According to Rafizi Ramli, the Economy Minister, having a diploma or bachelor’s degree is not the main thing companies look for when they hire people.
He said this because he had talked to thousands of graduates before.
According to a report by the New Straits Times, Rafizi said that companies have trouble matching qualifications with job requirements because people depend too much on academic credentials alone. This is because there is a lack of talent and skills needed.
“In Malaysia, we are used to the production line, which is talent acquisition. Like when we go to school, we have a single model. If you do your best, you will get a scholarship.
“If you go to university and take an engineering course, you will imagine that in 20 to 30 years time you will become an engineer.
“This case is different now. I once interviewed top-class young graduates five or six years ago. Based on some research that I want to share, especially regarding young talent, most of the time employers hire you not because of your degree.
“A degree only proves that you have a brain. When someone is hired, the employers see the qualities that they can be independent, have their own initiative, and that they are balanced.”
Rafizi had been to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre earlier today. He attended the International Public Employment Forum (IPEF) 2023, organized together by the Social Security Organization (Socso).
The head of the Center for Economic Research and Training and Statistics for Islamic Countries, Zehra Zumrut Selcuk, and the Center for Social Welfare Studies director, Professor Datuk Dr. Norma Mansor, joined Rafizi on the panel.
On the other hand, Norma said that the skill mismatch problem in the current job market. It is due to the lack of high-value job openings and the country’s outdated economic structure.
On top of that, she said the government should do something to help local talent. Which is by bringing in more investment or high-impact businesses, according to New Straits Times.
“Steps to bring in high-impact companies or industries to Malaysia are very necessary. So that our people can be involved in the related economy,” she stated.
According to Rafizi Ramli, the Economy Minister, having a diploma or bachelor’s degree is not the main thing companies look for when they hire people.