MyAPEC YouthConnect to create a new class of young talent for Malaysia and APEC

Today’s world demands a new class of talent: one that possesses the dynamic to adapt and respond quickly to the needs of an increasingly globalised workplace.  The MyAPEC YouthConnect programme provides the opportunity for youths to gain a global mind-set, industry knowledge and international insight.

Launched on 18 October by the Minister of International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Seri Mustapa Mohamed, MyAPEC YouthConnect is a collaboration between TalentCorp and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) that hopes to capitalise on opportunities available in APEC economies. The programme is designed to nurture Malaysia’s talent to be more internationally dynamic and competitive, while positioning Malaysia as a key talent destination through leveraging the integration of economies in the Asia-Pacific region. It will also raise awareness of APEC member economies by promoting skills and technology transfer, and connectivity between Malaysian youth and the APEC region. 

Open to APEC youth between the ages of 21 to 30, of good academic standing and with relevant soft skills, MyAPEC YouthConnect consists of a four to twelve months work placement in Malaysia and APEC economies.

"By providing work exposure in another APEC economy, youth will be able to enhance their knowledge and skills through exposure and interaction with top management of companies, while the employers will be able to benefit from having young talent from a diverse pool and tap on their global perspectives, global intellectual mind-set and unique cultural heritage inherent in other APEC countries,” said Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed.

Recognising the opportunity to improve their access to top global talent, MyAPEC YouthConnect has already gained commitment from 40 Malaysian employers, including TM, iflix, Axiata, RHB, as well as international organisations such as Intel, KPMG, Kimberly-Clark, and First Solar. 

“Global talent with international experience, mind-set and knowledge will always be in high demand by companies seeking to expand their growth both at home and abroad,” said TalentCorp Chief Executive Officer, Shareen Shariza Dato’ Abdul Ghani. 

Through MyAPEC YouthConnect, employers driving Malaysia’s economic transformation will have a greater and more diverse talent pool at their fingertips. Not only that, their businesses will benefit tremendously from the unique market insights that such a melting pot of talent affords them.”