CelcomDigi's YTP A Launchpad Bridging Graduates To Cutting-edge Tech Careers

PETALING JAYA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- CelcomDigi's Young Talent Programme (YTP) has become a vital launchpad for tertiary graduates eager to build careers in the digital sector, bridging the gap between the lecture hall and cutting-edge technology.

The two-year career acceleration scheme immerses fresh talent in the tech industry, rotating participants across critical business units to turn academic theory into high-impact corporate capability.

For Matthew Ng Yee Chun, 26, a participant in YTP Cohort 1, the programme's rotational structure was a key draw, particularly as cybersecurity spans such a broad range of areas and skills.

“What attracted me was when I saw the word ‘rotational’ in the job description because I thought I would learn a lot of different things in cybersecurity. The domain itself is very broad, with many different nuances and skills that you can pick up,” he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama here yesterday.

Ng, who is attached to CelcomDigi’s engineering team handling cybersecurity-related projects, said he was thrilled and grateful to have been selected from a pool of more than 3,000 applicants.

Reflecting on his transition from university to the corporate sector, Ng said one of the biggest adjustments was shifting from individual assignments to a workplace that places far greater emphasis on teamwork and collaboration.

“At university, there is more of an individual sense, but once you come into the working environment, it is more of a group kind of thing. That was one of the biggest culture shocks I experienced when I came to CelcomDigi,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ng said he intends to deepen his cybersecurity expertise while exploring how AI can be leveraged to address emerging digital threats, particularly as rapid technological advances introduce new risks.

Meanwhile, Airina Hani Mohd Endan, 23, a participant in YTP Cohort 2, said the programme's rotational format and hands-on approach offered invaluable exposure to emerging technologies actively deployed in the industry.

“I know I would get to learn a lot of new things that I have never heard of, but they are here in Malaysia and are being used in real life. That was the thing that attracted me the most,” she said.

The Universiti Malaya (UM) graduate, who is attached to the AI and Automation stream, credited her strong university grounding with helping her adapt swiftly to CelcomDigi's fast-paced environment and real-world demands.

For Airina, the transition also demanded greater self-confidence and the courage to speak up. 

“I am a very timid girl. I have to step up and get my voice heard. You cannot just stand in the background or work behind the scenes. You need to take the spotlight,” she said.

Airina added that she hopes to explore how AI can be harnessed for wider social impact, including empowering communities at risk of being sidelined by digital transformation, while underscoring the vital role of cybersecurity in ensuring safe adoption.

Launched under CelcomDigi's CD: NXT initiative in August 2025, the YTP is structured as a two-year career acceleration programme designed to develop high-potential Malaysian talent into future digital leaders.

Its inaugural intake drew close to 3,600 applications for just 20 placements, with participants honing skills in AI, cybersecurity, cloud engineering, data analytics and digital innovation.

-- BERNAMA