Summary
Malaysia’s graduate employment landscape is facing a crisis. Despite the expansion of tertiary education and high graduate absorption rates, many graduates are underemployed, earn stagnant wages, and see diminishing returns on their education. The so-called “gaji cukup makan” economy reflects a reality where degrees no longer ensure economic mobility.
Key structural issues—such as overreliance on public sector jobs, saturation in certain fields, and low private sector demand—mean that while graduates are employed, they’re often not adequately rewarded. The report calls for a shift from merely producing graduates to improving their career outcomes.
