IWK chairman Ahmad Johnie Zawawi said the programme, launched in conjunction with the company’s 30th anniversary, will be offered for free starting in July.

“This programme will provide participants with a unique learning experience aimed at developing soft skills, specifically for young local graduates or final year (undergraduate) students,” he said at the firm’s 30th anniversary celebration at IWK Eco Park in Pantai Dalam today.

The celebration was also attended by deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof and deputy energy transition and water transformation minister Akmal Nasrullah Nasir.

Johnie said participants will also learn soft skills, leadership values, as well as strategies to create effective social media campaigns.

He also said the programme, aimed at empowering youths and promoting sustainability, will be conducted in collaboration with Dublin-based communications training firm NK Communications Ltd.

“Participants will have the chance to compete for three cash prizes of RM1,000 each, as well as job opportunities or internships at IWK.

“They will receive comprehensive soft skills training from experienced professionals, gain practical experience at IWK, take part in a team challenge at IWK Eco Park, and be evaluated at the end of the programme,” he said.

Fadillah said IWK’s 30th anniversary marks a significant milestone in the country’s sewerage industry. He noted that the company has successfully and innovatively managed and maintained the national sewage system.

“IWK has not only pioneered the circular economy model but has also initiated the reuse of biosolids as organic fertiliser and renewable energy, specifically photovoltaic (PV) solar energy,” he said.

Last month, IWK received recognition as one of the top four leaders for the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) Pledge at the 2024 Global Water Summit in London, UK.

The other three were Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority, Uganda’s National Water and Sewerage Corporation, and Sanepar from Brazil.