KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 26): CEO Action Network (CAN) introduced the Sustainability Leaders Apprentice for Youth (SLAY) programme last Sunday (Nov 24) in collaboration with Roots & Shoots Malaysia (RASMA) to develop youths into corporate sustainability professionals of the future.

CAN is a closed-door peer-to-peer informal network of CEOs and board members focused on sustainability advocacy, capacity building, action and performance. Meanwhile, RASMA is a youth achievement award that develops Malaysians aged 16 to 25 through volunteerism.

The launch of the programme took place during the Symposium of Hope with Dr Jane Goodall, organised by RASMA, Berjaya Corp Bhd (KL:BJCORP) and Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel.

RASMA graduates and alumni will be able to join CAN’s member companies as apprentices from 2025 onwards, providing an opportunity for the youth to experience what it’s like to work on corporate sustainability efforts.

The collaboration aims to develop these youths into sustainability-literate professionals of the future for corporate Malaysia, according to CAN. The SLAY programme is specially curated to support their first steps into developing a career in corporate sustainability and beyond.

This will complement RASMA graduates’ experience of volunteering for non-profit organisations, and thus gain a more holistic view of sustainability efforts and challenges in a range of sectors and industries, said CAN.

The SLAY programme also includes training by CAN members, mentoring and an opportunity to progress with other CAN member companies, working alongside skilled professionals.

The CAN members involved in developing the programme include AEON Co (M) Bhd (KL:AEON), Arup Jururunding Sdn Bhd, BIG CARING Group Sdn Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (KL:CIMB), CTOS Holdings Sdn Bhd, Deleum Bhd (KL:DELEUM), ERM, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (KL:F&N), Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA), GHL Systems Bhd, IMPACTO Sdn Bhd, Iskandar Investment Bhd, KIP REIT (KL:KIPREIT), Malaysia Aviation Group, UEM Edgenta Bhd (KL:EDGENTA) and PwC Malaysia.