TalentCorp & SAMENTA Tackle SME Talent Gap with RM2 Million Internship Fund
The exchange of MoU between TalentCorp GCEO, Mr Thomas Mathew (on the right) and President of SAMENTA Datuk William Ng
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 August 2025 - Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to significantly enhance graduate employability and support talent development within the nation's vital SME sector. Through this strategic collaboration, TalentCorp has allocated RM2 million to SAMENTA members under its ‘Geran Padanan Latihan Industri Berstruktur Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana’ (LiKES) programme.
The LiKES programme, a TalentCorp initiative with a total government allocation of RM30 million over three years, is designed to empower SMEs and start-ups by providing financial support to nurture local talent. It offers a matching grant to eligible companies, reimbursing them for the minimum monthly allowance paid to interns, thereby making it more affordable for SMEs to offer high-quality, structured internship experiences.
For SAMENTA members, the RM2 million allocation from TalentCorp will be matched by participating companies, resulting in at least RM4 million in total allowances paid to interns. The framework is built on structured internships that give young people real, hands-on industry experience, ensuring they are better prepared for the workforce.
This two-year partnership aims to leverage SAMENTA's extensive network to increase the number of paid, structured internship placements, with a target of facilitating a minimum of 1,500 internship slots in SMEs over the next two years.
Thomas Mathew, TalentCorp Group Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that addressing graduate underemployment and ensuring young Malaysians are equipped with the right skills is a national priority. SMEs are a critical part of this equation, as they create jobs, drive innovation, and anchor communities.
“Through the LiKES initiative, we are enabling SMEs to provide quality, structured internships that offer real industry experience, giving graduates the capabilities and confidence to thrive in the job market. By supporting both employers and talents, this collaboration helps build a workforce that is better matched to industry needs and ready to contribute to Malaysia’s long-term growth," he added.
The collaboration directly addresses the challenge many SMEs face in attracting and retaining talent. By subsidising internship allowances, the LiKES programme lowers the barrier for smaller companies to compete for promising young graduates.
Datuk William Ng, national president of SAMENTA, emphasised the direct benefits for the association's members. "For years, many of our SMEs have wanted to invest in young talent but were often constrained by tight budgets. This RM2 million allocation specifically for SAMENTA members is a game-changer. It makes offering structured, paid internships not just a possibility, but an affordable strategy for growth. This initiative allows our members to inject fresh ideas into their operations, assess potential future employees, and play an active role in shaping the next generation of Malaysian professionals. It is a powerful tool for building capacity and ensuring our SMEs remain competitive."
The partnership marks a significant milestone in public-private efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry. It creates a win-win-win situation:
- For SMEs: It provides access to a government-funded talent pool, reduces hiring costs, and helps build a sustainable workforce.
- For Talents: It opens up more opportunities for paid, structured internships where students can gain invaluable hands-on experience and enhance their employability.
- For Malaysia: It strengthens the SME sector, reduces graduate unemployment, and cultivates a future-ready talent pool aligned with the nation's economic goals.
SMEs registered with SAMENTA are encouraged to learn more and participate in the LiKES programme.
Issued by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp)
12 August 2025
