Curtin Malaysia equips rural youth with job-ready skills and AI know-how

Miri, Sarawak – 13 October 2026 – Rural youths are getting a head start in today’s competitive job market through a career-readiness workshop organised by the Faculty of Business at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), combining practical job-hunting skills with guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Future-Ready Kampung Youths workshop was designed to help young people from rural and village communities build the confidence, professional skills and digital awareness needed to navigate the transition from education to employment.

Led by Dr. Muhammad Imran Tanveer Opel, Senior Lecturer in Management and Marketing, and his project team, the programme covered essential aspects of career preparation, including CV writing, interview techniques, workplace communication and professional conduct.

Participants learned how to prepare clear, polished CVs tailored to prospective employers and practised responding to common interview questions through simulated interview scenarios. The sessions also highlighted workplace fundamentals such as punctuality, accountability, effective communication and teamwork.

A key focus was helping the participants understand how generative AI tools can support their career preparation without compromising authenticity or professional integrity.

“Young people need to understand how to use AI as a tool to strengthen their preparation, not as a substitute for their own abilities and experience,” Dr. Muhammad Imran said.

He noted that the participants were guided on using AI responsibly, including avoiding blindly copying AI-generated content, exaggerating their qualifications or experience, and sharing private information through digital platforms.

The workshop also featured Associate Professor Dr. Lew Tek Yew, a Human Resource Management specialist, who shared practical insights into employer expectations, interview techniques and effective workplace communication.

Dr. Lew facilitated mock interviews and workplace communication exercises, giving the participants opportunities to practise presenting themselves professionally and responding to realistic employment situations.

By combining practical career preparation with responsible digital technology use, the workshop addressed two important aspects of workforce readiness: the ability to demonstrate relevant professional skills and the confidence to navigate an increasingly technology-driven employment landscape.

The initiative reflects Curtin Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, inclusive education and regional development. By extending career guidance and digital skills training to rural communities, the university aims to help more young Malaysians prepare for employment opportunities and participate in the evolving economy.

As AI and digitalisation continue to reshape recruitment and workplace practices, initiatives such as Future-Ready Kampung Youths can help bridge the gap between rural talent and changing employer expectations.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Dr. Muhammad Imran guides participants on effective CV writing.

Dr. Lew shares interview tips and workplace communication skills.

Workshop facilitators with participants of Future-Ready Kampung Youths.