Enhancing English Proficiency and Communication Skills Among Malaysian Graduates through Training and Coaching

Seetha Nesaratnam,Yi Von Foo,Wan Hisham Wan Salleh,Wan Mahmud Wan Syazwan Wan Hisham

doi:10.5296/ijld.v10i4.17875

Seetha Nesaratnam, Yi Von Foo + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5296/ijld.v10i4.17875

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Abstract

Employability of graduates has become a matter of grave concern in Malaysia where the high unemployment rate of graduates is said to be a result of poor English communication skills. English communication plays an important role in an organisation and is said to enhance efficiency and productivity. English communication is therefore, a critical skill for graduates seeking employment, regardless of position or industry. The importance of English communication skills for graduates in the Malaysian private sector and recommendations for improvement initiatives were the focal points of this study. Data was collected from in-depth interviews with 10 employers in the private sector who are in leadership positions, who recruit and manage graduates. The interview transcripts were analysed using ATLAS.ti a Computer Assisted Qualitative Data AnalysiS (CAQDAS) and the findings of the study strongly indicate that employers in the private sector place high value on English communication competency. The results also revealed that mastery of this skill enhances employability of graduates and also creates opportunities for career advancement. The findings further point towards the importance of deeper collaboration between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and industry, graduate training and coaching.

Highlights

The emerging importance of the English language as the lingua franca of the business community in the Asian region has rendered English proficiency and communications skills key employability requirement (Ting et al, 2017; Truong, Laura, & Shaw, 2018)
Employability of graduates has become a matter of grave concern in Malaysia where the high unemployment rate of graduates is said to be a result of poor English communication skills
English proficiency and communication are key enablers for businesses in the ASEAN region to remain competitive in the global market (Jobstreet.com, 2015; Singaravela & Paramasivam, 2016)

Summary

Introduction

The emerging importance of the English language as the lingua franca of the business community in the Asian region has rendered English proficiency and communications skills key employability requirement (Ting et al, 2017; Truong, Laura, & Shaw, 2018). English proficiency and communication are key enablers for businesses in the ASEAN region to remain competitive in the global market (Jobstreet.com, 2015; Singaravela & Paramasivam, 2016). English and communication are a critical skills for graduates seeking employment, regardless of position or industry (Singaravela & Paramasivam, 2016). In this 21st century globalised economy, a graduate’s proficiency and ability to communicate in English in the workplace, has become a key requirement of employers. In this 21st century globalised economy, a graduate’s proficiency and ability to communicate in English in the workplace, has become a key requirement of employers. Ismail (2011) carried out research on 3,025 Malaysian graduates, and the findings of the study showed evidence that graduates with proficiency in English communication are more employable

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