KUALA LUMPUR, 1 Apr 2024 – Maintaining its distinguished legacy, the Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA) has once again brought to light the most sought-after employers in Malaysia for 2024. Now in its sixth consecutive year as the definitive graduate employer branding award in the Asia-Pacific region, GCA recorded an impressive 464,220 accumulative votes from university students nationwide—a record-breaking level of participation since its inception. The credibility of the results is underscored by a meticulous verification process conducted by Board of Audit Committees, comprised of 21 professionals hailing from both public and private universities.
Talentbank’s CEO, Ben Ho, emphasised, The Graduates’ Choice Award, with complete endorsement from undergraduates, mirrors the aspirations of the emerging workforce. The top 25 companies showcased excellence in graduate employment, establishing a benchmark for others to follow.
In pursuit of its goal to elevate graduate employability, the Graduates’ Choice Award stands as a valuable resource for numerous graduates and job seekers, serving as a guiding beacon in their quest for landing their desired companies to work for to kick start their career.
In a highly competitive sixth edition, more than 2,500 companies competed across over 90 categories. Notable winners include AIA Shared Services, Johnson & Johnson, PETRONAS, Sunway University, Top Glove, and UNIQLO, securing the title as Champion For Five Consecutive Years. Maintaining their winning momentum, Maybank, EY, Maxis, AIA Bhd, Touch ‘n Go, Nestlé, and Intel retained at the top in their respective categories.
In 2023, GCA conducted amongst recent graduates to articulate employment preferences. Findings revealed a strong desire for starting salaries between RM3,000 and RM3,500, with a pronounced focus on work-life balance, job security, and career development as primary goals for 2023. These insights are pivotal for employers seeking to secure and retain top talent by aligning with evolving expectations.
The GCA 2023 survey identified key attributes for employers to resonate with today’s graduates: Salary & Bonuses, Career Development, and Company Culture. Despite reduced work-from-home options post-pandemic, graduates continue to prioritise Flexible Working Opportunities. The increasing significance of Training & Development Opportunities underscores graduates’ steadfast commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Concerning job hunting, while platforms like LinkedIn and job sites were favoured in 2022, there’s a notable 9% surge in demand for career fairs in 2023, reaching 41%.
Employers rated career readiness at five out of 10, indicating the need for universities to more actively engage with students for comprehensive job market preparation.
Critical skills employers seek include a positive attitude, communication, and teamwork, signalling a shift in recruitment strategies beyond academic performance.
GCA’s success is anchored in inclusivity, recognizing employers across 90 industries. As Malaysia’s workforce undergoes transformative shifts, GCA connects employers with the demands of current graduates, standing as a linchpin in shaping the nation’s future.
Furthermore, GCA’s acknowledgment of Malaysia’s top employers instils a profound sense of pride among employees and significantly contributes to fostering a positive and vibrant work culture. Organisations making strategic investments in employer branding and creating environments conducive to growth can confidently anticipate heightened loyalty, increased productivity, and a notable reduction in turnover. The strategic application of these insights is paramount for sustained success.
Cast your votes for GCA 2025 before 30 June 2024! Vote and stand a chance to win amazing prizes at www.graduateschoiceaward.com/vote/.
Unlock the power to shape Malaysia’s job market by casting your vote! Your active participation in the voting process provides valuable perspectives that contribute to a vibrant and competitive job landscape. Plus, the chance to win fantastic prizes, including the Apple MacBook Air or Apple iPhone 15, adds excitement to the process. Your vote is your voice, and by participating in the Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA), you play a crucial role in influencing the future. Let your voice be heard – vote now!
Explore more about GCA and vote for your Most Preferred Employers at www.graduateschoiceaward.com.
Learn more about Talentbank, an enabler in the employability ecosystem at www.talentbankgroup.com
