Why do Malaysian graduates with degrees face lower hiring chances than those without?

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Malaysian Graduates with Degrees Face Lower Hiring Chances Than Those Without Due to Systemic Issues

Malaysian graduates holding diplomas or degrees are sometimes hired less frequently than those without formal qualifications, a situation observed particularly among Bumiputera. This phenomenon suggests a disconnect between the skills and knowledge imparted by the formal education system and the demands of the industry. In 2017, the youth unemployment rate stood at 13.2%, a figure three times the national average, highlighting a broader challenge in graduate employability.
Curriculum Relevance and Industry Needs

A significant factor contributing to this disparity is the potential irrelevance of the current educational curriculum to the needs of the job market. When graduates possess qualifications that do not align with industry requirements, their employability naturally diminishes. This issue is underscored by the observation that individuals with degrees might be less sought after than those without, implying that the degrees themselves may not represent valuable, in-demand competencies.
Deficiencies in Soft Skills and Character

Beyond academic qualifications, a 2018 study revealed critical shortcomings in the attributes of unemployable graduates. The research indicated that 64% of such graduates exhibited poor character or attitude, 59% possessed a weak command of the English language, and 53% lacked adequate communication skills. These soft skills are increasingly vital for professional success, and their absence suggests a failure in the education system to adequately develop these essential attributes alongside academic learning.
Inefficient Educational Yield

Further compounding the problem, World Bank research has indicated that Malaysian students receive approximately nine years of meaningful education within a 12-year formal schooling period. This implies that a substantial portion of the allocated educational time may not be effectively utilized or translated into productive learning outcomes. Such inefficiency means that even a degree obtained after 12 years of schooling might not fully equip a graduate with the necessary skills and knowledge for the modern workforce.

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Why do Malaysian graduates with degrees face lower hiring chances than those without?

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