Rafizi Claims Employers Aren't Really Looking At Your Degrees When Hiring
According to the Economy Minister, academic degrees, while indicative of intellectual capabilities, aren't the only important factor in the hiring process.
Employers care more about skills and abilities than diplomas or bachelor's degrees, says Economy Minister Mohd Rafizi Ramli
Speaking at the 2023 International Public Employment Forum (IPEF), Rafizi highlighted the drawbacks of placing too much importance on academic certificates, based on his interviews with thousands of graduates.
Rafizi noted that the job market has shifted significantly, as employers today value qualities such as independence, initiative, and a well-rounded personality in candidates.
He said academic degrees, while indicative of intellectual capabilities, aren't the only important factor in the hiring process, reported New Straits Times.
The Minister pointed out that Malaysia's conventional talent acquisition model, which relies heavily on academic qualifications, can make it hard to match qualifications with job requirements in the market
"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," he said.
The situation, he added, 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," Rafizi said, adding that while degrees demonstrate intellect, the true value lies in an individual's ability to work independently, take initiative, and display a holistic approach to problem-solving.
Other experts at the forum echoed Rafizi's sentiments
The Centre for Social Welfare Studies director Professor Datuk Dr Norma Mansor, who was one of the panellists, emphasised the need to tackle talent mismatch in today's job market.
She attributed the problem to Malaysia's lack of innovation in its economic structure and the scarcity of high-value job opportunities.
Norma was joined by the Centre for Economic Research and Training and Statistics for Islamic Countries director Zehra Zumrut Selcuk, according to New Straits Times.
Earlier this year, a survey found that Chinese employers in Malaysia now prefer to hire men due to a new policy:
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