Whilst everyone understands the perks of working with big brand companies like AirAsia, Nestle and Shell, the 2019 HR News Asia awards wanted to give other Malaysian companies a fighting chance.
The revered Southeast Asian human resources publication awarded 49 Malaysian organisations with positions in the list of Best Companies To Work For in Asia.
All of this was decided from findings of a survey that gauged the opinions of around 13,390 employees across 359 companies.
It used a Total Engagement Assessment Model (TEAM) which factored in emotional engagement, motivation, behaviour, and other determining aspects of positive workplace culture.
Out of those 49, we picked 10 of the less commonly talked about ones with an abundance of internship opportunities, so if you’re a student or fresh graduate deciding on your next path, here’s where you could get a significant head start.
1. British American Tobacco Malaysia (Damansara City, Kuala Lumpur)
British American Tobacco (BAT) is one of the most successful global companies in the manufacturing of both tobacco and nicotine.
BAT Malaysia was first founded in 1912, which means 100 years in leading the legal tobacco game both in the country and worldwide.
BAT Malaysia’s internship programme can be completed anywhere from 3-6 months.
Based on the industry of your choice (sales, finance, marketing, R&D, operations, etc), you could even explore global opportunities with BAT’s other 55 worldwide branches if your internship is successful.
You can apply for a position on their official website or LinkedIn page.
2. Great Eastern Life (Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur)
Great Eastern Life Assurance is one of the first-ever life insurance companies in Malaysia.
In fact, circa 1998, the company earned its rightful place in the Malaysia Book of Records as the ‘oldest and largest life insurer’ in the country.
It’s far from being just another company swooped away by the modern digital tide though, and they continue to bag significant awards and use cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize their policies.
Great Eastern considers all applications from 3.00 CGPA Malaysian students who are currently pursuing their bachelor degree programmes from any public/private universities around the country.
You can apply for a position on their official website.
3. Manulife Insurance Berhad (Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur)
Although they were founded in 1963, the name Manulife Insurance Berhad was only established in 2004 following a merger with another Canadian based company.
Manulife Insurance provides products such as financial advice, insurance and other wealth management solutions to those who need it.
Those keen on starting an internship position with Manulife should be individuals who are proficient in English and available for 3-6 months.
You can apply for a position on their Jobstreet page.
4. Nexperia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Negeri Sembilan, Seremban)
Nexperia is renowned for its distinguishable, top-tier semiconductors. Nexperia designs and manufactures everything from bipolar transistors to diodes for industrial, mobile wearables, and automotive sectors.
It currently has more than 11,000 employees across Asia, the United States and Europe with an estimate of $1.5 billion in revenue annually.
Nexperia is currently looking for talented individuals in the engineering sector, preferably those currently pursuing a degree in electronics or mechatronics engineering with a CGPA of 3.0.
You can apply for a position on their official website or Neuvoo page.
5. OSK Holdings Bhd (Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur)
OSK Group started out as a humble stockbroking company, which then evolved into a full-fledged regional investment bank in early 2001.
It is mainly concentrated around 5 areas of business: property development & investment, financial services, construction, industries, and hospitality.
All of OSK’s internship opportunities are available year-round, and based on preferences, they have positions available in IT, Human Resources, Investment, Contracts Department, and Accounting & Finance.
OSK encourages students with a relevant diploma/degree to apply as long they can commit for a total of 3 months.
You can apply for a position on their official website or Jobstreet page.
6. RHB Banking Group (across Malaysia)
RHB Banking is most likely one of the most easily recognised names in this list, but they still deserve a shout out.
RHB is constantly seeking fresh blood to grow their team of dynamic, young individuals who are prepared to introduce modern solutions and thinking to the company as well as help with the day-to-day of the banking industry.
They pride themselves on world-class office facilities that encourage comfort, working flexibility and diversity within people.
Although they don’t have any existing internship positions, they do have their own RHB Graduate Programme open to all university undergraduates who are excellent BM and English speakers to apply.
You can apply for a position on their Jobstreet or GradMalaysia page.
7. Takaful Malaysia (Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, Kuala Lumpur)
Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Berhad is one of the first Islamic insurance companies of its kind operating in Malaysia.
Takaful currently operates throughout 25 service centres and has over 30 years of experience in providing consumer-centric products and services to Malaysians.
They welcome all fresh graduates to participate in their 10-week (minimum duration) internship.
Listed on their website, they provide a monthly allowance of RM500 too.
Takaful also has a management trainee program that allows freshies to accelerate their career in the span of 24 months, with a job rotation in 4-5 different key sectors.
You can apply for a position on their official website.
8. Yinson Holdings Berhad (KL Eco City)
Yinson Holdings was established in 1983 as a small-time logistics company based in Johor Bahru.
20 years down the road, Yinson grew exponentially to become one of the country’s largest transport companies, specialising in marine transport, cargo handling, truck fleets as well as several oil and gas industries.
Yinson has its own internship programme where applicants are required to complete a minimum of 12 weeks, working with senior leaders and in a team to increase your employability skills.
Internship opportunities are available year-round with successful applicants being placed across corporate, legal, risk management, investment, and other industries.
You can apply for a position on their official website.
9. Zuellig Pharma Malaysia (Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam)
Zuellig Pharma is known to be one of the biggest healthcare services companies in the whole of Asia.
With over 10,000 employees all over the globe, Zuellig Pharma currently boasts a portfolio of more than 1,000 clients and even distributes to the top 20 pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
Zuellig Pharma is constantly on the lookout for young talent to join their internship programs.
In particular, they concentrate on finding Engineering and Business Students for a span of 3 months.
The best part? Applicants receive an attractive (in their own words) remuneration package, which includes medical benefits.
You can apply for a position on their Jobstreet page.
10. Aeon Credit Service (across Malaysia)
AEON has gone above and beyond just being your ordinary hypermarket.
AEON Credit Service provides consumers with easy payment schemes for their goods, as well as other Syariah compliant personal financing schemes through selected retail merchant stores.
This includes the ability to offer financing schemes for electrical appliances, household items and other goods for Malaysians who need them.
Aeon Credit Service is always searching for fresh graduates who possess or are in the midst of relevant degree programmes.
All their internships are paid, and they also offer added benefits apart from remuneration. As always, the industries to choose from are wide (think everything from Business Admin to Media/Art positions).
You can apply for a position on their Jobstreet page.
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These probably aren’t the first brands that come to mind when you’re thinking of a modern, sexy place to work.
Despite that, these companies have managed to lay a solid foundation of what it means to run a positive, people-centric and successful business today.
We believe that you’d stand to benefit from starting your brand new beginnings with them, so dive right in!
- You can read more about other Malaysian companies we’ve written on here.
Featured Image Credit: RHB Banking Group / Great Eastern Life
