Affin-Unimas apprenticeship programme targets 10 S’wakian students to join first batch starting 2025

Sagah (centre) with MEITD Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and others witnessing the MOU signing ceremony held in Unimas on Aug 12, 2024.

By Christopher Lidom

KUCHING, Aug 12: The Affin-Unimas apprenticeship programme is targeting 10 Sarawakian students to be part of it is first batch starting next year.

The programme is a collaboration between the Sarawak government through the Ministry of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD), Affin Bank Group, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by providing students with practical, hands-on experience in the financial sector. Students will also acquire valuable insights and skills through mentorship and hands-on involvement in various departments within Affin Group.

The apprenticeship programme is designed to enhance the employability of graduates, preparing them to meet the demands of the modern financial industry.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at Unimas, the minister for MEITD Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said by producing well-rounded and highly skilled graduates, they are contributing to Sarawak’s economic growth.

“These graduates will drive innovation, increase productivity, and attract investment, aligning with our goal of achieving high-income status. This programme will create a pipeline of talent ready to meet the demands of the modern workforce, thereby enhancing the region’s competitiveness,” he said.

Meanwhile, Affin Bank Berhad group chief people officer Dato Paduka Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin said through the programme, the students will also have the opportunity to be employed by Affin Bank.

According to him, Affin Bank group is planning to expand its footprint to have at least 50 branches throughout Sarawak.

“That will provide the opportunity for the student to potentially becoming staff in the future and is not limited to the branches, it could apply to different areas of Affin Bank such as Banking, Corporate Banking, Islamic Banking and many others,” he added. — DayakDaily