Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Shaping Tomorrow's Energy Leaders: A Look Inside TNB's Enhanced Better Brighter Internship Programme (BBIP)

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is building a future-proof workforce through the enhanced Better Brighter Internship Programme (BBIP). Launched in 2014, BBIP has been a cornerstone of TNB's talent development strategy. It is exclusively designed for students pursuing industry-related disciplines at any accredited training institute in Malaysia, including at TNB’s wholly-owned subsidiary and education arm, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN).

Since year 2020, a total of 147 interns have been absorbed into executive positions and 21 interns have been absorbed into non-executive positions at TNB and its subsidiaries. For year 2023, a total of 59 interns have been absorbed as part of TNB employees.

Expanding Opportunities for Diverse Talent

And in May 2024, TNB has further enhanced its internship program through BBIP 2.0 which signifies a notable programme expansion. Previously open only to UNITEN degree candidates, BBIP 2.0 now welcomes full-time students enrolled in certificate, diploma, degree, master's, or doctorate programmes. This broader scope allows TNB to tap into a wider, diverse talent pool, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.

BBIP 2.0 offers a tailored learning journey that is meticulously designed for an internship experience that caters to each student's needs and preferences. Students are placed in departments or locations aligned with their academic discipline and workplace of choice. Additionally, TNB considers student preferences for location and work duties whenever possible, ensuring a well-rounded and relevant internship experience.

Beyond classroom training, BBIP interns gain invaluable practical experience by:

Shadowing experienced TNB professionals

Interns gain firsthand insights into TNB's operational procedures and the intricacies of the Malaysian utility sector. They actively participate in departmental tasks, fulfilling institutional programme requirements while building core competencies.

Exposure to real-world projects

Interns are often involved in practical projects, applying their academic knowledge to solve real-world challenges TNB faces. This experience fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration.

Site visits and industry exposure

BBIP 2.0 offers opportunities for students to visit key TNB facilities such as power stations and solar farms. This broadens their understanding of the energy sector and its vital role in Malaysia's future.

Testimonials from past BBIP participants highlight the programme's effectiveness in equipping them with essential skills for their future careers. Here are some examples presented in a table:

The knowledge gained from the internship was spot on. It was 100% related to my course. I got to understand all the calculations I've learnt in class and apply them to real job situations. Nurfarahin binti Kamarul Azman Bachelor Engineering (Hons) Electrical Engineering (Power System), Universiti Malaysia Pahang
Skill Area: Technical Skills

Skills enhanced during the internship are, but not limited to, solar PV technical skills... as my responsibilities include many interactions with people. Megat Muhammad Khairul bin Kamarulzaman Bachelor's in electrical & Electronics Engineering, University College London
Skill Area: Technical Skills

During this internship, it helped me to increase my communication skills with people around the working area... This is because the working environment consists of supervisors, technicians and contractors that I'm not familiar with. Nur Athirah Binti Azahari Bachelor's in Engineering (Electrical) (Hons.), Universiti Sains Malaysia
Skill Area: Soft Skills

The ability to read diagrams and graphs better and make crucial decisions to achieve the best possible outcome. Other than that, it is important to have communication skills with coworkers and clients to have a smooth workflow when doing work. Rais Izzuddin Bin Abdul Rahman Bachelor of Electrical Power Engineering (Hons), UNITEN
Skill Area: Soft Skills

I have learned a lot during my Tuanku Jaafar Power Station (TJPS) internship. The staff here is very expert and friendly to the trainees... Firstly, I understand better about the operation of combined cycle and open cycle power stations where I am given direct exposure to the components and machines. I also learned about safety awareness and the ISO standards used in TJPS. Haris Syazani Bin Mohd Safian Bachelor of Aircraft Engineering Technology (Hons.), UNIKL Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Skill Area: Adaptability and Resilience

Measuring Success and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuously enhance BBIP's effectiveness. The programme utilises a multi-pronged approach for evaluation from feedback surveys, where feedback is collected from interns, supervisors, and mentors to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement; and benchmarking against industry standards to compares BBIP to industry best practices to ensure it remains competitive and delivers a high-quality learning experience.

Building a Future-Ready Workforce

By nurturing future energy leaders, TNB strengthens its workforce and ensures its future competitiveness in the evolving energy landscape. The programme equips interns with the skills and knowledge to contribute to Malaysia's sustainable energy transition.

Through BBIP 2.0, interns gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies like solar PV and smart grid systems, fostering a generation of professionals equipped to drive the adoption of these clean energy solutions. For instance, interns may be involved in projects focused on integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid or exploring energy efficiency solutions for buildings. They also have access to a dedicated Centre of Excellence for People Acquisition, where they can gain career development guidance and explore potential career paths at TNB.

Extending Talent Development Beyond BBIP Programme

The enhanced BBIP 2.0 programme exemplifies TNB's commitment to building a future-ready workforce. By providing a comprehensive learning experience that caters to diverse talent, BBIP equips interns with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the energy transition and contribute to a sustainable future for Malaysia.

Since 1990, the organisation has welcomed nearly 33,000 students to participate in various internship programmes. This dedication to fostering future generations of talent positions TNB as a workforce development and innovation leader.

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