The next step forward: Zambry (third from right) at one of the booths at the carnival in Mitec. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Several programmes at institutions of higher learning (IPT) need to be reviewed to get them in line with recent technological developments, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
The Higher Education Minister said the review is important considering there are faculties or departments that were established around two to three decades ago based on market needs at the time.
“Yes, there will be courses that need to be reviewed because there are certain faculties or departments that were established around 20 to 30 years ago. At that time, the industry’s needs were different compared to now,” he said at the Higher Education Ministry’s (KPT) National Career Carnival here yesterday.
Zambry said not all programmes need to be changed, citing, for example, computer science.
“But its teaching approach is now different. We ask all universities to re-evaluate their programmes in the current context,” he said, reported Bernama.
Although the employability rate of graduates in the country was 92%, Zambry said the government wants to reduce the numbers of those who are underemployed.
“We are working to address the issue of underemployment. Programmes like today’s are held to open up more space and opportunities for graduates and jobseekers so that they can work in fields related to their qualifications and expertise,” he added.
KPT secretary-general Datuk Dr Anesee Ibrahim said the large-scale career carnival is among the key activities in the Graduate Employability Strategic Plan (PSKG) 2021-2025, which is now entering the final phase of implementation.
“The new PSKG 2026-2030 plan being developed is in line with the Malaysian Higher Education Plan (PPTM) 2025-2035, which is expected to be launched soon. Among the main focuses of the new plan are producing value-based graduates, enhancing academic performance and empowering higher education institutions to a global level,” he said.
The two-day KPT National Career Carnival 2025, which started yesterday, brings together over 100 leading local companies from various key sectors, including investED, Bank Negara Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, PayNet, Infineon Technologies, IJM Corporation Bhd, SD Guthrie Bhd and Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
Earlier, Zambry witnessed the signing of two memorandums of understanding (MOU) between KPT and ACCA Malaysia as well as Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL), aimed at strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and professional bodies in the fields of accounting, finance and rail transportation.
He also handed over a mock cheque for the implementation of the KPT’s Industrial and Professional Credentialing Programme (KPTiP), which was approved for three recipients: The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, ACCA Malaysia and MRL, with a total value of RM13,313,200.
