JOHOR BARU: Many Malaysian graduates from local universities are now more confident conversing in English, said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh.
He said this was based on feedback from employers.
Idris said there was improvement in the English proficiency level among them, resulting in better chances of getting jobs after graduating.
He said this was because they were aware of the importance of the English language.
“It is good to note that our university students are putting in more effort to master English,” said Idris during a university-industry dialogue at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Skudai campus here.
He said the Malaysia English Assessment (MEA) launched last year for university students would further help them to master the language.
Idris added that the integration of formal and informal learning, and assessment was expected to produce graduates aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) English proficiency level after graduation.
The assessment is critical for learning as it not only provides a bridge between the teaching and learning process but is part of students’ educational experience, he added.
On a separate matter, Idris said collaboration and cooperation between the industry and the academia was vital to produce graduates to fulfil the needs of the industry.
He said both parties must formulate a curriculum relevant for economic activities in order to avoid mismatching in terms of job opportunities for graduates.
Idris said the exposure the students received from chief executive officers from the corporate sectors appointed as adjunct professors at universities was a good experience for them.
Presently there are CEOs from local and multinational corporations who are adjunct professors at universities in the country.
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