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Strategic partnership under “Nestlé Needs Youth” platform will offer internships and mentorship to hundreds of students over the next few years
Kuala Lumpur, June 24, 2025 - As part of its ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and talent development, Nestlé Malaysia has formalised a strategic collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), and the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST). The partnership will offer students structured internship opportunities within Nestle Malaysia’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain areas, enhancing their digital skills and on-the-job experience that will equip them to thrive in an increasingly digital and dynamic workforce.
Nestlé Malaysia joins hands with top local universities Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) and the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) to boost youth digital skills and employability.
[From left] Mr. Thiagarajan Marappan, Senior Lecturer, MUST; Anurag Dwivedi, Executive Director; Supply Chain, Nestlé Malaysia; Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Malaysia; YBrs. Dr. Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Deputy Director-General, Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC); Prof. Ts. Shafinar binti Ismail, Dean, UiTM; and Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor, APU at the signing ceremony to mark the launch of Nestlé Malaysia's strategic partnership with UiTM, APU and MUST under the Nestlé Needs Youth initiative.
This initiative is part of the global “Nestle Needs Youth” program and also supports national talent development priorities outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan, TVET Enhancement initiatives, the Graduate Employability Strategy 2021–2025 and the Madani Economy Framework. With a strong emphasis on digital transformation and innovation, the partnership aims to shape future-ready graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s growth. This new initiative complements a number of other existing “Nestle Needs Youth” initiatives in Malaysia that in the form of direct hirings, internships or entrepreneurship programs supporting thousands of young Malaysians every year.
Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia, said, “As Malaysia moves toward becoming a more digitally advanced and inclusive economy, we must ensure that our young talent is equipped with both the technical capabilities and digital skills needed to thrive. As part of our “Nestlé Needs Youth” ongoing programs, we are pleased to join hands with these leading Malaysian Academic institutions to empower new or soon to be graduates with the right tools, experience and mindset to thrive professionally.”
YBrs. Dr. Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Deputy Director General, Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), said, “This collaboration between Nestlé and our academic institutions is a strong example of how we can bridge the gap between education and industry. By providing students with this valuable experience and exposure, we can build a future-ready workforce. At MPC, we believe productivity begins with people, and partnerships like this play a vital role in nurturing talent, accelerating learning and supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic competitiveness.”
Students will benefit from opportunities for structured internship placements across Nestlé’s business functions, including supply chain, engineering, sustainability, digitalisation and quality assurance. These placements will provide real-world exposure, equipping students with practical experience and a deeper understanding of industry expectations. An initial batch of 10 students has been identified, with up to 100 students set to participate in the first phase of the program over the next 6 months.
The programme introduces students to advanced digital tools and technologies, as well as the integration of sustainability within operational processes. This is aimed at cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving capabilities and digital proficiency, essential traits for success in the modern workforce.
Students will be further supported through a comprehensive talent development journey that includes mentorship from Nestlé professionals, guest lectures by industry leaders and career readiness pathways. A feedback and performance review system will provide regular guidance, while allowing Nestlé to identify top-performing candidates for potential pre-employment opportunities.
As Nestlé Malaysia continues to expand its Nestlé Needs Youth efforts, this collaboration reinforces the Company’s role as an active enabler of purposeful career opportunities. By aligning with national aspirations and working closely with leading local academic institutions, Nestlé aims to help nurture a highly capable Malaysian workforce equipped with the values and vision to build a better future.
The signing ceremony was graced by YBrs. Dr. Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam, Deputy Director General, Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC); Prof. Ts. Shafinar binti Ismail, Dean of UiTM; Professor Dr. Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU; and Mr. Thiagarajan Marappan, Senior Lecturer at MUST. Also in attendance were other university representatives and members of the Nestlé Malaysia leadership team.
About Nestlé Malaysia: Nourishing Malaysians for Over a Century
Since 1912, Nestlé has been dedicated to nourishing Malaysians and building their trust through our high-quality brands and products. We contribute to food security as well as to the health and well-being of the Rakyat through our trusted brands and a long-term commitment to Malaysia in the form of investments, employment, and various initiatives that uplift local communities. Today, we operate six factories, employing over 5,000 Malaysians, and we are the Halal Centre of Excellence for Nestlé globally. We are committed to providing halal, nutritious, and high-quality products with sustainability at the heart of our business practices - Made in Malaysia, by Malaysians, for all Malaysians.
As the world's largest food and beverage manufacturer, with our headquarters based in Switzerland, Nestlé operates in over 180 countries. With a workforce of over 270,000 dedicated employees, we are driven by our purpose to unlock the power of food, enhancing the quality of life for everyone, both today and for future generations. Our commitment to nutrition, health, and wellness guides our performance, ensuring we deliver on our promise of GOOD FOOD, GOOD LIFE.
To discover more about our century-long journey of nourishing Malaysians, please visit our website at https://www.nestle.com.my/ask-nestle/we-are-nestle.
For more information, please contact:
Shaheen Zaffar
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad
Tel: (+603) 7965 6456
E-mail: [email protected]
Anis Farisha or Yasmin Kadir
acorn communications
Tel: (+603) 7958 8348
E-mail: [email protected]