{"id":183985,"date":"2025-05-27T21:56:15","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T21:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.iium.edu.my\/?p=183985"},"modified":"2025-05-28T02:47:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T02:47:23","slug":"why-malaysian-graduates-struggle-with-job-readiness-despite-having-their-degrees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.iium.edu.my\/?p=183985","title":{"rendered":"Why Malaysian Graduates Struggle with Job Readiness despite having Degrees?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By, Ahmad Hakim Hassanuddin<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, Malaysia has made significant strides in expanding access to higher education. Universities churn out tens of thousands of graduates each year, yet the job market tells a different story. Employers lament a lack of employable skills, while graduates struggle to find jobs aligned with their qualifications. This growing mismatch raises a difficult but essential question: Why are Malaysian graduates struggling with job readiness despite their degrees?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Degrees without Direction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For many graduates, a scroll and a convocation photo are no longer a guarantee of employment. A 2023 Graduate Tracer Study by the Ministry of Higher Education reveals that while over 80 percent of graduates were eventually employed, nearly half were working in unrelated fields or temporary jobs, with many earning below RM2,000 monthly. The issue is not just about jobs \u2014 it is about meaningful and sustainable careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One reason for this disconnect lies in the curriculum itself. Many university programmes still rely heavily on theory-based content, with limited opportunities for practical experience or industry exposure. Employers frequently cite a lack of soft skills \u2014 such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork \u2014 as a key shortcoming among fresh graduates. Technical know-how alone is no longer sufficient in a fast-evolving job landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Industry<\/strong>-Academia Divide<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part of the problem also stems from a lingering disconnect between academia and the job market. Some academic programmes have not kept pace with industry needs, resulting in a talent pool that is often mismatched with real-world demand. For instance, while fields like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital marketing are booming, many universities continue to offer oversaturated courses with limited market relevance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Internships, while now more common, are often poorly structured or too short to provide real workplace experience. Without meaningful engagement between universities and industries \u2014 through curriculum advisory boards, co-op programs, or project-based learning \u2014 graduates remain underprepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attitude Adjustment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond technical and institutional gaps, there\u2019s also a cultural factor at play. Some employers express concern about graduates lacking a growth mindset or professional etiquette. The sense of entitlement to certain positions or salaries without demonstrating value can create friction between employers and job seekers. At the same time, graduates themselves express frustration with companies demanding \u201c3 years of experience\u201d for entry-level roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a need for balance \u2014 graduates must be encouraged to build resilience and professionalism, while employers must also be willing to invest in training and mentoring fresh talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Role of TVET and Alternative Pathways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). These programmes are often more closely aligned with industry needs and can provide a viable, respected alternative to traditional degrees. However, lingering stigma and lack of awareness among parents and students continue to hinder its growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Career readiness shouldn\u2019t be seen as the sole responsibility of students. Educational institutions must do more to embed employability into their DNA \u2014 from career counselling and mentorship programmes to entrepreneurship training and digital upskilling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Broader Perspective: SDG 8<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This issue links closely with Sustainable Development Goal 8<\/strong>: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Ensuring that young people are equipped with the right skills and opportunities isn\u2019t just a national challenge \u2014 it\u2019s a global priority. If Malaysia is to thrive in a knowledge-based economy, we must invest in preparing graduates not only to find jobs \u2014 but to create, adapt, and lead in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malaysia\u2019s youth are full of potential, but our education and employment systems need recalibrating. Bridging the gap between degrees and job readiness is no small task, but it is an urgent one. The future of work demands more than paper qualifications \u2014 it calls for adaptability, real-world skills, and collaboration between all stakeholders. Without these changes, we risk producing graduates who are educated but unemployable \u2014 a tragic waste in a country rich in talent.***<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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