In short
- The Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia plans to phase out low-employability courses
- A study by TalentCorp predicts that 260 jobs will be made redundant due to automation, prompting a review of university programs.
- The ministry aims to address declining interest in STEM fields
The Ministry of Higher Education is looking into phasing out courses with low employability and those no longer relevant to industry requirements; according to its deputy minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He mentioned that 260 jobs were predicted to be made redundant in Malaysia as a result of technology advancements, based on a study by TalentCorp.
A look at the TalentCorp website shows that the top 10 occupations likely to be affected by automation include models, secretaries, auditors, cashiers, travel agents, data entry clerks, telemarketers, assembly line workers, bank tellers, and postal service clerks.
Therefore, Mustapha stated that any university programme that has an employability rate of less than 30 per cent would be under review and possible restructuring to improve its relevance and competitiveness in the labour market.
"This is part of our master plan to make sure that higher learning programmes keep pace with technological innovations and industry demands," he stated during the launch of the 'Jom Masuk U' programme at University Malaysia Sabah.
On the issue of dwindling interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, Mustapha explained that national enrolment was at 22 per cent, with Sabah at 12.6 per cent.
He cited this trend as a result of a lack of early exposure and knowledge among parents and students.
"We see our students choosing softer routes instead of those that the industry is pushing," he said, highlighting the necessity of early STEM exposure to build long-term interest and improve the country's talent pipeline in key areas.
To tackle these issues, a special committee consisting of the Higher Education Ministry, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), and the Education Ministry, has been convened to develop strategies focused on the rejuvenation of STEM education and in accordance with future industry demands.
UMS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor was in attendance at the function.
