29/06/2025

NATIONAL 3 ON SUNDAY JUNE 29, 2025

‘Choose courses with job prospects’

Academics advise balancing personal interest and future workforce needs to avoid unemployment

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia associate professor Dr Abdul Rahim Zumrah said it is wise for those pursuing higher education to examine the job market to understand where demand lies. “This effort could enhance their chances of getting a job in the field they studied,” he said in a WhatsApp message. He agreed with Muhammad Aiman that given today’s competitive job market, jobseekers should be equipped with formal qualifications. “I strongly encourage the younger generation to pursue university-level studies based on their capacity and interests. Applying for an entry-level executive position today often requires at least a bachelor’s degree,” he said. On Tuesday, the results of last year’s STPM examinations were released, with 1,266 out of 42,861 candidates achieving a cumulative grade point average of 4.0.

a journalist?” He also addressed the belief that formal qualifications are no longer essential as some achieve success without them and many youths aspire to become influencers. “We never know what the future holds, and while many are becoming influencers today, not everyone can sustain it long term. Influencers themselves now face fierce competition within their own niches to capture attention. “Education and knowledge remain important and relevant. In fact, studies show that fewer people continue their education after SPM. “In facing today’s global challenges, at the very least, one should have a bachelor’s degree. “A certificate signals to employers that a candidate has basic knowledge in a particular field. With that, employers know the individual has undergone training aligned with their needs,” he said.

journey. It is interest that drives individuals to climb the career ladder, not just earning a degree,” he said when contacted by theSun . Muhammad Aiman added that a student’s interest should also align with their personality and not be decided on a whim, which can be assessed through psychometric testing. “Most universities already offer psychometric tests, including through the UPU (Unit Pengambilan Universiti) system e-profiling tool. “The MyMahir platform developed by TalentCorp also provides similar assessments. These tests could help confirm your interest and match you to suitable courses based on your personality. “Sometimes, students aren’t aware of this, but personality plays a huge role. For example, an introvert may not suit a career requiring outgoing traits. How can an introvert be expected to become

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

unemployed graduates. “When we look at how students choose their courses, career opportunities fall into two categories – high demand and emerging fields. “High-demand fields aren’t necessarily booming industries, but they are areas that if pursued, is likely to secure a job either quickly or eventually. These include roles such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, teachers and IT professionals. “Emerging industries include jobs related to artificial intelligence, data science, green energy and machinists. “Interest should be the second consideration. You do need to think about long-term passion as it helps shape your career

PETALING JAYA: Students looking to enrol at universities should consider job opportunities alongside their personal interests, academics have advised. Universiti Teknologi Mara Perlis campus Faculty of Business and Management senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Aiman Arifin said students need to take a long-term view and consider current global workforce demands. While interest remains important, he explained it should be a secondary factor in course selection, with greater emphasis placed on future job prospects to avoid a glut of

Students urged to explore alternative paths to higher education PETALING JAYA: Students who are not offered a place to further their studies at a higher level or who do not secure a spot in their desired field are advised not to be disheartened and instead explore alternative pathways to continue their education. “Sometimes, students apply for courses they want without considering their actual qualifications, even when they are not eligible. and arts stream students. Those interested may visit UiTM’s pre-diploma website to register. Muhammad Aiman added that other local universities also offer similar programmes.

New electricity tariff could lower bills with wise usage KUALA LUMPUR: The recently announced restructuring of electricity tariffs could help reduce utility bills if electricity is used wisely and efficiently. Private sector worker Rozita Ibrahim, 38, said consumption based on the Time of Use (TOU) scheme could lower bills if usage is shifted to off-peak hours. “If you want to save, you have to follow the ‘timing’. For example, we do all household chores such as washing and ironing during off-peak hours,” the mother of two told Bernama recently. Last Friday, the Energy Commission (EC) announced that more than 23.6 million domestic consumers in Peninsular Malaysia would benefit from a new, fairer and more progressive electricity tariff schedule. Taking effect on July 1, the schedule is part of major reforms to the national energy sector and aims to provide greater clarity and confidence to investors. The new tariff will also introduce an energy efficiency incentive for consumers who use electricity prudently. Under the new schedule, 85% of domestic consumers or account holders are expected to enjoy the same or even lower bills, provided their monthly usage does not exceed 1,000 kilowatt hours. In addition, the TOU scheme has been streamlined and extended to longer off-peak periods, covering all of Saturday and Sunday, and from 10pm to 2pm, Monday to Friday. According to the EC, this aims to encourage more efficient consumption in line with demand patterns and supports a more sustainable energy system. “If users consume electricity during off-peak hours, they could save on bills compared to peak usage,” it said. A lecturer from a private institution, who requested to be identified only as Joe, said having a large family naturally leads to higher electricity use and the tariff restructuring has encouraged him to be more disciplined. “I have many children, eight of them. I need to teach them about saving money. I have realised I can reduce my monthly utility bills if I manage our usage wisely.”

“One option is to go through programmes such as UiTM’s pre-diploma. After six months, they are already in the system, which makes it easier for them to continue to diploma-level studies. “This helps them eventually pursue their preferred field at a higher level. We don’t want their passion for learning to fade,” he told theSun when contacted. Muhammad Aiman is also the undergraduate coordinator for UiTM Perlis campus. Courses offered under UiTM’s pre-diploma programme include Science, Commerce, Plantation, Islamic Studies and another Science course tailored for STEM C

He noted that many students apply for courses based on interest, but are not eligible based on merit or face other limitations, including financial constraints, which must also be taken into account. “The main reason many students choose pre-diploma is because they are not qualified to enter diploma-level programmes based on merit. “This means they simply won’t get into the course they want. Sometimes, their results fall just slightly short of the requirement for the course they are aiming for. – by Ikhwan Zulkaflee

This advice applies not only to SPM school leavers, but also to those who have completed the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia or matriculation college. Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Perlis Faculty of Business and Management senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Aiman Arifin said students who do not achieve strong academic results may face limitations in gaining entry into their preferred courses based on merit. One step they can take is to enrol in a pre-diploma programme, which only takes six months to complete, he explained.

PRETTY PICTURE ... Tourists taking photos around the Blue Pool promenade at the River of Life with Masjid Jamek in Kuala Lumpur as a backdrop. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN