Sime Darby Berhad : Raises the Bar with Its Largest Ever Skim Latihan 1 Malaysia intake

Kuala Lumpur, 10 October 2016
- Sime Darby Berhad, Malaysia's leading multinational, launched its biggest Skim Latihan 1 Malaysia (SL1M) programme with 613 graduates this year, as part of its commitment to enhance graduate employability in Malaysia.

This initiative is part of the company's efforts to contribute to the country's talent development agenda.

The 12-month programme is holistically designed to bridge the gap between the academic and professional world for young graduates. It includes two weeks of intensive soft skills training followed by on-the-job training for 11.5 months in the various departments across the Group's divisions.

Trainees have the opportunity to not only strengthen their language and communication capabilities, but also to sharpen their critical and creative thinking, problem solving and presentation skills. The SL1M trainees have significant opportunities to discover and grow their potential through their internship with the diverse businesses of Sime Darby.

Head of Secretariat for SL1M under the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Hajah Norashikin Datuk Haji Ismail who officiated the event called on more companies to emulate Sime Darby's efforts.

'Sime Darby has continuously supported our national agenda through SL1M and I wish to see more companies follow the example of Sime Darby's SL1M programme as it provides a full year of enriching working experience, through carefully developed programmes for the trainees. Sime Darby goes the extra mile to ensure that the SL1M trainees not only receive relevant job exposure, but are placed in safe and supportive work environments throughout the programme. Sime Darby is also among a few companies to provide lodging during the SL1M training for those working and residing outside of Klang Valley,' she said.

Sime Darby President and Group Chief Executive, Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohd Bakke Salleh said since 2009, a total of 1,129 Sime Darby SL1M trainees managed to secure jobs within and outside Sime Darby.

'From the programme, the trainees will gain experience through Sime Darby's best work practices, essential skills and experiences that may provide them with better career prospects to compete in the increasingly challenging employment market. Sime Darby is unique in that you will have the opportunity to learn about various industries.'

'For those who excel during the training, Sime Darby will strive to offer job placements, when the opportunity arises, within our divisions for them to work alongside the experts in their respective fields.

'We are committed to help train more young people to pave the way for them to secure rightful employment,' Mohd Bakke added.

This year's SL1M programme saw close to 5,000 applications from all over Malaysia for the programme with Sime Darby.