Insights on students’ aspirations

ONLY two decades ago, being accepted into a university would have earned parents bragging rights. “It is now a natural expectation, as higher education becomes more prevalent and accessible,” said PHD Malaysia head Eileen Ooi.

PHD Malaysia, in its on-going efforts to develop relevant talents equipped with the skills and mental ability to tackle global technological advancements, conducted a study on students’ aspirations.

The survey involved 370 local Form Five and undergraduate students across demographic spheres. The outcome: valuable insights on the students’ career aspirations and their hopes for their future across different demographics.

Ooi called for the broader business community to create internships and openings for these emerging skill sets and new disciplines. “They ultimately allow us to future-proof our organisations in the process,” she said.

Her petition to those in the education sector: “That the curriculum be modular to promote self-learning and to infuse the realities of the rising technological advancements, now and in the near future.”

“As we endeavour to build a diversified workforce that can ultimately shape the future of our industry, we need to look beyond degrees, to see what are the challenger skills required to meet our clients’ needs tomorrow,” she said.