KUCHING: Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee says soft skills are necessary for university graduates, arguing that university rankings are meaningless without them.
“Soft skills are critical for our students, as employers prioritise multi-tasking abilities and social interaction skills during job interviews.
“Students must be able to handle multiple responsibilities and communicate effectively with peers, superiors, and the public,” the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development said in his speech at the First International Conference on Co-curricular and Learning Experience (1st ICCLE) 2024 at the Raia Hotel today.
Reflecting on his own experience, he noted the lack of core curriculum during his medical studies in the 1980s. However, he recognised the value of such programmes later in his career as a lecturer at Unimas in the 1990s, when soft skills training became mandatory.
“Initially, I opposed the inclusion of soft skills training for medical students, but witnessing the benefits of practice convinced me of its importance, as soft skills are essential for professionals, especially in fields like medicine, where interpersonal interactions are crucial,” he added.
He also highlighted the impact of online learning, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
While supportive of digital education, he underscored the necessity of in-person interactions to develop soft skills effectively.
“We must produce not just professionals but leaders who can excel in their fields and communities. This can only be achieved through comprehensive soft skills and learning experiences at universities,” he said.
Dr. Annuar also discussed the classification of state-owned universities in Malaysia, currently categorised as private institutions, suggesting the creation of state higher education institutions (IPTNs) to better support these universities, potentially allowing them access to federal funding and other benefits.
