TALENTCORP CEO OPENED SUNWAY UNIVERSITY CAREER EVENT

Johan Mahmood Merican, CEO of Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) together with Elizabeth Lee, the Sunway Education Group Executive Director, officiated the opening of Sunway University’s “Get Hired 2012” event recently. The Career Networking Event hosted 42 companies from the private sector, including BDO Malaysia, Citibank, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, MAS, OSK, Petronas and PwC. Over 1000 students from 20 higher education institutions attended.

Johan Merican in an interview after the launch

TalentCorp, which was established under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department to spearhead Malaysia’s talent development initiative in line with the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), co-hosted Get Hired 2012 with Sunway University on its campus. Sunway University is the only private higher institution in Malaysia currently working with Talentcorp to educate students on career paths and to connect them with industry.

Key events in conjunction with Get Hired 2012 included CEO Forums that featured guest speakers such as Mr. Izani Ghani (CFO, Khazanah Nasional), YM Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin (CEO/MD, Theme Attractions and Resorts), and Mr. Joel Neoh (CEO, Groupon Malaysia). Other events included the ‘Lunchtime Quickies’ and ‘Teh Tarik Sessions’ series of talks by local business leaders.

Sunway students at the career networking tea

“Addressing the growing need for world-class human capital across Malaysia’s economic landscape requires a strong domestic talent pipeline. This is best achieved through closer engagement between our students and leading Malaysian employers, through platforms such as today’s career fair,” said Johan.

He also expressed his confidence that Get Hired 2012 would help raise awareness and generate interest in the diverse career options available in Malaysia. Engaging leading organisations directly would also help provide young Malaysian talent with a better appreciation of what it takes to succeed in their future careers.

The Career Network Tea at Sunway University was the highlight of Get Hired 2012, which featured booths by the 42 participating companies. Students’ resumes were accepted, and on-the-spot interviews held for exceptional hopefuls. Last year’s inaugural Get Hired event saw participation by 38 local companies.

Get Hired 2012’s objective is to forge connections between top university graduates and employers, and to provide both hiring and employment opportunities. Pre-event activities leading up to the opening, focus on preparing students for the event and for working life, including seminars on job interviewing, resume writing, networking and body language.

Get Hired 2012 was organised by Sunway University’s Student Services Department, backed by the Sunway Education Group under the auspices of the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. The Jeffrey Cheah Foundation is a special purpose, not-for-profit vehicle dedicated to giving to society through education. Headed by Founding Trustee YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah, AO, the Foundation has to date awarded over RM80 million in scholarships and awards since 1997.