Based on recent statistics derived from the eProfil Kerjaya Murid (ePKM) system, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that almost half of SPM students from the 2021 session chose not to further studies. 

The proportion of students opting to enter the workforce instead of pursuing further education has steadily increased in recent years. In 2018, the figure stood at 20.02%, rising to 30.8% by 2021. 

If you prefer to watch the summary on why this is happening, click on the video below:

Why do SPM leavers prefer working instead of furthering their studies?

This trend does not come as a surprise, considering how different the newer generation thinks compared to their predecessors. Many young individuals feel enticed by the immediate rewards of instant gratification offered by part-time driver jobs like Grab or Foodpanda, become a Youtuber or join Affiliate programmes, and other flexible work arrangements that provide quick pay without having to further education.

Some youths complain that the low starting salary of fresh graduates does not justify the years of investment in education, as it fails to consider the delayed entry into the workforce and the slower wealth accumulation compared to others.

Although these career options seem ideal for now, the reality is, it won’t be years down the road.

Yes, pursuing higher education may incur significant costs; but, it is the option that offers substantial long-term benefits. In the long run, possessing academic qualifications can lead to higher earnings and open doors to career growth, increased salary potential, and enhanced job security— all opportunities to climb the management ladder, surpassing the earning potential of fresh graduates without higher education.

As the saying goes…” The Greater The Sacrifice, The Greater The Reward”.

Where should I pursue higher education?

With so many universities and options available, it can be tricky to determine if you're making the right choice for your goals. After all, you're just out of school and may not know what you want to do just yet. As you grow, you might experience a shift in heart, and that's okay! 

But one important step you can take to ensure you're on the right path is to choose a reputable university. A reputable university is a good investment, even if you don't end up working in a job related to your major. Employers will be impressed by the quality of your education, regardless of your field of study.

If you are seeking a university with a strong reputation and global reach, UOW Malaysia KDU should be at the top of your list. The university is a part of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network of campuses, nestled in the lush green surroundings of Glen Park Shah Alam.

UOW is known for its reputation of being a top university with high employability ratings and ranks within 1% among the top universities in the world. 

Under the University of Wollongong's governance, UOW Malaysia KDU offers global opportunities for students to enhance their experiences, build lifelong networks, and gain external learning through study abroad and exchange programmes.

Post-SPM students can choose from a variety of pre-university programmes at UOW Malaysia KDU, which are designed to provide a solid foundation that sets the stage for a successful future.

UOW Foundation Studies

UOW's Foundation Programme is the perfect introduction to university-level studies for high school graduates. In this one-year programme, you'll delve into a variety of subjects to explore your interests and build a strong academic foundation. This will prepare you for further undergraduate studies in the field of your choice.

UOW A-Level Programme

If you're seeking a dynamic and globally recognized program that offers a rigorous academic experience, look no further than A-Levels at UOW Malaysia KDU. This internationally acclaimed program, based on Cambridge assessment, provides you with a challenging curriculum and exposes you to a variety of foundational subjects. With A-Levels, you can keep your options open while exploring different areas of interest, ensuring you make an informed decision about your future degree. The obvious difference from the Foundation programme is that it’s more challenging, with more exam-based assessments. Since it’s internationally recognised, it also opens doors for you to study overseas!

UOW Diploma Programmes

For those seeking a more specialised path, our Diploma programmes offer focused education and practical skills development. Whether you're interested in Engineering, IT, Design, or other fields, their Diploma programmes provide hands-on training, industry exposure, and opportunities for internships. This prepares you for direct entry into the workforce or seamless progression to relevant degree programmes.

With academic staff and experienced lecturers guiding you throughout the programme, pre-university programmes are a great way for you to build yourself through a dynamic learning environment that fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and personal growth; a well-rounded set of skills that you won’t be able to gain anywhere else.

Find out more about their selection of courses available.

What if my SPM results were unsatisfactory?

If your SPM results weren't that satisfying and discouraged you from continuing your studies, know that poor SPM results don't mean the end of your future. 

UOW Malaysia KDU’s Certificate programmes accept students with less than 3 credits for SPM, allowing students to gain the necessary qualifications to enter the workforce swiftly, without compromising the quality of education. 

The institution offers two courses:-

1) Certificate in Business Communications

If you're looking to gain practical skills and knowledge in the business field, our Certificate in Business Operations is the perfect choice. This programme equips you with real world skills in the business world through conducting proposals and reports, apply key communication methods to meet objectives and provide all the fundamentals knowledge essential in business studies. With UOW Malaysia KDU's strong business faculty, students are also given the opportunity to work with industrial partners and are given rea-life projects to truly give students a head start in sharpening their business sense. 

To truly nurture budding entrepreneurs, the institution also sets up its own Enterprise Centre, where students can hone their entrepreneur skills through the virtual environment like the SKOLA trading platform, human resources, administration and marketing platforms.

In just a short period of 1 year and 4 months, you'll gain valuable insights and industry-relevant skills to enhance your employability and excel in various business environments.

2) Certificate in Hotel Operations

For those interested in the vibrant hospitality industry, the Certificate in Hotel Operations provides a focused curriculum to kick-start your career in this dynamic field of international hospitality industry. You'll learn about hotel management and day-to-day operations, guest services, event planning, and other crucial aspects of the industry. 

What sets UOW Malaysia KDU's programme apart from the rest is it's international partnerships, giving students a global outlook during the duration of their studies. Partnering with HOSCO, Hilton Worldwide and Accor Hotels, students are given the opportunity to gain internships in Geneva, Switzerland and gain theoretical curriculum from world-class hotels.

With hands-on training and exposure to real-world scenarios, you'll be well-prepared to embark on a rewarding journey within the hospitality sector.

These certificate programmes offer a focused curriculum, prioritising practical skills development. With guidance from experienced faculty, you'll gain sought-after expertise that prepares you for a smooth transition into the workforce. 

The advantage of these programmes lies in their shorter duration, empowering you to swiftly acquire valuable qualifications and gain a significant competitive edge in the dynamic job market. Employers highly value these certificates, unlocking a plethora of entry-level positions and exciting avenues for career advancement. 

So if you're an ambitious SPM leaver eager to make a swift entrance into the workforce while standing out among other candidates, seizing the opportunity to attain a certificate is a brilliant leap toward your professional success.

If you're interested to enrol in any of their pre-university programmes, click on the banner below to receive our free assistance: