THE REAL REASONS WHY A MULTINATIONAL COMPANY IS A GREAT PLACE TO START YOUR CAREER

“Synthomer is one of the few MNCs that has chosen Malaysia as its headquarters. As a business-to-business (B2B) company, Synthomer is the largest chemical supplier for the health and protection industries,” says Dato’ Norashikin Ismail is busy driving change as the Director of Human Resource, Asia at Synthomer.

“Its chemicals are used in the making of paint coating, gloves, bedding and footwear among others so Synthomer’s business is less volatile, making the company financially stable. As one of the few MNCs enjoying organic growth in Malaysia, there’ll be mergers and acquisitions in the pipeline as well.”

In view of the company’s positive growth, Synthomer has launched its graduate training programme in 2017. “We received over 1,400 applications. Out of the 12 shortlisted candidates, we offered placements to the top three and they’ve accepted. We want to develop and create graduates of calibre by exposing them to different environments within the company and giving them international assignments.”

The first batch will begin in 2018, following a two-year structured programme that will see them spending six months on the dynamics of project commission.

“Besides getting exposure from our engineering and commercial operations, the candidates will be assessed quarterly through their presentations. Then they will undergo further training in different divisions and the last six months will accord them international exposure, depending on our business needs.”

Although Synthomer prefers graduates with engineering background, Dato’ Norashikin points out the company will consider those from non-engineering backgrounds for Synthomer’s commercial and business divisions.

“Core competencies we look for include all-round agility, ambiguity management, the ability to collaborate with others, and good interpersonal skills. We also seek talents who are action-oriented, resourceful, and have the courage to challenge the norms.”

Dato’ Norashikin assures new hires will find a desirable environment that helps graduates exercise their skills to the fullest extent, for their own and the company’s benefit.

New hires will find a desirable environment that helps graduates exercise their skills to the fullest extent, for their own and the company’s benefit.

“You can expect good work-life balance here,” says Dato’ Norashikin. “Coaching and support from Synthomer’s managers are the norm.

“Besides generous benefits such as comprehensive medical and insurance coverage, annual leave up to 22 days, and subsidised education assistance, Synthomer offers flexible hours where viable for certain divisions.”

Her advice for young hires? Brush up on English proficiency. “Synthomer is a multinational company so English language skill is important in our business. Good communication skills and the ability to adapt are equally essential.

“Synthomer offers international exposure as part of its talent management programme and depending on our business needs, the placement could be regionally in Thailand or Vietnam or it could be in Europe.

“As such, we expect our talents to be agile and courageous enough to adapt to any given situation. We also want talent who can interact with people of different cultures, educational background and social levels. This requires social agility – an essential trait beneficial to both the talent and the company.”