Nearly half of Malaysian high-school graduates opting out of university

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Nearly half of Malaysian high-school graduates chose not to move on to university in 2021, the country’s education minister said on Wednesday.

Over 180,000 graduates who took the country’s national university entry exam decided not to continue their education, making up nearly 48.74%, Fadhlina Sidek told lawmakers at the country’s lower chamber of parliament, Dewan Rakyat.

This was up from 35.16% in the 2020 school year, Sidek said, according to official data from an online student career system.

Sidek highlighted that teachers, government agencies and universities are working to motivate students to continue to higher education.

“The ministry is carrying out personal development and career education plans in schools to increase students’ awareness towards the importance of education while also equipping them with knowledge, skills and interest for future careers," she said.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​