Leading Tomorrow’s Talents through Gamuda Scholarship

Facing the new challenges in the engineering world is no mean feat given that budding engineers are expected to be equipped with more than just technical abilities. These young engineers are expected to showcase multiple skillsets, including interpersonal skills to standout and become highly employable, as well as valued for their unique perspectives.

Gamuda Scholarship was first launched in 1996 to support talented and bright Malaysian youth pursuing their studies, both locally and globally. Fast forward to today, the scholarship focuses on leading tomorrow’s talents by moulding scholars to become well-rounded working professionals through its Scholars’ Engagement and Development Programme (SEDP), and internship opportunities.

Gamuda’s SEDP and internship programmes provide golden opportunities for its scholars to not only gain unique on-the-job learning experiences but learn and network with experienced experts in the field.

Thriving in a male-dominated industry

Laylatun Qadrina Binti Amrizal is one such Gamuda scholar who has since become a full-time engineer for the Group. She believes both programmes were crucial in helping her make the jump from student life to the working world.

“At work, you’re responsible for the quality of your work, and the learning process is very different. The SEDP had structured programmes that improved both my technical skills as well as my soft skills, such as sharpening my presentation skills and teaching me how to dress professionally.”

Known as Layla by her friends and colleagues, she admits she is very much an introvert, but the internship experience has taught her that you do not necessarily have to be domineering to be a strong leader.

She adds, “There was a workshop on self-discovery hosted one month into my first job, helping us identify our key strengths and weaknesses to build upon them. I learnt to develop my self-confidence through inner strength- something that did not come naturally to me.”

Despite working in a male-dominated field, Laylatun is proud to say that she is given equal opportunities at Gamuda. “During team discussions, my superiors are always willing to guide me while my peers are receptive to my ideas and thoughts. No matter what I was doing, I felt like my voice was being heard and contributions are duly recognised. This, in turn, made me feel content with the job that I do as my involvement is appreciated.

“One of the most important lessons I learnt at Gamuda is that I shouldn’t be afraid to speak my mind. Even if you’re the youngest and most inexperienced engineer on the team, your ideas and perspectives bring value to the discussion. My advice for future engineers would be to stay focused, plan out your short and long-term goals and choose a career path that allows you to accomplish the things you enjoy. Lastly, always believe in yourself and be willing to learn from mistakes.”

Harnessing passion for the greater good

Puganesan A/L Thiruselvan is another Gamuda scholar who joined the Group in 2012. Today, he has multiple projects under his belt and is also driving the Group’s Gamuda Green Plan 2025 initiative.

Recounting his internship experience, he says, “It was an exhilarating and nervous moment for me. I was told that I was going to be involved in the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Kajang Line, which was the first MRT project in Malaysia. More specifically, I was to help overlook the designs for a station. Fortunately, I had the guidance of a very experienced and professional mentor to rely on.”

Surprised to see a young team of engineers in their twenties and early thirties working on such a massive project, Puganesan is grateful for having a humble and welcoming mentor who guided them through field knowledge and design understanding.

“The biggest lesson I have learned throughout my internship is that networking is important.  Through effective networking skills, I sought various guidance and invaluable industry knowledge among my co-workers. There were sometimes differences of opinion among the team members. Still, they were usually healthy discussions that progressed the project and helped me build valuable knowledge in the field. Building connections with my peers has significantly helped me in learning how to get the job done correctly.”

With great emphasis to harness scholars’ skillset in driving the Group’s success forward, Puganesan is now involved in accelerating Gamuda’s initiatives in renewable energy, power system and e-mobility. “Opportunities are always there for scholars to seize. With a strong passion for electrical engineering, I was given the opportunity to pursue my interests which, in my conviction is for the greater good – building a climate-resilient future via energy efficiency. It has been a fulfilling journey so far, to be part of Gamuda Scholarship and now, having a career that builds right, for a better tomorrow.”

To future-proof one’s engineering skills, Puganesan advises, “Sustainable development is one of today’s new challenges for up-and-coming engineers. Keep yourself updated with recent developments in the industry and round out your skillset.

“Gamuda offers a programme where interns can be rotated into different departments to find their right footing. I chose not to take it as I was only focused on drawings and design at the time. However, in hindsight, I wished I had taken the chance to learn from other teams, and I hope that new interns take advantage of this opportunity.”

Beyond financial assistance, Gamuda Scholarship provides a holistic platform for scholars to thrive personally and professionally. For more information on Gamuda Scholarship and its’ development programmes, click here.