By Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Fazliyana Mohtar, UMT-GEM

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has once again demonstrated excellence in graduate development when it recorded a Graduate Employability (GE) rate of 94.8% and Graduate Marketability (GM) rate of 93.9% for the year 2025.

The performance represents an increase of 0.8 percentage point in GE and 0.7 percentage point in GM over the previous year.

The achievement has been reported by the latest TalentBank Graduate Employability Index, which is an industry-driven benchmark that evaluates graduate quality and employer confidence based on actual hiring experiences.

The recognition signifies the increasing trust of employers in UMT graduates and highlights the university’s efforts in aligning academic delivery with industry expectations.

“Our graduates are our greatest ambassadors, and their success reflects the strength of the university’s educational ecosystem,” said UMT Vice Chancellor Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim.

According to Prof. Zamri, the achievement reflects the collective commitment of the university community, industry partners, and stakeholders in ensuring graduates are equipped with the competencies required for success.

“Employability is no longer limited to securing employment but encompasses the development of graduates who are capable of creating value in diverse professional settings,” he said.

“UMT is always committed to producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable in their respective disciplines but also possess the adaptability, resilience, and professional attributes demanded by today’s workforce,” added Prof. Zamri.

UMT’s employability agenda has been strengthened through strategic collaborations with industry, government agencies, and professional bodies. Various initiatives, including career development programmes, industry engagement activities, experiential learning opportunities, professional certification programmes and entrepreneurship interventions have contributed significantly towards improving graduate outcomes. These initiatives have helped graduates prepare for the transition into the workforce.

These initiatives are coordinated through the Centre for Graduate Entrepreneurship and Employability (UMT-GEM), which serves as a catalyst in connecting students with industry, enhancing career readiness and fostering entrepreneurial competencies among undergraduates.

The achievement is also closely aligned with the aspirations outlined in the Malaysia Higher Education Strategic Plan (RPTM) 2026–2035, particularly Shift 1: Human-Centred, Entrepreneurial and Adaptive Learners. The plan emphasises the importance of producing graduates who possess strong human values, entrepreneurial capabilities and the adaptability required to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment.