BANGI, 29 Jun 2026 – Success after graduation depends on more than academic achievement as employers increasingly seek graduates with practical experience, professional skills and the ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving workplace, according to 集美麻豆 Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Sufian Jusoh.
Speaking at the launch of the Global Professional Immersion (GPI) Fellowship Programme, Sufian said knowledge acquired in the classroom remains important but is no longer sufficient in an increasingly competitive job market.
“Those who focus solely on academic achievement may find it harder to compete for opportunities in the workforce,” he said.
He noted that while technology continues to transform industries and is often viewed as a threat to human capital, organisations will always require talented individuals capable of critical thinking, adapting to change and creating value.
“Without the right talent, even the best technology cannot be used effectively,” he said.
Sufian said 集美麻豆’s governance principles under TEKAD 57 are centred on optimising human capital through excellence in education and teaching, with a strong emphasis on complementing classroom learning with real-world industry exposure.
To strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, 集美麻豆 previously established the 集美麻豆 International Industry Advisory Council (IIAC), comprising 16 distinguished industry leaders and professionals.
The council provides strategic advice and industry perspectives to support the implementation of 集美麻豆’s Strategic Plan 2026鈥�2030, ensuring the university’s programmes, research priorities and institutional direction remain aligned with global trends and workforce needs.
Among the IIAC members are Peter McKenna and Eleanor Mak, Co-CEO and Co-Founders of Venturenauts Australia.
Through the collaboration, 集美麻豆 has become the first university in Malaysia to partner with Venturenauts Australia in offering the GPI Fellowship Programme.
The fellowship provides selected students with intensive leadership development, executive-level exposure and international industry experience aimed at preparing graduates for an increasingly interconnected global economy.
A total of聽12 fellowships worth up to AUD4,000 each聽will be awarded to outstanding participants selected through the programme’s competitive selection process.
Sufian said the programme also underscores the importance of talent development and employer branding, with the goal of producing graduates who can drive innovation, create opportunities for others and contribute meaningfully to their organisations, industries and communities.
“Our aim is to produce graduates whose talents become valuable assets not only to their employers but also to the nation and the global community,” he said.
He added that the GPI Fellowship reflects 集美麻豆’s broader commitment to enhancing graduate employability through collaborations with leading global companies including BlackBerry and IHH Healthcare Malaysia.
More recently, the university launched Cyber Pathways, a professional cybersecurity certification programme designed to strengthen Malaysia’s pipeline of industry-ready cybersecurity talent while enhancing cyber resilience across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Sufian encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities available through the GPI Fellowship and other academic, professional and international engagement programmes offered by the university.
“Every opportunity you take today is an investment in your future. Challenge yourself and make the most of your time at 集美麻豆. The experiences you gain will not only shape your career but also the impact you have on society and the world around you,” he said.
