20/05/2026

WEDNESDAY | MAY 20, 2026

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Over 1,000 sexual harassment cases in 2025

‘Universities falling behind industry needs’ PETALING JAYA: Universities are struggling to keep pace with rapid shifts in the job market driven by artificial intelligence (AI), automation and global economic uncertainty, leaving graduates increasingly exposed to a widening skill gap, said Berjaya University College acting chief executive Asst Prof Aw Yoke Cheng. He said the core weakness in higher education lies in the growing divide between classroom theory and workplace realities, with employers reporting that fresh graduates often lack practical exposure, decision-making experience and adaptability. “Industry cannot just be a guest speaker at the end of a semester. Employers need to be sitting at the table when curriculum is being designed, not clapping politely at the end.” He also said universities and policymakers have begun responding through initiatives such as MyMahir, the national AI agenda and TalentCorp workforce studies, but added that the pace of change remains the central challenge. TalentCorp has estimated that about 620,000 jobs or 18% of the formal sector would be disrupted by AI within five years. “Many of today’s graduates will enter a market that barely resembles what they prepared for,” said Aw, pointing to geopolitical shocks such as the Middle East conflict, which disrupted the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year, tightened supply chains and pushed oil prices above US$100 (RM397) a barrel. He said such disruptions trigger economic reactions, including hiring slowdowns, rising costs and shifts in investment priorities. “The graduates I worry about most are not the ones who lack talent. They are the ones who think a degree is the finish line, because in this environment, the moment you stop learning, you start losing ground.” Aw said resilience is not built during a crisis but long before it arrives, through discipline and preparation. “The world does not simply need graduates who can perform when everything is easy. It needs people who can stay calm when plans change, people who can solve problems responsibly and who can lead with integrity when pressure is high.” He added that employers today struggle most to find character under pressure rather than technical competence. A 2025 Malaysian study found that soft skills such as communication, teamwork and adaptability accounted for nearly half of the variation in graduate employability. “What employers really want is someone who can stay calm when the plan falls apart, who treats the people around them with respect even when things are hard and who has the humility to say, ‘I do not know, but I will find out’, rather than bluffing their way through.” Aw urged graduates not only to be good at their work but to also be good in it. He said technical skills alone are no longer sufficient as values have become increasingly important in the workplace. He said sustainability is no longer an abstract concept but a factor embedded in business decision-making and long-term planning. According to him, accountability means owning the full consequences of decisions, not just what appears in monthly reports. “For a young professional starting their career right now, sustainability is not a module you ticked off in your second year. “It is a lens you need to apply to every business decision you make because employers, investors and regulators are all asking for it. “If you only do the right thing when someone is watching, that is not accountability, that is performance.” Ű BY T.C KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Minister calls for stronger collective action, greater public awareness to prevent normalisation of issue

Nancy also highlighted the importance of advocacy and education programmes in changing public attitudes and building a culture based on mutual respect, safety and inclusivity. She said the Women Development Department is actively implementing advocacy initiatives under the Women, Peace and Security agenda to strengthen awareness on the role of women in peace-building, national security and sustainable development. The programme is also aligned with the National Action Plan: Women, Peace and Security 2025–2030, which reinforces Malaysia’s commitment to empowering women as drivers of peace and social progress. Calling for a whole-of-society approach, Nancy urged parents, educators, employers, colleagues and students to play their part in fostering a zero-tolerance culture against sexual harassment. “Early education, the courage to speak up and stronger support systems for victims must continue to be strengthened and expanded.” She encouraged victims to report harassment through proper channels such as the tribunal and authorities, preserve evidence and seek support from trusted individuals. “Do not suffer in silence. Survivors should never have to face these experiences alone.” She also reminded the public, particularly women, to be aware of their rights to prevent exploitation or mistreatment by irresponsible parties.

including the implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022. According to her, the act is supported by comprehensive guidelines focusing on prevention, reporting procedures and protection mechanisms for victims to ensure cases are handled more systematically and effectively. “The issue of sexual harassment is not something new or trivial. It leaves deep emotional, psychological and social impacts on victims.” Nancy added that the establishment of the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment has strengthened access to justice for victims by providing a faster, simpler and more affordable platform for complaints to be resolved. As of April 26, a total of 92 complaints had been filed through the tribunal, with 69 cases successfully resolved. “This achievement proves that the tribunal is effective in expediting justice for victims.” At the same time, she noted that the increase in reported cases could indicate growing awareness and confidence among victims to come forward and report abuse. She said society is becoming more willing to reject the normalisation of harassment and recognise the importance of reporting misconduct to authorities. “Previously, many victims remained silent because they feared they would not be protected,” she noted. “We must ensure there is no space for perpetrators to hide behind jokes or excuses.”

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia recorded a sharp rise in sexual harassment cases last year, with reports surpassing 1,000 for the first time, prompting the government to intensify enforcement, advocacy and public education efforts to address what authorities describe as an increasingly serious social issue. Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said statistics from police showed that sexual harassment cases rose from 477 in 2022 to 522 in 2023, before climbing significantly to 788 in 2024 and reaching 1,038 cases in 2025. She added that the alarming trend reflects the urgent need for stronger collective action and greater public awareness to prevent sexual harassment from becoming normalised in society. Speaking at the Program Toleransi Sifar Keganasan: Say No To Sexual Harassment yesterday, Nancy said the government has taken firm measures to address the issue, Varsity admission still based on SPM, says minister KUALA BERANG: Admission to public higher education institutions through the Unit Pusat Universiti Online is still based on the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. He said the government, through a Cabinet decision, has decided that the basic requirement for admission to higher education institutions via the online unit is SPM, regardless of the stream or type of school attended. “We need to understand that schools are managed by the Education Ministry while university admissions are handled through the online unit. The requirements are based on SPM. We do not base admissions on other results, subjects or certificates,” he said after the launch of the Higher Education Roadshow @ Terengganu, held in conjunction with the handing over of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu’s Kampung Angkat Madani here yesterday. Zambry said the ministry does not base university admissions on certificates or systems outside the existing framework. “I believe that is the position I have consistently stated, but this issue has become controversial among certain groups, with some feeling that the opportunities provided are still insufficient. “For me, what is most important is the foundation of our education policy, that entry into university must be based on SPM.” Commenting on allegations of discrimination against students from religious and pondok schools, he said the government does not discriminate against any group, but instead sets the same basic requirement for all

Zambry mingling with students at the roadshow launch at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Menerong Ajil yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

schools, which is not the case. We are not making comparisons or equating them as both operate under different systems.” He added that although there are differing views on the policy, the government stands firm that SPM is the primary basis for university admission in the country. – Bernama

students, namely sitting for the SPM examination to enable them to pursue tertiary education. “We do not discriminate against any party. The basis we have set is clear. However, some have portrayed this as a form of manipulation by comparing religious schools with other