KDU University College host roundtable on graduate employability

Did you know that many fresh graduates from local institutions of higher learning do not meet the basic standards set by employers?

Based on a study published by the Ministry of Education, employers have reported that graduates lack several key characteristics they seek. These include a strong command of English, the right attitude and the ability to solve problems. As a result, they are passed on from being hired.

In light of the situation, KDU University College organised an industry-education institution roundtable discussion to help shed some light on this gap, and what can be done to bridge it.

To provide its views from a higher education institution standpoint, KDU University College was represented by its Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Khong Yoon Loong.

Representing the voice of the industry were Malaysian American Electronics Industry (MAEI) chairman and American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce governor Dato’ Wong Siew Hai, Accor Malaysia and Pullman Kuala Lumpur Human Resources director Jennifer Lim and JobStreet.com’s senior marketing manager Debby Ho.

Education Ministry (Planning and Research Division) senior principal assistant secretary Dr Guan Eng Chan was on the panel to convey the Malaysian government’s stand on the issue.

The roundtable was moderated by Malaysian Qualifications Agency chief executive officer Dato' Dr. Syed Ahmad Hussein, who is also the ASEAN Quality Assurance Network president, and Association of Quality Assurance Agencies of the Islamic World’s first president.

Dato’ Wong Siew Hai highlighted some of the problems that might affect the quality of graduates. “The main problem is the command of English,” he said. He added that many fresh graduates also lacked the ability to express themselves and explain things.

“When you ask them to say something about themselves, they struggle,” he said.

Dr Guan concurred, saying that knowing languages was an important factor. “It is not just English. If you are multi lingual, you stand a better chance to gain employment,” he said.

KDU University College has recently launched an initiative called the E3-Boosters, whereby a set of skills specifically targeted to remedy the common shortcomings faced by fresh graduates seeking employment will be imparted to its students.

The E3-Boosters, comprising English Proficiency, EQ Development and Entrepreneurship, are incorporated into the curricula of its academic programmes and its students are heavily exposed to them.

KDU University College vice-chancellor Dr Khong Yoon Loong said that the institution will ensure that its graduates receive the necessary skills required to address the common shortcomings.

Dr Khong added that the university would provide opportunities for all students to learn these skills while pursuing their various courses. Students also needed to meet older people with different management styles, tactics and personalities for only then could they work and adapt to different situations.

He stressed to the students that they should get involved in co-curricular activities. “Get involved as much as you can on campus. Don’t spend all your time just reading books,” he said.

All the panelists agreed that experiential learning was important and encouraged students to find work- paid or voluntarily- during their holidays.