Education Investment Must Yield Higher Salaries, Better Careers, Analyst Urges

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – Malaysia's substantial investments in education and training must yield tangible benefits for graduates, including higher salaries and clearer career trajectories, according to Dr. Paul Anthony Maria Das, a Senior Lecturer at Taylor's University's School of Accounting and Finance.

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Greater attention needs to be given to graduate salaries, underemployment, skills matching, and career progression.

Dr. Das argues that the focus should shift beyond simply increasing the number of graduates and training places. "Greater attention needs to be given to graduate salaries, underemployment, skills matching, and career progression," he stated. He believes that prioritizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside robust industry-education partnerships, is the right direction. However, the true measure of success lies in the actual outcomes enjoyed by graduates post-study.

To retain skilled talent, Dr. Das emphasizes the need for stronger links between education, research, and employment. High-skilled Malaysians are more likely to stay if they see meaningful opportunities for professional development, innovation, and career advancement. This aligns with the government's stated focus in the 2027 Pre-Budget Statement on strengthening TVET, STEM, digital capabilities, AI, and workforce upskilling to meet industry demands.

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Affordable housing is not just about the price of the house, but also involves the cost of living in an area, including transportation and access to basic facilities.

Beyond education, Dr. Das also addressed housing and fiscal policy. He suggested that government housing policy should prioritize affordability based on household income and consider proximity to employment centers, public transport, and essential amenities, rather than solely focusing on increasing the number of houses. On fiscal matters, he called for careful implementation of fiscal consolidation, targeted subsidies, and revenue enhancement to ensure long-term financial sustainability without increasing the cost of living for citizens. He stressed the importance of transparency, showing citizens where savings from reforms are being directed.

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If a wider consumption tax is considered, essential goods should continue to be protected, while vulnerable households and low- and middle-income groups should be adequately compensated.