THE Penang State Sports Council (PSSC) and NationGate Solution (M) Sdn Bhd are working in close collaboration in a “Junior Executive Programme” to offer job opportunities to state athletes.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the pilot project would help ease the worries of the athletes and their parents after the former had completed their Form Five studies.
“I’m honoured to announce that through the co-operation with NationGate Solution, qualified athletes will be offered job opportunities under the ‘Junior Executive Programme’ (JEP),” Soon told a press conference at Komtar today.
“For the first intake, 20 athletes will be absorbed into the programme. Those selected must undergo eight months of training during which time they will be exposed to the job scope and given the chance to study as well as to work. After eight months of training, they will be given full-time jobs based on their suitability.”
Also present were NationGate Solution chief operating officer Lee Kim San, NationGate Solution resources planning director David Lim Kee Beng and PSSC director Frederick Tan Teck An.
Each athlete would be given a monthly salary of RM1,500 for the first eight months, after which it would be raised to RM1,800.
The JEP is open to all Penang athletes who have completed Form Five, SPM or diploma. Degree holders are also welcome to apply.
“I wish to thank NationGate for creating this special programme for the Penang athletes. I hope other companies would also take part in the JEP,” said Soon, who could be contacted via 012-4290163 or 04-6505136.
Lee said they would accommodate the recruits’ training schedule set by PSSC in this era of flexi working hours.
“What we’re looking for is promising talents for the future growth,” Lee said.
Tan said PSSC had received 23 applications after informing all their associations.
“After each Sukma, we usually face problems as some of our athletes have difficulty looking for jobs. I want to thank NationGate Solution for this programme which brings happiness to our coaches and athletes,” said Tan.
Athletes interested to take part in the JEP can email their resumes to [email protected] or [email protected].
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting