Proton has emerged as the sector leader in the automotive industry and clinched the prestigious Fastest Moving Employer title at the Malaysia’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers 2024 Awards (M100). These dual achievements highlight the national automotive brand as the top choice among graduates, marking a significant milestone in Proton’s journey.
In its first-ever win in the automotive category during the 17th edition of the M100 Awards, Proton surpassed two other prominent original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Fastest Moving Employer title further underscored its rise, as Proton soared from 86th place in the overall rankings in 2023 to 44th this year.
A key driver of Proton’s success is its commitment to nurturing young talent through initiatives like the Proton Young Talents (PYT) programme. Launched in 2018, this programme focuses on recruiting and developing high-potential graduates, equipping them to become future leaders and innovators in the automotive sector. Currently, the PYT programme boasts a cohort of 210 participants, with 72% from technical backgrounds and 28% from non-technical fields. Over the past seven years, 259 PYT graduates have joined Proton, including 110 recruits this year, achieving an impressive 81% retention rate.
The awards ceremony, hosted at the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur on November 7th, recognized top graduate employers across 18 industries, including banking, consulting, retail, and hospitality. Organized by GTI Malaysia, the event relied on insights from a comprehensive graduate employment survey that gathered 44,924 student votes from 220 campus events across 169 universities, including Albukhary International University. The survey, conducted from January to September, analyzed key factors influencing graduate job preferences, such as leadership, career development, work-life balance, salary expectations, and job security.
Notably, 85.7% of respondents expressed concerns about the cost of living in Malaysian cities, with expected graduate salaries ranging between RM3,000 and RM4,000 per month in 2024.
GTI Media Managing Director Issac Hee commended Proton’s efforts, stating, “These awards reflect the transformative steps Proton has taken to enhance its hiring culture and develop robust talent programs. As Proton prepares to launch Malaysia’s first domestically produced EV, it’s exciting to see the next generation of graduates contributing to this historic achievement.”
Proton’s Vice President of Human Capital Division, Amran bin Mohd Tomin, added, “We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where young talent can thrive, innovate, and lead. This recognition as the top choice for graduates reaffirms our dedication to creating an environment that blends fresh ideas with strong values to drive success in the automotive industry.”
