Recent findings from the Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) report indicate that a significant number of Malaysian graduates are facing challenges of being overqualified and underpaid in their current jobs.
This issue may arise from these three challenges that universities must address:
> A mismatch between academic qualifications and job requirementsAs highlighted in the KRI report, many graduates enter the workforce with degrees that do not align with the demands of the job market.
Prioritising career profiling and guidance before students enter higher education, preferably during the foundation year, would allow them to gain an understanding of their fields before progressing to their degree programmes. Experiences at a UK branch campus demonstrate the benefits of making it mandatory for foundation students to attend a workshop where they identify their strengths and preferences.
While this serves as a navigation tool, further career guidance is necessary to help them choose fields in demand and suitable for their abilities.
> The lack of practical skills among graduatesWhile academic knowledge is crucial, practical skills are equally important for success in the real world. Many still believe that being a skilled specialist is enough for workplace success.
However, evidence shows that 85% of our career success depends on the effectiveness of our practical skills. Practical skill development from regular academic programmes is insufficient. Typical programmes use methods like group assignments, community projects and final year projects to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, expecting students to pick up these skills in a simulated environment.
More programmes now include internship, which is closest to the real environment, but the experience is still superficial since it’s usually short-term, not exceeding one semester.
Such work-based learning needs enhancement, not only for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes but also for non-STEM programmes, if we want to see an improvement in practical skill development.
Collaborations between universities and industries are crucial to incorporate hands-on experiences and real-world projects into curricula, better preparing graduates for the practical challenges they will face in the workforce.
> The gap between what universities teach and what employers expectHigher education institutions typically offer what the market wants, not necessarily what the industry requires. Establishing regular roundtables, forums and partnerships between academic institutions and industries can facilitate a dynamic exchange of ideas.
For example, just before the launch of the artificial intelligence era through OpenAI, a few related fields like smart manufacturing and factory automation were proposed to an open university during a roundtable discussion with key members of the electronic industry in the north.
This initiative paved the way for more relevant programme offerings in a rather traditional open and distance learning (ODL) environment. Such collaboration is essential to align academic programmes with the evolving needs of the job market, thereby reducing the overqualification issue.
In short, it is important for universities to take proactive measures to address the overqualification and underpayment challenges faced by Malaysian graduates.
By enhancing career guidance, integrating practical training, and fostering collaboration with industries, our universities can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academia and the job market.
PROF DAVID NGO CHEK LING
Deputy vice-chancellor (Academic)
City University
