Malaysia’s labour market received a fresh boost with the launch of a dedicated MYFutureJobs portal for government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), a collaboration spearheaded by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and PETRONAS.

The platform, launched on Sept 26, is designed to streamline recruitment, improve job matching and address graduate underemployment - a persistent challenge despite record numbers of graduates entering the workforce each year.

PERKESO Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s human capital.

“Unless we address it, Malaysia will continue to face the paradox where graduates are walking out of our universities in record numbers, yet employers tell us they still struggle to find the talent they need,” he noted.

“This is where our GLCs and GLICs play a critical role. As some of the largest employers in Malaysia, they provide stability, scale and long-term career opportunities across sectors that are central to nation building.”

Azman added that vulnerable groups would not be left behind, with PERKESO offering pre-screening, interview facilitation and inclusive recruitment services, aligning with the organisation’s “no one left behind” ethos.

The numbers point to growing momentum. Since 2020, more than 1.1 million high-skilled job seekers - those with diplomas and above - have registered with MYFutureJobs. In the first nine months of this year alone, nearly 211,345 new job seekers joined the platform.

“With GLCs and GLICs now linked directly to this pool, we are enhancing employability, strengthening job matching and reducing underemployment,” he said.

The collaboration also dovetails with PETRONAS’ transition programme for employees affected by workforce adjustments. The programme offers financial assistance, career coaching, medical and emotional support, upskilling and reskilling opportunities, as well as financial planning guidance.

PETRONAS Senior Vice-President of Group Human Resource Management, Ruslan Islahudin, said the partnership with PERKESO extends these efforts.

“By partnering with PERKESO through MYFutureJobs, PETRONAS is further strengthening these efforts by opening up pathways for affected employees and other talents in transition to connect with new opportunities across GLCs and GLICs,” he said.

“This ensures they remain supported with fairness, compassion and professionalism, while continuing to contribute to Malaysia’s workforce.”

PERKESO emphasised that the initiative reflects a commitment by GLCs and GLICs to serve as nation-building partners, not only supporting Malaysia’s socioeconomic development, but also creating meaningful career pathways for its people.

This Social Security series is in collaboration with PERKESO.