SHAH ALAM, July 12 - Higher learning institutions (IPTs) no longer just focus on theory-based education, but emphases soft skills to produce graduates that meet industry needs.
Universiti Selangor (UNISEL) Engineering and Life Sciences Faculty deputy dean (academic) Norazean Shaari@Md Noh said employers now don’t just look at academic results, but also graduates’ ability to master various other skills like communication, leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving, which are assets in the job market.
“Employers don’t just want graduates who, on paper, are first-class, but during interviews cannot communicate and when given problems, cannot solve them,” she told Media Selangor’s Bicara Semasa segment on July 2.
Norazean added that throughout courses in university, students are equipped with complex problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork skills that are among employers’ requirements.
“TVET (technical and vocational education and training) skills are important. At UNISEL itself we are developing more practical programmes to give students opportunities,” she said.
She explained that universities are also strengthening industry collaborations to produce more competitive graduates.
“All of our programmes have an industry advisory panel that we call every year to discuss our current programmes; whether they are relevant to the industry or need improvements.
“Other than industrial training that most programmes make mandatory for students, we also conduct industry trips to expose (students) to real situations and problems in the industry,” she said.
Norazean added that exposure to real industry situations, including through project-based learning, can help equip students with the skills they need to enter the workforce.