Proton Banks On Youth Through Proton Young Talent Programme

Proton recently shed light on the talented youths in fostered through its Proton Young Talent (PYT) programme who are on the rise within its corporate ranks.

Earlier today, national automaker Proton shed light on its novel Proton Young Talent (PYT) management trainee programme initiative that began back in 2018. A total of 311 youths were recruited across 27 batches then to fill various roles within the automaker since.

According to Proton, 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.

“Our proactive vision is to cultivate a diverse, dynamic, and empowering environment for the youth with significant responsibilities and unparalleled insights beyond manufacturing,” remarked Shafinaz Binti Jamaludin, Head of Learning & Talent Management at Proton.

One stand-out PYT programme candidate in 24-year-old computer science with AI grad Lan Sue Sim who is now at the forefront of Proton's electrification push through PRO-NET.

In its release, Proton highlighted three prime examples of talented youths produced through the PYT programme. The first stand-out here is 24-year-old Lan Sue Sim, a computer science with AI graduate working at PRO-NET. Lan is at the forefront of the automaker’s push for electrification via its dedicated electric vehicle (EV) and new energy subsidiary. 

From her vantage point, Lan was given the responsibility of understanding and influencing the rapid expansion in the EV market. "EVs are still new and hesitation is normal. But change is inevitable and often uncomfortable,” says Lan, PYT Batch 19.

“EVs are designed with sealed battery packs and high safety standards, similar to ICE models in caution zones,"  added Lan further as she directly addressed misconceptions about the risk of driving EVs in rain or flood-prone areas, assuring the public of their reliability – a key insight gathered by Lan and her colleagues at PRO-NET of late.

Another PYT programme candidate exemplified is 24-year-old mechanical engineering graduate Bala - one of eight candidates chosen for a six-month stint in CHinas with both Proton R&D and Geely.

Next comes Umaibala A/L Rajendiran @ Bala – a 24-year-old mechanical engineering graduate who just completed a six-month stint in China with Proton R&D and Geely. One of eight PYT candidates chosen for this assignment, Bala was surprised by China’s fast-paced and efficient the industry, as well as how supportive people here can be.

Key to this was quickly forming connections with Chinese locals who helped Bala from PYT Batch 17 with the language and received crucial guidance from Malaysian senior engineers and mentors from Geely. This comes on top of his now deep immersion in suspension and braking systems.

Certainly, this blend of challenging international exposure plus strong support network underscores how Proton's initiatives, even abroad, ensure young talents like Bala gain not just technical knowledge, but also critical soft skills and cultural fluency.

A familiar face for many local journalist now is Halisha Halim who rose from PYT Batch 16 to become one of the automaker's key faces in its Group Communications arm.

Another candidate singled out by Proton was accounting graduate Halisha Halim from PYT Batch 16. Now a familiar face for many local journalists since joining the automaker’s Group Communications arm, the PYT programme opened an unexpected door that explored possibilities beyond her academic training.

“Most people think you need to be an engineer to work at Proton, but there are multiple departments where diverse skills are crucial,” said Halisha before proudly pointing out how she is now responsible for shaping Proton’s public narrative and image. 

“I’m writing official press releases and managing vital media engagements that directly influence how Proton is perceived by the public eye,” adds Halisha further. Certainly, this expanded skills and horizon borne out of the support and guidance from her team too.