Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to identify the focus and strategies of Malaysian public universities to enhance graduates’ competency levels, as well as their key challenges. Methodology: The study used an exploratory approach, applying a qualitative method. Data were collected at eight selected public universities in Malaysia through face-to-face interviews with expert informants that included a deputy vice chancellor of academic affairs and directors in charge of graduate employability. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: The results revealed the practical roles of Malaysian public universities in enhancing graduates’ competency levels and subsequently securing their employability by meeting market demands. Nonetheless, stronger changes and reforms at the institutional level are needed to support the degree of competency among graduates, such as improving teaching methods and programmes offered. Furthermore, university–industry collaboration should also be strengthened to develop a competitive and capable talent pool in the country. Significance: The paper extends the core focus and strategies that have been implemented by public universities by providing more detailed and practical solutions to ensure that curriculum design more effectively supports the development of graduate competency. The study findings are useful for improving universities’ strategies and implementation processes to pursue a balanced quality of education in developing future talent.
Highlights
Employability of Graduates and Graduate CompetencyThe increasing problem of graduate unemployment has been linked to the low level of graduate competency and quality of graduates that does not match with employers’ expectations (Aris, Baharum, Sanusi, Abdul-Rahman & Lee, 2013; Hanapi, Nordin & Che-Rus, 2014; Perera, Babatunde, Pearson & Ekundayo, 2017). Velasco (2014) and Nilson (2010) described the difficulty for employers today to find candidates who possess a variety of competencies to facilitate and enhance the organization’s productivity
This study explores the focus and strategies used by public universities in Malaysia to enhance graduates’ competency level as well as to alleviate the unemployment issues among current graduates
The study found that public universities are focusing on nurturing their graduates’ attributes and collaborating with industry to enhance the graduates’ competency level
Summary
Employability of Graduates and Graduate CompetencyThe increasing problem of graduate unemployment has been linked to the low level of graduate competency and quality of graduates that does not match with employers’ expectations (Aris, Baharum, Sanusi, Abdul-Rahman & Lee, 2013; Hanapi, Nordin & Che-Rus, 2014; Perera, Babatunde, Pearson & Ekundayo, 2017). Velasco (2014) and Nilson (2010) described the difficulty for employers today to find candidates who possess a variety of competencies to facilitate and enhance the organization’s productivity. As highlighted by Saleh and Rosli (2019) and by Periera, Vilas-Boas and Rebelo (2020), one strategy to enhance graduate employability vis-à-vis industry demand is focusing on work-life competency and the key skills needed for the advancement of the organization. This is a complex challenge that demands transformation at the higher education institutional level, taking into consideration the perspectives and momentum of the various interest groups concerned (Anicic & Divjak, 2020; Sin & Neace 2016). This is a complex challenge that demands transformation at the higher education institutional level, taking into consideration the perspectives and momentum of the various interest groups concerned (Anicic & Divjak, 2020; Sin & Neace 2016). Cotronei-Baird (2019) argued that the issue of employability skills development is crucial for national and international higher educational institutions, the importance of investigating the challenges facing academic leaders and understanding their actual practices
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