When Proton was established to produce the first Malaysian National Car, it also had the mission of developing the automotive industry at all levels. This industry was to be a catalyst for the country’s industrialisation, moving away from being just an agriculture-based economy.
Today, Proton is a leading corporation in the industry and naturally has a responsibility to also develop talent vital not only for itself but also for the industry. This is critical to achieving the company’s goal of becoming a global leader.
Demonstrating its dedication to the mission, Proton was a participant in the National Training Week (NTW) 2024 held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on last month.
Over 500 applications received
During the event, over 500 applications were received from aspiring candidates eager to join the company, highlighting the company’s appeal as a top employer in the industry.
Upskilling and reskilling the workforce, particularly in Electric Vehicle knowledge, remain top priorities for Proton with engineers and subject matter experts being actively sent for on-the-job training at Geely in China, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving automotive industries.
The automaker has crafted 7 strategic thrusts, with Talent Development standing out as one of the pivotal priorities. This strategic focus aims to tackle the multifaceted business challenges by nurturing staff experiences and cultivating homegrown leaders.
Proton Young Talent program
Aligning with the Human Capital department’s 10-year strategic roadmap, Proton is committed to investing in human capital growth and enhancing their capabilities. This is underscored by significant investments and strategic initiatives such as the Proton Young Talent (PYT) programme, a fast-track career development initiative.
PYT offers young talents multifunctional job rotations and project-based assignments to accelerate their skills. It began in 2018 and has so far seen the recruitment of 178 young talents, with 143 currently working in the company. The current plan calls for the hiring of over 100 new talents in 2024, increasing to double this number in the coming years.
Since 2022, Proton has invested over RM9.4 million in training and development programs, dedicating more than 100,000 training hours annually to ensure that future leaders of Malaysia’s automotive industry are well-prepared.
Aligned with DRB-HICOM’s strategy
This initiative aligns with the broader strategy of DRB-HICOM (Proton’s parent company) to develop the automotive industry in Malaysia through the establishment of the Automotive High Technology Valley (AHTV). The AHTV will foster advanced automotive technology and nurture a highly skilled workforce.
“Proton is deeply committed to nurturing the talents of our youth and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the automotive industry. Our involvement in the National Training Week reflects our dedication to continuous learning and innovation. By investing in our young talents and providing them with world-class training opportunities, we are not only shaping the future of Proton but also contributing to Malaysia’s ambition to become a leader in the automotive arena,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton.
Click here to know more about Proton’s Young Talent Development program