Preparing students for the challenging future
STUDENTS looking to further their studies have it tough these days. Previously, it was much easier; if they knew what they were interested in, they’d chose that and if they weren’t too sure, it wasn’t really the end of the world since most degrees in general could help them get into the workforce.
For many years, this relatively “secured opportunity” was considered a godsend, especially for those who weren’t too sure of what to pursue. Students were allowed to get to know themselves better without having to postpone their studies or commit to an overly onerous field they might change their minds about. Furthermore, most general degrees didn’t lock them into any particular field, but rather afforded them some freedom in charting their careers.
Increasingly, however the nature of the economy, and therefore, job market is becoming less forgiving.
Multimedia University (MMU) president, Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Rafi Mohd Eshaq described the current reality: “Significant portions of the global economy have been driven over the recent years pretty much due to rapid technical advancements. To illustrate this point, we need only consider how, in 2016 a smartphone manufacturer had to stop selling its flagship line of smartphones, which were overheating. The decision cost the company about US$6.2bil (RM25.2bil) while also adversely affecting its country’s economy.”
In other words, technology now drives the world. However, the pace of technological development has become so fast that in some sectors, cutting-edge technology becomes obsolete in just a few years.
Dr Rafi elaborated: “The implication is that knowledge or technology, which was introduced when a student enrolled into university might become obsolete by the time he graduates. This is naturally troublesome for students and their families, because entering the job market with knowledge of recently obsolete skills is not a winning proposition.”
The problem becomes more pronounced when we consider that different economic sectors are growing at a different pace. For instance, jobs in certain sectors are becoming less available or might even be disappearing. Instead of getting new hires, many businesses are turning to technology to either wring additional value out of their current offerings or to offer new products and services.
Fortunately, this difficult situation is still manageable if students prepare for it properly. One way involves accepting the fact that the job market is now fundamentally different from that of even five years ago and there is a need to improve employability by considering programmes for fast-growing industries.
Within the current global economy, fast-growing industries tend to be those, which produce or support technology-based products and services. In MMU, about 44% of its programmes are geared towards fast-growing industries. These programmes span across a variety of fields, including engineering, IT and computer science, life science, business and finance, creative multimedia, cinematic arts and strategic communication.
There are 17 degree programmes and two diplomas offered at MMU. According to Dr Rafi, this wide selection is necessary to ensure Malaysian students have as many options as possible in furthering their studies and pursuing their careers.
“It would not be realistic to expect everyone to take courses in nanotechnology, optical or robotics engineering,” he said. “While these disciplines will undoubtedly be the major driving force in technological advancements in the years to come, we stepped back to look at the bigger picture and included other disciplines so that our students and graduates could be welcomed into any segment of the job market they are interested in, regardless of how fast change comes.”
Dr Rafi also assured students and parents that MMU takes great care in preparing students in handling the rapid obsolescence of knowledge: “At MMU, we go to great lengths in developing very strong foundations in our students, regardless of discipline. By developing their understanding of the basics, students will not need to rely on any specific technology, which may become obsolete at any time. Instead, they will be able to use technology as tools which they have control over.”
By addressing the fundamentals, MMU aims to give all its graduates a brighter future, one not limited by obsolete technology, but rather one they could navigate with confidence and pride.
To learn more about MMU, log on to www.mmu.edu.my or call 1300 800 668.