Johor Student Finds Out His 5-Year Business Degree Isn't Accredited During Job Hunt
As a result, he has only been able to secure jobs with his high school certificate over the last few years.
By May Vin Ang — 13 Mar 2023, 12:20 PM
A man from Johor was crushed to find out that his degree was not recognised by any employer in Malaysia and Singapore after completing a five-year course at a local college
As a result, he has only been able to secure jobs with his high school certificate over the last few years.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Teng (transliterated from Mandarin) told his story in a press conference in Johor on Friday, 10 March, after seeking the help of Tebrau member of parliament (MP) Jimmy Puah.
He also decided to publicise his struggles to prevent others from falling for the same scam.
Teng holding up the scam certificates at the press conference on Friday, 10 March.
Image via Oriental DailyThe now 32-year-old said he paid RM17,000 to study business administration part-time at a Johor college from 2011 to 2015
He told the local Chinese daily that he was introduced to the college by a friend, and coming from a poverty-stricken background, the college's cheap course fees and flexibility to work while studying enticed him to sign up.
However, after graduating, he learnt that his degree was not accredited when an employer rescinded their financial analyst job offer to him.
He took up the matter with the college, but claimed that not only did they not offer him a reasonable response, but also threatened to sue him for defamation.
Over the years, he said he has sought help from the police, the Tribunal for Consumer Claims, and the Ministry of Education, but to no avail.
In the meantime, he had also been seeking work in Singapore, but has only been able to secure work as a security guard and call centre operator with his secondary school certificate.
At the press conference, Teng said the ordeal had made him feel hopeless, and he had even contemplated taking his life during the time
However, since COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, Teng has returned to his hometown and is currently remotely pursuing a business administration course from a UK-based university.
He added that the private college has since closed down and that he had about 10 other course mates who have suffered the same fate.
Meanwhile, Puah told the press conference that he has also since reported the case to the police, the Tribunal for Consumer Claims, and the Ministry of Higher Education.
He reminded the public to be vigilant when looking up universities and colleges, and to check any institution's qualifications before enrolling.
The MP said he will help Teng seek justice by pursuing legal action against the parties involved.
