Malaysia’s journey to net zero is a fast-unfolding national priority. But while advancements like solar farms and battery storage make headlines, a quieter revolution is taking place within lecture halls across the country. From environmental engineers to sustainability lawyers, a new generation of talents is emerging to power tomorrow’s clean energy systems. 

Globally, the clean energy transition is expected to generate 10.3 million net new jobs worldwide by 2030

Globally, the clean energy transition is expected to generate 10.3 million net new jobs worldwide by 2030. Here in Malaysia, the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) is projected to create over 300,000 new jobs by 2050, a tenfold increase from the 30,000 green jobs that were already available as of 2023.  

Capturing the full value of this transition will depend on how quickly Malaysia can cultivate the right talent with future-ready skillsets. The Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof underscored the urgent need for skilled local talent and technical expertise in fields like electrical engineering and nuclear technology, cautioning that without it, the country could remain reliant on foreign talent.

To build this foundation, PETRA is advancing national energy literacy through the Malaysia Energy Literacy Program (MELP) in collaboration with Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) as well as other key energy players. MELP is a nationwide initiative designed to help Malaysians better understand how energy is produced, used, and managed, while encouraging responsible consumption and informed decision-making in daily life.  

Beyond building foundational awareness, MELP supports the broader national goal of balancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability by equipping the public with credible, accessible energy knowledge. The programme reaches Malaysians from every walk of life including all levels of academic institutions through educational content, community engagement, and digital platforms, empowering individuals to make small changes that collectively drive meaningful impact.  

Complementing these efforts, some higher education institutions are translating energy literacy into specialised skills and professional expertise. While MELP provides a holistic understanding of Malaysia’s energy landscape at a national level, universities are offering focused modules and advanced courses aligned with the demands of a low-carbon economy and emerging green industries.  

For more information about MELP and its initiatives, please visit www.melp.my. 

The following 10 programmes offer a glimpse into how higher education is reshaping itself to prepare Malaysians for green jobs of the future. 

Futureproofing talents for a sustainable future 

Malaysia’s energy transition is not just about infrastructure, it’s about people. These 10 programmes are building the next generation of local talents who will lead the nation into a low-carbon energy future. This reflects more than just academic progress, it signals a shift in how Malaysia is preparing its next generation for the carbon-constrained world ahead.  

Together, MELP and higher education institutions share a common vision in building an informed society and a future-ready workforce that supports Malaysia’s long-term energy transition and decarbonisation agenda.

By aligning talent development with the demands of a decarbonising world, Malaysia can futureproof its energy sector and ensure that its most valuable resource isn’t just wind or sunlight, but human ingenuity.