The standard of English proficiency has significantly declined, primarily attributed to the flaws in the education system, said Tan Sri Azman, pro-chancellor of Hashim University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Although the leaders know the issues, problems, and solutions and promise reforms. But even after more than two decades, there has been no improvement as there is no political will to make the appropriate changes. We need to support the existing education system in whatever ways to improve and make extra efforts for English to be proficient, he said during the opening of the University's 25th convocation ceremony. UMS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor was also present at the ceremony.
Azman counted that graduates lacking English proficiency fail to grab job opportunities as they struggle to communicate effectively during job interviews. Despite public universities claiming a high employment rate of 90 per cent among their graduates, he said the latest government Statistics Department report revealed that 37 percent of graduates are employed in semi-skilled and low-skilled sectors. The pro-chancellor also reminded graduates to uphold good values such as accountability, responsibility, humility, honesty, integrity, and respect for others.
In Malaysia, anything can happen, even corruption is already endemic and considered part of our civilisation. This can pull the country down economically and morally, he warned, referring to instances like the 1Malaysia Development Board Bhd (1MDB) and the Littoral Combat Ship scandals. Azman also added the importance of financial literacy for young students, citing instances where senior individuals with high-income jobs and retirees suffered financial losses due to financial scams.
