Port Klang, 25th July 2008: Job seekers, here is an opportunity to join Malaysia’s leading port and be part of a world-class organization. Catch Westports Malaysia at the Jobfair 08, this Saturday and Sunday, 26 & 27 July at the Worldwide Business Center, Section 13, Shah Alam.

Jointly organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and SeNet, qualified candidates can apply directly for jobs that are suited to them.

Westports needs graduates and skilled staff to cope with the growth and expansion of the port business. With the surge in container volume during recent years, the time is ripe for young Malaysians to explore a career in the thriving port industry.

The port has vacancies for graduates who have qualifications in IT, Engineering and Finance. Ports need IT graduates as many ports today are run by IT-trained intelligent people who can move more than 400-million boxes around the world by using computers.

Westports need Engineers who can specialize in terminal equipments and come up with new designs to improve productivity and turnaround time. As for Finance, the port requires specialists to audit and conceptualize how the port should be moving besides being able to manage projects and costing.

Westports is also in need of Prime Mover Drivers, Yard Planning Clerks, Maintenance Technicians and Stowage Clerks. Prime Mover Drivers can move on to become Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTG) Crane or Quay Crane operators as promotion prospects at the port is opened to anyone who can display their skills and competency.

Westports is of the view that university leavers should explore their career prospects to join the port as Management Trainees as well as other designations because not only the wages are attractive, but they will also undergo extensive training and exposure.

By 2010, Westports total employees would reach about 4,000, up from the current 2,600 staff. The port is expanding its facilities to meet the future demand including the current expansion of its wharf by 600-meters by September this year and placing additional equipments to cater for the expected growth.

Westports handled 4.3 million TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent units) last year; up from 3.7 million it handled in 2006. This year, Westports will become a 5-million TEU port.

Strategically located along the world’s busiest shipping route – The Straits of Malacca, Westports Malaysia is a gateway to South East Asia’s booming population market of 500 million with a global connectivity to 300 ports.

Westports employees get the opportunity to experience the practical aspects of port operations, which are geared towards meeting global standards. The in-house programme includes one year of rotational training under the supervision of a trainee mentor and cross-corporate function exposure - ensuring that the trainees gather rich experience within the first year of joining. Westports sees training as investment in attracting, retaining, and growing a world-class workforce.

Over 40 different employee benefits are provided by Westports including group personal accident scheme, a 2-month interest-free salary advance, and first class medical benefits. Medical assistance is also extended to the employees’ immediate family members. Loans are provided for housing, vehicles and computers. Taking into account the numerous allowances and incentives given, the minimum wage at the port stands at a fairly comfortable figure of RM1,500 a month.

A career at Westports could well be a stepping-stone for Malaysians aiming to serve international shipping lines or other ports around the world. As a maritime cradle for world-class professionals, Westports produces top-notch performers who are constantly in demand.