National Strategy Needed to Update University Curriculums
The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) is urging the government to establish a national-level strategy to regularly update university curriculums based on industry requirements. According to MEF President Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, institutions of higher learning (IHL) should review the courses offered and drop irrelevant and outdated ones.
Skills-Related Underemployment
As of the third quarter of 2024, approximately 1.95 million Malaysians were facing skills-related underemployment. This indicates that a significant portion of tertiary-educated graduates are employed in jobs that do not fit their qualifications. This underemployment now affects 36.8% of the country’s tertiary-educated workforce, and the MEF is concerned that the mismatch between our graduates’ skills and job requirements poses challenges for them and employers.
Industry Evolution and Skills Demands
Syed Hussain noted that technological advancements, changing market conditions, and new business models are causing an evolution in the demand for specific skills. Hence, IHL in emerging economies like Malaysia should act quickly to reflect such changes through their curriculums to ensure graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge that are in demand.
Addressing Skills-Related Underemployment
Addressing skills-related underemployment is crucial for Malaysia’s economic growth as it ensures that the workforce’s potential is fully harnessed by local businesses and foreign investors, leading to enhanced productivity and competitiveness. Syed Hussain emphasized that having IHL regularly updating their courses in consultation with industry stakeholders will improve their graduates’ employability.
Collaboration between IHL and Industry
Syed Hussain added that there is a critical need for enhanced collaboration between IHL and the industry to ensure that graduates possess the required skill sets. "To a certain extent, the IHL in Malaysia produce graduates with some skills that are required in the job market, but they fall short of requirements. This is proven by the fact that skills-related underemployment exists as a major problem, and from the statistics, IHL need to relook the relevance of their courses in tandem with job market requirements."
Government Intervention
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Academic Development Director Assoc Prof Dr Suriyani Ariffin agrees that government intervention is critical to streamline educational offerings with job market needs. Doing so can help ensure that academic programmes are aligned with industry requirements, promote skills development, and address gaps in the workforce.
Reviewing Courses
UiTM typically reviews its courses every three to four years based on a programme’s duration. Suriyani explained that to help students transition into careers that match their qualifications, IHL ensure that the entry requirements for each programme align with learning outcomes and course objectives, right from the application and programme offering stages.
Alignment with Industry Requirements
This alignment helps ensure students are equipped with skills and knowledge that meet academic standards and industry requirements, facilitating a smoother transition into having sound careers. Suriyani added that removing any programme calls for thorough analysis, particularly of student enrolment and whether the courses have been active or otherwise for more than two years.
Enhancing Programmes
Instead of outright removal, UiTM might opt to enhance the programmes with updated, industry-driven requirements. Suriyani highlighted that UiTM has also established an academic appointment management system involving an industry advisory panel and alumni representatives to discuss current workforce needs and essential skills for employees.
Conclusion
The Malaysian Employers Federation is urging the government to establish a national-level strategy to regularly update university curriculums based on industry requirements. This move aims to address skills-related underemployment, which affects 36.8% of the country’s tertiary-educated workforce. By reviewing and updating courses, IHL can ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge that are in demand, promoting a smoother transition into the workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Malaysian Employers Federation calling for the establishment of a national-level strategy to regularly update university curriculums?
A: To address skills-related underemployment, which affects 36.8% of the country’s tertiary-educated workforce, and to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge that are in demand.
Q: What is the significance of addressing skills-related underemployment?
A: Addressing skills-related underemployment is crucial for Malaysia’s economic growth as it ensures that the workforce’s potential is fully harnessed by local businesses and foreign investors, leading to enhanced productivity and competitiveness.
Q: How can IHL ensure that graduates are equipped with the required skill sets?
A: By reviewing and updating courses in consultation with industry stakeholders, and ensuring that the entry requirements for each programme align with learning outcomes and course objectives.