Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – MBCS, the media-driven creative content practice within the IPG Mediabrands network, has announced the creation of MBCS Academy, a new CSR initiative that will allow underprivileged kids to continue higher education while obtaining job experience in the advertising profession.
The ‘Work & Study’ program at MBCS Academy is especially intended for school dropouts from Malaysian B40 SPM and STPM classes, which correspond to families from the lowest 40% of income earners in Malaysia. Successful applicants can pursue a subsidised diploma or degree program at a partner university, as well as full-time, salaried employment in advertising with MBCS, as part of the program.
An extensive grasp of the industry and working life is given to candidates during the six-month internship that precedes the MBCS Academy. Successful interns will get a study stipend to continue their studies at partner universities like CATS College, INTI International University, Open University Malaysia, and Veritas University College, in addition to an offer of full-time employment after the internship.
Stanley Clement, chief executive officer of MBCS Academy, said, “There are many young people who end up missing out on life’s opportunities merely because they can’t afford to get into tertiary education. The MBCS Academy is specifically designed to give a leg up to these talented young people who might otherwise be left behind. It is also gives young school leavers a first-hand look at the advertising industry as an apprentice, without having to have a paper qualification in hand. It is our hope as an industry to change the world with what we do. This is our way, one student at a time.”
He added, “We are excited to open this up to eligible school leavers who received their results this week. Those of us in advertising understand the importance of moulding a new generation of capable talents to serve our creative and innovation needs of tomorrow. As a people-first agency, MBCS is excited to give back to society in this unique way by nurturing talents with real working experience by the time they graduate.”
