Information and communications technology courses in Malaysian universities fail to meet industry needs, says experts

In response to the skills mismatch among ICT (Information and Communications Technology) graduates, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) will revise the curriculum of ICT programmes in local universities. The last revision happened six years ago.

Only 10 per cent of new entrances to the workforce are employable while the rest require training before they can commence work. Malaysian graduates of ICT programmes are struggling to command higher salaries due to the mismatch of skills. Salaries average at RM2,344 between 2011 and 2013.

New technological developments demand a revamp of the ICT curriculum which will be led by MDeC together with the National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), the Malaysian Education Ministry, universities, as well as other industry players.  The new syllabus is expected to be more responsive to industry's needs.

Furthermore, the new syllabus will get industry players to lecture in universities. Focus will no longer be on products but rather on analysis and programming techniques.