PROTON, which began operations as the first Malaysian automaker in the early 1980s, is now in its forties. Like other companies which have been employers for decades, there comes a time when the first generation of employees starts to reach retirement age.
In fact, PROTON’s very first employee retired in 2020, along with many other pioneers of the company. Naturally, over the years, there has been a constant intake of new employees as the company has also grown in size and business scope.
Proactive approach to talent development
Given the pace of change in the industry, it has been important that PROTON takes a proactive approach to talent development (especially for future leadership roles) and this began with the PROTON Young Talent (PYT) management trainee programme in 2018.
This programme offers extensive exposure across all core automotive functions, from advanced manufacturing to strategic sales and operations, helping young professionals refine their expertise in modern manufacturing and EVs. To date, PROTON has recruited 311 young Malaysians in 27 batches for various roles within the company.
In addition to these internal efforts, PROTON is actively building a national talent pipeline through strategic collaborations with key government agencies such as the Department of Manpower (JTM) under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA). These partnerships are instrumental in bridging the national skills gap by co-developing industry-relevant training modules, providing essential internship and job attachment opportunities, and optimising talent development.
The Proton Advanced Automotive Technology Institute in Melaka further underscores PROTON’s dedication to elevating technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to meet the sophisticated demands of the automotive sector.
The PYT programme is not just about equipping young Malaysians with technical skills, but is also a commitment to its young talent which extends to empowering them with significant responsibilities. With mentorship, these young Malaysians will grow to become confident project leaders, spokespersons, and innovators.
Three of the PYTs
Umaibala A/L Rajendiran, or Bala, is a 24-year old mechanical engineering graduate whose 6-month assignment in China with PROTON R&D and Geely offered a firsthand look into global automotive innovation. As part of a select group of 8 PYT MEMBERS chosen for international assignments in China, Bala’s experience reflects the programme’s commitment to broadening technical capabilities and fostering a global perspective among its young talents.
While the spotlight often falls on engineers and technical teams, PROTON is all about fostering innovation by embracing diverse talents, recognising that fresh perspectives from non-technical backgrounds, recognising that these varied insights are crucial for driving the company forward.
Young professionals from varied academic backgrounds can be found among the PYT. Many of them never imagined themselves working in the automotive sector, including Halisha Halim, an accounting graduate. A career in the automotive sector once seemed a distant prospect, but the PYT programme opened an unexpected door, leading her to a department that explores her possibilities beyond her academic training.
Within Group Communications, Halisha was entrusted with a significant responsibility by shaping the public narrative and safeguarding the image of Malaysia’s national automaker. “Most people think you need to be an engineer to work at PROTON, but there are multiple departments where diverse skills are crucial. Here, I’m writing official press releases and managing vital media engagements that directly influence how PROTON is perceived by the public eye,” explained Halisha Halim, who joined with PYT Batch 16.
Revolutionising the automotive sector demands not only technical expertise but also dynamic talents capable of navigating new frontiers and shaping public perception. Lan Sue Sim, a 24-year-old computer science with AI graduate, perfectly exemplifies this through her pivotal role into PRO-NET, that immediately positioned her at the forefront of the nation’s push for electrification.
From her vantage point within PRO-NET (the PROTON subsidiary focussed on New Energy Vehicles), Lan was given the responsibility of understanding and influencing the rapid expansion in the EV market. Insights gathered by PRO-NET reveal that Malaysians primarily remain hesitant about switching to EVs due to fears around battery lifespan, charging availability, and range anxiety. Lan and her team directly address the misconceptions of EV ownership and assure the public of their safety and reliability.
Developing exceptional talent
“PROTON understands that true leadership in the evolving automotive industry hinges on exceptional talent. Our proactive vision is to cultivate a diverse, dynamic, and empowering environment for the youth with significant responsibilities and unparalleled insights beyond manufacturing. This ensures that every PROTON talent is not just prepared for the future but is actively shaping it, contributing to our leadership in automotive innovation and proudly positioning Malaysia on the world stage.” said Shafinaz bt. Jamaludin, Head of Learning & Talent Management at PROTON.
