historic milestone for NTW 2025

The one-day event brought together 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds, who took on 25 gruelling checkpoints designed to test their physical endurance, mental resilience, and team spirit.

Trainerthon 2025 was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records in the category of “Most Facilities for Corporate Team Building in a Resort.”

Bertam Resort and Water Park manager Siti Fatimah Packeer Mohd described Trainerthon 2025 as a large-scale corporate team-building programme that blends physical, mental and collaborative challenges.

"The initiative not only embraces the concept of experiential learning, but also aligns with the objectives of NTW 2025 to cultivate a skilled and competitive workforce.

“This programme is designed to help each participant grow, both individually and as part of a stronger, more cohesive team. We’ve created a learning experience that focuses on soft skill development and fostering closer team connections,” she said.