Datuk Mustapha Sakmud Deputy Minister of Higher Education
The Higher Education Ministry is considering the discontinuation of university courses with low employability rates or those no longer aligned with industry needs, says its deputy minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud. Citing a TalentCorp study, he said that 260 job roles were expected to become obsolete in Malaysia due to advancements in technology. A check at the TalentCorp website indicates the top 10 jobs that would likely be susceptible to automation are models, secretaries, auditors, cashiers, travel agents, data entry clerks, telemarketers, assembly line workers, bank tellers, and postal service clerks. As a result, Mustapha said that any university programme with an employability rate below 30 per cent would be subjected to review and potential restructuring to enhance its relevance and competitiveness in the job market. "This initiative is part of our strategic plan to ensure that higher education programmes evolve in tandem with technological advancements and industry requirements," he said at the launch of the 'Jom Masuk U' programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Addressing concerns about the declining interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, Mustapha said that national participation stood at 22 per cent, with Sabah at 12.6 per cent. He attributed this trend to insufficient early exposure and awareness among students and parents. "We observe that students are opting for easier paths rather than those demanded by the industry," he said, stressing the need for early STEM engagement to cultivate long-term interest and strengthen the nation's talent pipeline in critical sectors. To address these challenges, a special committee comprising the Higher Education Ministry, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), and the Education Ministry, has been established to formulate strategies aimed at revitalising STEM education and aligning academic offerings with future industry needs.
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Date of Input: 26/06/2025 | Updated: 26/06/2025 | aidawati