Ensuring university students in Malaysia have good command of the English language will improve employment opportunities for graduates and lower the nation’s unemployment, according to the Malaysian Employers Federation, reports malaysiandigest.com.

Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of the Malaysian Employers Federation, said: “Employers are increasingly viewing the ability to communicate as a key factor in hiring entry-level graduates. At universities, students need to be tested not just in writing, but also oral communication of English.

“In 2012, the Education Ministry and Higher Learning Division revealed that of 109,025 graduates, 55.4% were employed within six months, while 24.7% were unemployed and 20.8% continued their studies. So, in essence, for every five students, three get employed, one is unemployed, and one continues his/her studies.”

“Therefore, we need to manage employability at a better rate,” he said, adding that the government should ensure the implementation was carried out effectively.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister, announced earlier this week that English would become a must-pass subject in public universities. He explained that basic knowledge was not enough if graduates did not have the ability to communicate and write effectively in English.

Prof Datuk Dr Kamarudin Hussin, Vice Chancellor of the University Malaysia Perlis, said the focus on English was already apparent at the university level, but the new move would help strengthen students’ command of the language.

“Science and technology subjects are already taught in English. So now, we have to improve their skills in communicating effectively. If we want these students to work in multinational companies, they need to be confident in conversing in English, especially during interview sessions,” he explained.