GRADUATE employability is a crucial benchmark of how in demand an educational institution’s graduates are in the job market.
In a recent validation assessment, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has emerged as the leading technical and vocational education and training (TVET) university for graduate employability.
Conducted by Talentbank, an employability-focused platform, and involving 1,200 industry employers, the Graduate Employability Index 2026 also awarded the varsity’s four programmes - automotive, entrepreneurship, mechanical engineering and mechatronic engineering - a 6-Star Employer Choice rating.
In addition, the automotive programme has been ranked first in its field among Malaysian public universities, with the varsity also becoming a top choice among employers for large-scale recruitment of graduates in the fields of computing and information technology, according to a UTeM press release.
These achievements have placed the varsity among the top five public universities in the country, it added.
UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Massila Kamalrudin said the four major accomplishments are the result of the varsity’s integrated, industry-based education approach and continuous commitment.
“These ensure that the curriculum remains relevant to industry needs and focuses on developing students’ practical and soft skills,” she said.
She added that the recognition reflects the high level of trust the industry places in the quality of the varsity’s graduates.
“UTeM will continue to strengthen strategic collaborations with industry partners to ensure that its graduates not only meet current job market demands, but are also capable of driving innovation and national development in the future,” she said.
Prof Massila was represented by UTeM deputy vice-chancellor (student affairs and alumni) Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Sabri Mohamad Sharif, who received the trophy and certificate of excellence at the Employers’ Choice Award ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on April 11.
Sabri said UTeM consistently emphasises holistic student development that balances academic excellence, soft skills and leadership values.
“Student development is a core pillar for UTeM in producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also possess strong character, resilience, and the ability to adapt to industry needs and global challenges.
“In line with this, UTeM remains committed to strengthening an industry-oriented higher education ecosystem, producing holistic, competent and globally competitive graduates,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Faculty of Mechanical Technology and Engineering dean Assoc Prof Dr Nadlene Razali and Centre for Student Empowerment, Alumni and Careers director Assoc Prof Dr Hazli Rafis Abdul Rahim.
