The proportion of first-degree and diploma graduates working in jobs related to their field of study has steadily increased from 2021 to 2024.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Adam Adli Abd Halim reported that the share of first-degree graduates employed in field-related roles rose 3.3%, from 54.3% in 2021 to 57.6% in 2024. Meanwhile, diploma graduates saw a larger increase of 9.5%, rising from 43.8% to 53.3% over the same period.
Adam Adli also highlighted that employment in skilled jobs grew for both groups, reaching 68.2% for first-degree holders and 50% for diploma holders in 2024, up from 67.1% and 44.7% respectively in 2021.
At the same time, the percentage of graduates in semi-skilled and low-skilled jobs fell to 50% in 2024, down from 55.3% in 2021. “This decline reflects the growth in skilled job opportunities, supported by the country’s economic development and government initiatives,” he said during a Dewan Rakyat session.
The minister was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar (PN-Kemaman) regarding the number of graduates working outside their field and government efforts to reduce these figures.
