KUALA LUMPUR: Every generation of young adults faces its own crisis, but adaptability and the willingness to take on challenges will determine how well they navigate an increasingly uncertain future, says MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon (pic).
He said they should prepare themselves before graduation by organising programmes, volunteering, doing internships and assuming leadership roles instead of relying solely on academic qualifications.
“It’s not about when you graduate, it’s not about what kind of courses you are taking. It’s not about what kind of job is waiting for you.
“In my own experience, it’s all about whether you are ready to take up challenges,” Chong said during a townhall meeting with undergraduates at the Youth Economic Forum 2026 here yesterday.
He said employers look beyond what candidates have studied, stressing that communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills are important in determining whether someone is ready for the workplace.
Chong said students should develop such skills while in campus where they have more room to make mistakes and learn from them.
They should not become too focused on getting good grades and neglect activities that could expose them to real-world challenges, he said.
Leadership, Chong said, is about taking responsibility and not just about having a title.
Chong urged graduates not to wait for their ideal job before entering the workforce, saying their first job should be treated as “the first classroom” after university rather than a final career destination.
He encouraged students to focus on becoming employable by building communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while gaining experience through internships, volunteering and campus activities.
“Grab whatever you have. You need experience, you need exposure,” he said.
Many graduates’ first jobs would not necessarily be in the industry they studied, Chong added.
He also stressed the importance of building professional networks before graduation.
“Get your connections. Connections are very important,” Chong said, encouraging students to make full use of alumni links and industry contacts while still at university.
