Nippon Paint Malaysia Sdn Bhd ("Nippon Paint"), a leader in Total Coating & Construction Solutions, is taking bold steps to uplift the Klang Valley community through its "Akademi Painter" initiative.
This programme aims to train over 400 local entrepreneurs and painters, boosting economic growth by raising industry standards, creating job opportunities, and enhancing professional skills in the flourishing home renovation and construction market.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Malaysia's labour force participation rate reached 70.6% in 2024, yet skill-related underemployment remains a challenge. The Akademi Painter initiative addresses this issue by equipping local painters and entrepreneurs with valuable, in-demand skills that improve employability and income opportunities.
Aligned with Malaysia’s Madani Economy Vision 2030, the programme supports entrepreneurial growth and opens up employment opportunities. Nippon Paint Malaysia’s General Manager, Mr. Tay Sze Tuck, shared, “We are committed to supporting our local business owners, painters, and dealers, who are the backbone of our industry. Through upskilling initiatives like Akademi Painter, we strive to foster sustainable livelihoods, drive industry excellence, and contribute to the economic growth of Klang Valley. Ultimately, we aim to empower our painters to help Malaysians create beautiful homes by enhancing their skills and elevating painting standards.”
He added, “As much as we take pride in curating innovative, best-in-class products, proper application is just as crucial. The Akademi Painter initiative equips painters with the technical knowledge needed to understand customer requirements. It covers selecting the right products, using the correct application methods, and addressing common misconceptions. We are proud to be pioneers in offering this training programme, which is open to aspiring and established painters and entrepreneurs in the paint and construction industry.”
One success story from the initiative is Ahmad Faizal Bin Mustofa, the owner of Noble Resolve Enterprise Painting and previous winner of the Akademi Painter Best Supportive Content Creator award. He said, “Akademi Painter taught me how to market my business and enhance my painting skills, allowing me to deliver top-quality workmanship to my clients. I’m proud to say that my business has grown significantly these 10 years, and I’ve even been able to create job opportunities for my community.”
Adding another layer of support, Nippon Paint introduced an innovative tool called Partner Connect, designed to enhance collaboration and empower local entrepreneurs and painters. This app streamlines communication and fosters growth within our local applicator community.
As a testament to their dedication, Nippon Paint awarded program certificates to dealers and painters, along with the prestigious Best Nippon Paint Supporter’s Award, inspiring attendees and recognising their commitment.
Through the Akademi Painter initiative, we see how Nippon Paint continues to invest in the growth and success of local entrepreneurs and painters. By providing the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an evolving industry, this initiative not only raises industry standards but also contributes to the economic empowerment of our communities in Klang Valley.
For more information about the Akademi Painter programme, visit Nippon Paint Malaysia's website.
