WE have always been told that knowledge allows us to make a difference, so we need education.

Yet there’s a growing paradox in Malaysia – a surge in degree-holders facing difficulties finding employment, with many opting for gig work and jobs other than those related to their hard-earned qualifications.

This trend raises profound questions about the match between education and employment, the ability of the economy to provide decent paid opportunities, and the soaring living costs undermining the aspirations of a generation.

They possess the credentials but grapple with unmet aspirations. The promise of a secure, well-paid job fades.

As a result, we are witnessing an exodus from traditional career paths to the gig economy, such as e-hailing or food delivery.

Gig work offers flexibility, immediate income, and, in some cases, higher earnings than traditional jobs.

For a growing number of Malaysians, gig work is proving to be more attractive than the careers they prepared for over years of education.

Gig work, which often requires no formal qualifications, has grown exponentially, attracting fresh graduates and experienced professionals seeking refuge from a stagnant job market.

The crux of the issue lies in the economic realities faced by many Malaysians – an environment that doesn’t generate enough decent paying opportunities is a significant part of the problem.

Despite having tertiary qualifications, young graduates often face unemployment or are greeted with entry-level jobs offering meagre salaries that barely cover high living costs.

Housing, transport and the general cost of living have soared, leaving graduates struggling to make ends meet.

The irony is that a university education, once seen as a ticket to a comfortable life, now seems like a prerequisite for mere survival in the face of these escalating living expenses.

The Salaries and Wages Survey Report 2022 showed while the average monthly salary for people in urban and rural areas met the minimum requirements, it did not specifically address the income levels of fresh graduates.

The report by Jobstreet found the average salary for fresh graduates was between RM2,000 and RM2,500, which was indeed higher than in previous years.

But given the general rise in living costs, it is a significant challenge for fresh graduates to maintain reasonable standards of living on these salaries.

While fresh graduates are being asked to lower their expectations and review their priorities before starting their careers, the burden of recalibrating expectations should not fall solely on the shoulders of fresh graduates.

The gig economy provides a lifeline for many, but it is important to recognise its implications on society. Gig workers often lack job security, social benefits, and legal protection.

Addressing the cost of living issue requires a comprehensive approach, including measures to control inflation, increase affordable housing options, and develop social safety nets to support low-income individuals.

These steps are essential to create an environment in which university graduates can truly reap the benefits of their education.

Malaysia is at a critical moment where it must reimagine the education-employment landscape to ensure the aspirations of its youth are not stifled.

But when discussing economic realities, fresh graduates should not assume they have secured a job after a degree.

Graduates with soft skills, transferable skills, and strong communication abilities often have a competitive advantage in the job market.

By implementing reforms that consider the evolving needs of the labour market and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success, Malaysia can empower its graduates to meet challenges and ultimately foster a more prosperous and stable future. – October 16, 2023.

* Chu Min Wei holds a degree in Journalism (minor in Political Science) from UTAR and is a member of the Agora Society. She is interested in the study of subculture and media, and believes that institutional reform could have a greater impact on marginalised subcultures and the media landscape.