• PROTON nurturing 311 malaysian youth preparing for malaysia's evolving automotive industry

Subang Jaya, 21 August 2025 – As Malaysia’s first automotive company, PROTON was tasked to develop and produce a national car as well as to help drive the transition of the country’s economy from being resource based to a manufacturing focused one. At the same time, the company also nationalised personal mobility for the population helping to move people, skills and investments to all corners of the nation. The tenet was set when the company was founded in 1983 and 42-years later, PROTON continues to be a leader in developing automotive industry talent.

At the same time, PROTON recognises the automotive industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, moving beyond legacy and historical perceptions of traditional manufacturing into an era driven by advanced technology and strategic global partnerships, particularly as it pushes forward in developing electric vehicles (EV). As highlighted by YB Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Malaysia, the country currently faces a shortage of skilled talent in areas encompassing Artificial Intelligence, digital proficiency, and green technologies, despite a 10% increase in STEM enrolment over the past five years. Therefore, the company’s efforts to become a training ground for the next generation of skilled workers in the industry could potentially have industry-wide effects.

strategic vision for talent development

These national concerns echo PROTON's proactive approach to talent development, which began in 2018. PROTON launched the Proton Young Talent (PYT) management trainee programme, which has recruited 311 youth across 27 batches in various roles within the company. 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.

In addition to its internal efforts, PROTON is actively building a national talent pipeline through strategic collaborations with key governmental 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 further underscores PROTON's dedication to elevating technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to meet the sophisticated demands of the automotive sector.

PROTON's commitment to its young talent extends to empowering them with significant responsibilities. It was remarkable to see a PYT confidently presenting to an audience of over 1,000, including Malaysia's Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the official launch of the Proton e.MAS 7. These moments are a testament to PROTON's mentorship, which shapes young Malaysians into confident project leaders, spokespersons, and innovators—opportunities that are truly rare.

insight from proton young talent

The PROTON Young Talent (PYT) programme is not just about equipping young Malaysians with technical skills, it is about fostering growth and pushing individuals beyond their limits. Take Umaibala A/L Rajendiran, or Bala, a 24-year-old mechanical engineering graduate whose six-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 eight PYT 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 deeply immersed in the complexities of suspension and braking systems, Bala's learning equally extended into the Chinese culture. "What surprised me most about China was not how fast-paced and efficient the industry is but also how supportive people can be," said Umaibala A/L Rajendiran PYT Batch 17. He quickly formed connections with Chinese locals who helped him with the language and received crucial guidance from Malaysian senior engineers and mentors from Geely. This blend of challenging international exposure and a strong support network underscores how PROTON's initiatives, even abroad, ensure young talents like Bala gain not only technical knowledge but also develop critical soft skills and cultural fluency.

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. That powered by young professionals from varied academic backgrounds, many of whom never imagined themselves working in the automotive sector. For Halisha Halim, as an accounting graduate, a career in the automotive sector once seemed a distant prospect, aspirations firmly anchored in the world of financial analysis. Yet, the PYT programme opened an unexpected door, leading her to a department that explores her possibilities beyond her academic training.

Within Group Communication, Halisha was entrusted with a significant responsibility by shaping the public narrative and safeguarding the image of Malaysia’s national carmaker. “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,” states Halisha Halim PYT Batch 16. With proper and supportive guidance from her team, Halisha has been able to expand her skills and horizons in the automotive industry.

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, 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. "EVs are still new and hesitation is normal. But change is inevitable and often uncomfortable. EVs are designed with sealed battery packs and high safety standards, similar to ICE models in caution zones," said Lan, PYT Batch 19, directly addressing the misconceptions about the risk of driving in rain or flood-prone areas and assuring the public of their reliability.

“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 actively shaping it, contributing to our leadership in automotive innovation and proudly positioning Malaysia on the world stage." said Shafinaz Binti Jamaludin, Head of Learning & Talent Management of PROTON.

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