Talentbank Unveils GCA 2025 Winners, Highlighting Malaysia’s Most Preferred Employers

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Talentbank, Malaysia’s leading authority on graduate employability, has announced the winners of the Graduates’ Choice Award (GCA) 2025, reaffirming the influence of student voices in shaping the nation’s top employment brands.

Touted as Malaysia’s largest student-driven employer branding award, the GCA recorded a remarkable 597,036 votes from students across more than 100 universities, setting a new benchmark for graduate engagement and transparency.

Now in its eighth year, the award continues to reflect the authentic preferences of Malaysia’s future workforce.

The GCA honours employers that stand out in key areas such as career development, leadership opportunities, employee well-being and workplace culture.

Winners for 2025 span a wide range of sectors, from multinational corporations and homegrown enterprises to fashion labels, tech giants, FMCG leaders, healthcare providers and digital platforms.

Talentbank founder and chief executive officer Ben Ho said the award is a key benchmark for employers looking to align more closely with graduate expectations.

“The Graduates’ Choice Award represents the collective voice of Malaysia’s emerging talent. Employers that pay attention to these insights gain a competitive edge, understanding precisely what young professionals seek in their career journeys,” he said in a statement. 

Findings from the GCA 2025 survey reveal a clear shift in priorities among Gen Z graduates. While competitive pay still matters, it is no longer the sole driver of career choices.

Instead, today’s graduates are seeking holistic career experiences, placing greater emphasis on meaningful work, job security, mentorship, growth opportunities, flexibility, and mental well-being, the statement read. 

“Organisations that champion work-life balance, offer structured training and invest in employee wellness are becoming top choices among job seekers,” the statement added.

Talentbank believes in the importance of stronger university-industry partnerships to bridge the gap between academic training and market demands.

The company continues to collaborate with the Higher Education Ministry and corporate partners to align curricula with industry needs, while also driving internship, training and mentorship initiatives.

To mark its anniversary, Talentbank will soon launch the Career Playbook, a comprehensive guide to help graduates navigate the transition into the workforce.

It offers practical strategies, career planning tips and real-world insights in both print and digital formats.

Voting for the Graduates’ Choice Award 2026 is now open. Malaysian university students are invited to cast their votes at www.graduateschoiceaward.com/vote and help shape next year’s list of most preferred employers.

The full list of GCA 2025 winners is available at https://www.graduateschoiceaward.com/graduates-choice-of-employer-to-work-for-in-2025/.

-- BERNAMA