PM Anwar Urges Companies to Provide Allowance for Interns

In a bid to ensure fair treatment for interns, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of companies providing allowances to cover travel and food expenses.

At the launch ceremony of the Capital Market Graduate Programme (CMGP) "InvestED," he encouraged companies to offer compensation to interns.

However, he clarified that it would not be enforced through government policies. Anwar highlighted the voluntary nature of internships and expressed that the increased participation of companies in providing internships would benefit our youth.

The event took place at the Securities Commission in Mont Kiara.

The Benefits of Providing Allowances for Interns

Internship programs play a vital role in shaping the future workforce by providing valuable learning opportunities for students and recent graduates.

In this section, we will explore the benefits of offering intern allowances and how they can contribute to the success of both employers and interns.

Attracting Top Talent

Employers can attract a larger pool of talented candidates for their internship positions by providing allowances. Many students rely on financial support to cover their living expenses, and offering an allowance demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting interns during their learning journey. This helps attract motivated and dedicated individuals who unpaid internships may otherwise deter.

Ensuring Fair Treatment

Internships should be viewed as valuable learning experiences rather than just unpaid labour. Offering allowances ensures fair treatment of interns and acknowledges the value of their time and efforts. It creates a mutually beneficial relationship where interns are motivated and empowered to contribute effectively to the organization's goals.

Improving Productivity and Engagement

When interns are financially supported, they can entirely focus on their responsibilities and tasks, leading to increased productivity. By providing allowances, employers help alleviate the financial burden on interns, allowing them to fully engage in their work and make meaningful contributions to the company. This, in turn, enhances the overall productivity and performance of the organization.

Enhancing the Employer Brand

A company prioritizing interns' well-being and development builds a positive employer brand. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied interns can attract more top talent in the future. An internship program that includes allowances showcases the company's commitment to supporting the growth and success of young professionals, enhancing its reputation as an employer of choice.

Fostering Long-Term Relationships

Internships often serve as a pipeline for future talent acquisition. Employers establish a strong rapport with interns by providing allowances and fostering long-term relationships. This opens up possibilities for hiring interns as full-time employees once they graduate or become valuable brand advocates who refer other talented individuals to the organization.

Important Keynote

Offering allowances attracts top talent and enhances productivity, engagement, and the employer brand. By investing in interns, companies can foster long-term relationships and contribute to developing a skilled and motivated workforce. Embracing this practice will benefit interns and empower organizations to thrive in an increasingly competitive business landscape.