KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO), a collaboration between more than 120 banks, insurance and takaful companies in Malaysia, wishes to announce the Graduate Programme 2000 (GP 2000) which aims to provide training and work experience for up to 2,000 unemployed graduates beginning July 2020. This initiative, co-ordinated by FINCO, aims to support Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (PROTÉGÉ), an existing programme under the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development.

The GP 2000 initiative is designed to leverage on the modules offered by PROTÉGÉ (previously known as SL1M) which, since 2011, has successfully trained more than 50,000 graduates.

With several financial institutions already preparing to open up hundreds of work placements, the 8 to 12-month GP 2000 programme aims to place more graduates in financial institutions and equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and working experience to enhance their employability and entrepreneurship capability.

Tan Sri Azman Hashim, Chairman of FINCO said, “The financial industry is doing all it can to assist those affected by Covid-19. However, we must also look to the future and so, whilst continuing with current initiatives, GP 2000 will have a longer term goal which is to mitigate some of the impact of the economic downturn which will no doubt exacerbate the problems already faced by unemployed graduates in launching their careers”.

GP2000 provides skills training to selected graduates from different disciplines in seven developmental domains – communication and networking, creative and analytical thinking, value driven professional, organisational adaptability, grooming and etiquette, entrepreneurship as well as environment sustainability and social impact. By engaging with sector specialists such as the Asian Banking School, it is also envisaged that exposure can be provided to participating graduates in such areas as data analytics, business analysis and financial literacy that are relevant for them to thrive in the future.

FINCO CEO, Clare Walker said, “By embarking on this shared initiative the financial industry aims to support unemployed graduates, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, in developing the skills and networks they need to achieve their career aspirations and fully contribute to the economy”.

Participants of this initiative will receive an allowance of at least RM2,000 per month. Graduates who wish to apply can submit their applications directly to the participating financial institutions beginning 15 May 2020. Further information on this programme, including contact details and application procedures, will be made available on FINCO’s website (https://www.finco.my) on 1 May 2020.

About Financial Industry Collective Outreach

The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) is a collaborative initiative pioneered by all financial institutions (FIs) in Malaysia with the support of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the aspiration and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals.

FINCO seeks to achieve these objectives through the collective development of flagship programmes in English Proficiency and Life Aspiration, as well as coordinated efforts on Financial Literacy and Disaster relief and shared programmes supported by individual financial institutions.

SOURCE: Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Clare Walker
Chief Executive Officer
Financial Industry Collective Outreach
Tel: 012 232 5831
Email: clare.walker@finco.my
FINCO Website: www.finco.my
Instagram: finco_my

--BERNAMA