What’s Happening?
In a recent statement reported by the New Straits Times, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud announced that public universities in Malaysia must review academic programmes with low graduate employability (GE) rates—specifically, those falling below 30% employment after graduation.
This move is part of the ministry’s push to ensure that university offerings remain relevant to industry demands, and that graduates are equipped with the right skills for today’s competitive job market.
Why This Matters
A major study by the Centre for Future Labour Market Studies (EU-ERA) revealed that:
- 78.7% of graduates were not fully prepared for the workforce.
- 52.8% were working in jobs unrelated to their academic qualifications.
- Many graduates stayed in mismatched roles for comfort, affecting long-term career growth.
What the Ministry Is Doing About It
Here are the key actions being taken:
1. Programme Review Trigger
Any public university course with a GE rate below 30% must be reviewed—and possibly restructured or discontinued.
2. Greater Transparency for Students
The UPUOnline application system now displays the employability rate of each course, helping students and parents make more informed decisions.
3. Emphasis on the 2u2i Programme Model
Programmes that combine university learning with real-world industry placements (2 years at university + 2 years in industry) have shown promising results.
For example:
- Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics at UMP had a 100% GE rate in 2023
- Diploma in Physiotherapy at UniSZA achieved 95% GE rate
4. Collaboration With E&E Industry
Universities are being encouraged to work closely with electrical & electronics (E&E) companies to fine-tune their curriculum and address skill mismatches in high-demand sectors.
What This Means for Students & Parents
- When choosing a course, look beyond interest and prestige—check the employability stats.
- Programmes that include industry placements, internships, or certifications tend to yield better career outcomes.
- Keep an eye out for 2u2i programmes or universities actively engaging with industry partners.
