Choosing the right course of study in
Malaysia is a critical decision for young students and should be based on their
interests, strengths, and the evolving needs of the world. Here are some
recommendations, categorized into key areas with reasons why they are relevant
today:
Technology and Computer Science:
Fields to consider are Artificial
Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Software Development,
Data Science, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing. The reason is technology is
shaping almost everything today
However here in Malaysia these areas are
not yet fully developed for employment. In this country a lot of students go
for medicine as their first choice of study until the government is unable to
absorb all of them into permanent service, and they land up as contract doctors
in government hospitals until they can complete their 2-year housemanship in
order for them to practise medicine outside.
The problem with professional courses
like medicine, engineering, and law is that the graduates in these areas of
studies cannot do any other job on graduation except in that field they are
trained and qualified in. For example, the only job a doctor can do is to treat
the sick. If they cannot get a permanent job, say in a government hospital they
cannot diversify into engineering or become a lawyer, an accountant or some
other profession. They may not be capable of even going into business to earn a
living as they may not have sufficient capital. They are not trained for
that and lack that business acumen. One can argue a medical doctor can always
go into private practice as a GP. But I was told by my doctor colleagues that
to run just a simple private practice the capital is so high that a young
doctor cannot afford it.
Not just that alone. My former boss who
is a medical doctor and the Director of the Institute for Medical Research
where we once worked, told me some 25 years ago at a dinner gathering in Lake
Club that over 800 private clinics in this country were closed down because it
cost some RM 20,000 to RM 30,000 per month to run a clinic, having to pay
rental, overhead charges, nurses, medicine among other incidental charges that
it is almost impossible to maintain. Many of these clinics are not even owned
by doctors. They are owned by Chinese businessmen who employ these doctors to
work in their clinic set up on locum. My former Director told me the only
way to maintain a private clinic is to charge a patient a high fee.
Unfortunately, the more GP doctors
charge, the less the patients would come. They all go away to a government
clinic where everything is free despite the long queue and waiting time. A
young medical graduate or just a medical officer is also not wanted in private
hospitals either because private hospitals in this country only want medical
specialists, not ordinary doctors without specialization.
Even that, the private hospitals
generally don't pay a specialist a monthly salary. It depends on the
private hospital policy. Some private hospitals offer specialists a fixed
salary, often with added incentives like performance bonuses or revenue sharing.
Most of them are on their own. Specialists in private hospitals are generally
considered independent contractors rather than salaried employees. The hospital
provides facilities, staff, and patients, while specialists earn a percentage
of the fees they generate from consultations, procedures, or surgeries.
They buy or rent a room from the hospital
for their specialist practice within the hospital. They only use the private
hospital facilities such as for admission, use of operation theatres, lab and
radiological services. Other than these they are on their own. The private
hospitals unlike government hospitals in Malaysia generally do not pay these
medical specialists a monthly salary.
So, it can be quite challenging
getting patients to come, especially if they charge a patient exorbitantly,
unless they have medical insurance.
As a result, most patients in Malaysia,
especially the Malays who depend on the government literally for everything, go
to government hospitals where they get everything for free. Admission fees into
government hospitals in Malaysia are typically between RM50 and
RM100. However, the cost of admission depends on the ward class and other
factors. For example, in Kuala Lumpur Hospital the daily charge per person for
a room with no air conditioning ranges from RM25 to RM90, depending on the
number of beds in the room. Room rates range from RM3 per day for a
third-class non-air-conditioned room to RM120 per day for a first-class
air-conditioned room. The cost of an angiogram ranges from RM50 to RM500,
depending on the patient's citizenship status, ward class, and income level.
Room charges in private hospitals
for comparison are much higher. For example, in Subang Jaya Medical Centre the
room rates range from RM95 per night for a four-bedded room to RM3,688 per
night for the Golden Wing.
Most people overcrowd government clinics
and government hospitals because everything is free for them leaving private
clinics run by GPs almost empty of patients. Here in Malaysia, especially in
big cities like Kuala Lumpur, sometimes we see 2 or 3 private GPs clinics in
the same street, sometimes just next door to each other till patients do not
know which one to choose. So, I do not think studying medicine, or any
professional courses is that lucrative unless the practitioners can get
clients.
My feeling for young students pursuing a
course in a university or college is to go for a more general one, perhaps even
an academic one where they can diversify into any general job on graduation
rather than any fixed professional course. I shall talk on this shortly.
These are challenges facing professional
graduates in Malaysia, particularly in fields like medicine. The situation
highlights critical economic and systemic issues that many students and their
families may not fully anticipate when pursuing these prestigious courses.
Allow me to share some reflections and suggestions based on my observations on
challenges with professional courses. Professional courses have narrow career
pathways. Professionals like doctors, engineers, or lawyers are trained for
highly specialized fields, making it difficult to transition to other careers
without additional qualifications or skills.
This rigidity can be a significant
drawback in times of economic uncertainty or oversaturation of professionals in
each field. For example, as I have already mentioned, the financial barriers to
starting a private medical practice are indeed daunting with the rising costs
of running clinics in Malaysia.
Similarly, professionals in law or
engineering may face similar struggles to establish independent practices or
firms due to capital requirements and market saturation. There is also market
saturation with the oversupply of professionals like medical doctors, coupled
with limited permanent positions in government service, leads to
underemployment and contractual work, leaving many disillusioned.
Private sectors, especially private
hospitals, focus on specialists, further narrowing opportunities for general
practitioners.
It reflects an issue where certain
fields, such as medicine, are saturated, leading to challenges like the
contract doctor system. For Malaysia, the choice of study should be in line not
only with global trends but also with the country's current and future needs,
economic landscape, and opportunities for self-employment or entrepreneurship.
Addressing the Saturation in Medicine:
For students still passionate about
healthcare but worried about oversaturation in clinical medicine, they should
explore allied health fields such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and
medical imaging. Consider specializing early in less saturated fields like
geriatrics, palliative care, or healthcare management.
Students should consider future global
trends, Malaysia's national goals (e.g., Vision 2030), and their passion. They
should also develop transferable skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving)
to remain adaptable. Encouraging internships, volunteering, and
entrepreneurship during studies can provide a competitive edge.
Healthcare Beyond Clinical Medicine:
Fields to consider are public health,
health informatics, biomedical science, biotechnology, molecular medicine,
pharmacology. The reasons are, while clinical medicine is saturated, Malaysia
is investing in public health and biotechnology to address national health
challenges. I shall talk on the vast scope in biotechnology shortly.
Fields like health informatics and
biomedical research are expanding with the rise of digital healthcare systems
and pharmaceutical advancements.
Graduates can work in research, public
health policy, or even pursue entrepreneurial ventures in health tech. What
about other fields? Let us have a look.
Engineering and Applied Sciences:
These are also alternative fields to
consider such as in renewable energy, environmental engineering, civil
engineering, electrical & electronics engineering. The reasons are,
Malaysia is actively investing in infrastructure, green energy projects (e.g.,
solar farms, hydroelectric), and smart cities.
Engineers with expertise in sustainable
and renewable energy solutions are in demand as Malaysia aims to meet its
carbon-neutral goals.
Technology and Innovation:
Here the fields to consider are
information technology (IT), data science, Artificial Intelligence (AI),
cybersecurity, and digital marketing. The reasons are, the world is moving
toward digital transformation, and Malaysia is no exception. Malaysia’s growing
e-commerce and fintech sectors offer opportunities for tech-savvy graduates.
With the rise of startups and
digitalization in Malaysia, tech skills are increasingly marketable.
Agriculture and Food Science:
Fields to consider in agriculture and
food science are agribusiness, sustainable agriculture and food technology. The
reasons are, agriculture is still a significant part of Malaysia’s economy, and
there is potential for innovation in precision farming and sustainable
practices. Food security and export opportunities for halal-certified products
are critical areas for growth.
Education and Training:
Fields in education to consider are early
childhood education, special needs education, vocational training. The reasons
are, Malaysia needs educators who can reform education to meet the demands of
the 21st century. Training in vocational skills is becoming more valuable as
industries look for skilled workers.
What about Tourism, Hospitality, and
Cultural Studies?
Fields in these areas to consider are
ecotourism, hospitality management, and cultural heritage conservation. The
reasons are, tourism is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, with opportunities
for growth in sustainable tourism and preserving cultural heritage.
Entrepreneurship and Business:
Fields to consider here are, business
administration, entrepreneurship, E-commerce, Islamic finance. The reasons are,
entrepreneurship is increasingly encouraged in Malaysia, supported by
government initiatives like SME development. Islamic finance is a growing
sector where Malaysia is a global leader.
Biotechnology:
When my former boss told me the market
for medicine was already long saturated, I then asked him which would be the
best course for young students these days since this country is overcrowded
with too many medical graduates.
He told me biotechnology was the best
course for students to chase after. He told me there is a lot of scope in this
country in biotechnology. I too agree with him
Here are the reasons why I too think
biotechnology has very wide areas for employment. Biotechnology holds
significant potential in Malaysia, given the country's focus on sustainable
development, healthcare innovation, and natural resource management.
Here is my overview of areas of
employment how biotechnology is useful in various sectors such as in healthcare
and pharmaceuticals. Biotechnological applications include developing vaccines,
diagnostic tools, and biopharmaceuticals. Producing antibiotics, insulin, and
monoclonal antibodies. It is also applied in genetic engineering for precision
medicine (personalized treatments based on genetic profiles).
Employment Opportunities for
Biotechnology Graduates are:
1. Biopharmaceutical
companies.
2. Research
and development (R&D) labs.
3. Hospitals
and clinical research organizations (CROs).
In agriculture and food production,
biotechnology applications are also in:
1. Genetically
Modified Organisms (GMOs) to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and drought
tolerance.
2. Biofertilizers
and biopesticides for sustainable farming.
3. Enhancing
food safety and quality through biotechnology.
Employment opportunities in biotech are
also found in agro-biotech companies, research institutes focusing on
sustainable agriculture and food production and quality control labs.
Environmental Biotechnology:
Applications in environmental
biotechnology include bioremediation (using microorganisms to clean up oil
spills, toxic waste, or polluted water). Developing biofuels and biodegradable
materials. Waste management solutions using microbial processes.
Employment Opportunities in environmental
biotechnology are:
1. Environmental
consultancy firms. Waste treatment and energy companies.
2. Government
agencies focused on environmental protection.
In Industrial Biotechnology:
Applications include, producing bio-based
chemicals, enzymes, and materials (e.g., biodegradable plastics).
Bioengineering processes for efficient manufacturing.
Employment Opportunities in this area
are:
1. Biotech
manufacturing companies.
2. Industrial
R&D centres.
3. Sustainable
product development firms.
Biotechnology in Forensic Science and
Criminal Investigations:
Applications include:
1. DNA
profiling for criminal investigations.
2. Analysing
biological evidence.
Employment Opportunities in this area
are:
1. Forensic
labs and in law enforcement agencies.
2. Marine
and Aquaculture Biotechnology:
3. Applications
are in, enhancing fish farming techniques (e.g., disease-resistant fish
breeds). Developing bio-products from marine organisms (e.g., pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics).
Other employment opportunities in
biotechnology are:
1. Marine
research institutions.
2. Aquaculture
companies.
3. Biotechnology
startups focusing on marine applications.
Biotechnology in Cosmetics and Personal
Care:
Applications are in developing bio-based
ingredients for skincare and haircare (e.g., peptides, natural enzymes). Using
plant stem cells for anti-aging products. Employment Opportunities are in
cosmetics R&D, and biotech firms specializing in personal care.
Academic and Scientific Research, and
Applications are in advancing knowledge in:
1. Molecular
biology, genetics, and bioinformatics
2. Innovating
new biotechnological tools and techniques.
Other employment opportunities in
biotechnology are found in universities and academic institutions, and in
research institutes (e.g., Malaysia Genome Institute, Institute for Medical
Research).
Government and Policy Development
and Applications in Biotechnology:
Regulating biotech products and
technologies.
Promoting biotech innovation through
policy and funding.
Employment opportunities are in
government agencies like Bioeconomy Corporation Malaysia and in regulatory
bodies like the National Biosafety Board.
Why is biotechnology useful in Malaysia?
This is because of the following reasons:
1. Rich
Biodiversity: Malaysia’s tropical ecosystem is ideal for discovering new
bio-resources for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics.
2. Healthcare
Needs: Rising demand for affordable diagnostics and treatments.
3. Sustainability
Goals: Biotechnology lines up with Malaysia’s sustainability initiatives for
food security, renewable energy, and waste management.
4. Economic
Growth: The Malaysian government’s focus on biotech is evident through
initiatives like the Bioeconomy Transformation Programme.
Suggestions for Students:
Explore interdisciplinary fields such as
bioinformatics, bioengineering, and synthetic biology.
Gain skills in genomics, proteomics, and
CRISPR technology, which are highly sought after globally.
Pursue internships in leading biotech
hubs like Bio-XCell Malaysia in Johor or multinational biotech firms operating
in the country.
However, there are also benefits of
academic and general degrees such as flexibility in career options. Degrees in
fields like business administration, communication, social sciences, economics,
or liberal arts provide graduates with a broad skill set that is adaptable to
various industries. Graduates can pursue careers in management, marketing,
public relations, education, entrepreneurship, or government service.
Lower Financial Barriers:
General degrees often require less
upfront investment compared to setting up a private clinic, law firm, or
engineering consultancy. Graduates can enter corporate jobs or even start small
businesses without significant capital.
Opportunities for Diversification:
Graduates with academic degrees can
transition into postgraduate studies or professional certifications in fields
like finance, IT, or project management to enhance their employability.
Entrepreneurial Potential:
Courses in entrepreneurship, digital
marketing, or e-commerce are increasingly relevant in today's economy,
equipping students with skills to start online businesses or freelance careers
with minimal capital.
Practical advice for students is to
assess future opportunities. Students should critically evaluate the employment
landscape of their chosen field, considering long-term demand and growth
potential. Researching industries like biotechnology, digital economy, or
renewable energy (which are growing in Malaysia) could be beneficial.
Consider Interdisciplinary Studies:
Fields like data science, bioinformatics,
health economics, or public health administration blend general skills with
technical expertise, offering both flexibility and market relevance.
Focus on Skills Development:
Beyond choosing a field of study,
students should focus on developing transferable skills such as critical
thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. These skills are
valuable in almost any career.
Explore Alternative Careers:
Even within professional fields like
medicine, alternative careers give a doctor with a higher degree such as a PhD
or a Master’s degree to go into medical research, or they can go into
public health policy, health tech startups, or academic teaching can
provide diverse opportunities beyond clinical practice.
Leverage Malaysia's Unique Strengths:
Malaysia’s emphasis on industries like
Islamic finance, tourism, agro-technology, and environmental management
provides unique niches for graduates to explore.
A general and flexible course of study
might be a more prudent choice for many students, especially in a landscape
where market saturation and financial barriers limit professional
opportunities. At the same time, students passionate about professional fields
should be prepared for the realities. I have outlined and explored ways
to diversify their skills or explore interdisciplinary specializations.
This approach empowers young graduates to
adapt to shifting job markets and opens doors to multiple career pathways.
Problems with Young Students:
Another problem with young students just
leaving school is that they have not much clue which course to go for. They
just listen to their peer groups - their classmates who are just as clueless as
them - a blind leading another blind. Some may be influenced by their parents
who want them to be a doctor, an engineer or a lawyer or one of those
professional people, sometimes against their children's real interest. I know a
neighbour who wanted their son to be a doctor - to have a doctor in the family.
When their son finally graduated as a medical doctor, he gave the certificate
to his parents telling them “Mum, dad this is the certificate you wanted me to
get. You can have it”. He then went to do something else. He has no interest at
all in the job he was trained in. Another neighbouring family who has a
daughter who is also a doctor who refused to go to work, because she says it is
very stressful. She just stays at home doing nothing or going out enjoying
herself. We get all kinds of students and people who have no clue what they
want to do in life. But I think the reason why most people study is because
they need to earn a decent living with good pay and less stress. That's all we
want in life - a job with a decent salary and easy life with job security of course
This is an issue that is as old as
education itself but continues to challenge every generation. How do young
students choose the right path in life when they lack clarity about their
interests, goals, or the realities of the workforce? The examples I mentioned
underline some of the deeper issues with career decision-making in Malaysia
(and globally). Let us look at this thoughtfully.
The root problems in career
decision-making are the lack of self-understanding. Many students at 17-18
years old (or even later) haven’t yet discovered their interests, strengths, or
aspirations. This lack of clarity leads them to rely on external influences
like parents, peer groups, or societal expectations.
Parental Pressure:
In many cultures, including Malaysia,
parents often project their unfulfilled dreams or social aspirations onto their
children, steering them toward prestigious but rigid professions like medicine,
law, or engineering.
This creates a disconnect when students
pursue fields they lack passion for, resulting in burnout, disinterest, or
outright rejection of their career.
Misinformation About Career Paths:
Students (and even their families) often
lack up-to-date information about the modern job market, emerging industries,
or the practical realities of certain careers. They listen to peers or
relatives, who may be just as uninformed.
Stress vs. Fulfilment:
Many people value "less stress"
over fulfilment or passion, leading to a mismatch between expectations and job
realities. Even well-paying jobs like medicine can feel unbearable if the
person is unprepared for its demands.
Focus on Prestige Over Practicality:
In many societies, the "big
three" professions—doctor, lawyer, engineer—are still seen as the pinnacle
of success, even when opportunities and job satisfaction in these fields might
be declining.
Possible Solutions are, Early Career
Guidance in Schools:
Schools should invest in career
counselling programs starting at the secondary level, where students can
explore their interests, talents, and available career options.
Personality and aptitude tests (like
Holland Codes or Myers-Briggs) can help students identify fields that are in
tune with their strengths and preferences.
Expose Students to the Real World:
Internships, shadowing, or volunteer work
in various industries should be encouraged even before university, allowing
students to experience what a career truly entails.
For example, a student interested in
medicine could spend time observing at a hospital or clinic before committing
to medical school.
Broaden Perspectives Beyond Prestige:
Parents and educators must help students
recognize the value of newer, emerging fields like biotechnology, IT, data
science, creative industries, and sustainable development, which offer high
demand, good salaries, and less traditional stressors.
Flexible and Diverse Study Options:
Encourage students to pick broad
undergraduate courses that allow for flexibility. For instance:
1. Business
degrees can lead to careers in marketing, HR, management, or entrepreneurship.
2. Science
degrees can open doors to research, teaching, or specialized postgraduate
study.
3. Fields
like liberal arts or interdisciplinary studies can allow students to explore
their passions while acquiring diverse, transferable skills.
Destigmatize Alternative Careers:
Society must shift away from equating
success with certain professions and embrace alternative paths like
freelancing, starting small businesses, or vocational careers.
Professions in digital marketing, app
development, teaching, creative writing, or culinary arts can be fulfilling and
financially rewarding.
Parents as Guides, Not Dictators:
Parents should encourage open
conversations about their child’s dreams and goals, serving as a guide rather
than imposing their will.
If parents want a "doctor in the
family," they must also be willing to support their child in discovering
whether it’s their true calling.
Emphasize Lifelong Learning:
Teach students that their first career
choice doesn’t have to define their entire life. Upskilling and transitioning
into new roles are common and should be encouraged.
Most people want a job with a
decent salary, low stress, and job security. However, here’s the challenge:
High-paying jobs often come with high
stress. Medicine, law, and engineering are rewarding but demand immense effort
and resilience. Stress is a part of almost every high-responsibility job.
Low-stress jobs may lack financial security. Creative or freelance roles might
offer flexibility but can be financially uncertain, especially at the start.
The key is finding balance.
A fulfilling career combines manageable
stress, reasonable income, and personal passion. This balance varies for
everyone and should be a focus of career guidance.
Some students, though they may have not
much clue what they want to study or what they want to be, there are also
students who are not interested in all these. All they are interested is to be
able to enter a university for any course will do, as long as they can enter
into a university which also can be quite a challenge unless they can do very
well in school to score high marks for them to be eligible to enter a
university which can also be quite a prestige for their ego. They just want to
be called "a university student" irrespective of what course they
study. That's another problem with some students. Indeed, it is true that not
all can enter a university. You need to pass a school examination with good
grade to be selected especially into a public university, but perhaps easier
into a private university or college which is more commercial-orientated than
academically selective
An important aspect of education and
student aspiration is the symbolic value of "being a university student.
This phenomenon is widespread and speaks to the interplay of social perception,
self-esteem, and the realities of higher education access.
University as a Status Symbol:
For some students (and their families),
simply attending a university is seen as a badge of honour. The title
"university student" elevates their social standing, fulfilling
societal or familial expectations even if the chosen course lacks position with
their interests or future career goals. This prestige factor can sometimes
overshadow the practical purpose of higher education—to equip individuals with
knowledge and skills for meaningful careers.
The Ego Boost:
Attending university can boost
self-esteem, especially for students who see it as a benchmark of personal
success or validation. This is especially true in cultures where university
education is viewed as the "gold standard" of achievement.
Final Thoughts:
The world has changed dramatically, and
so has the nature of work. Helping young students recognize that there is no
"one-size-fits-all" career path is essential. Instead of chasing
prestige or societal approval, they should focus on discovering their
strengths, understanding the evolving job market, and preparing for a lifetime
of learning and adaptability.
What About Me? What was my Secret?
Ah! having explained all that, you may
ask, what about myself? What was my aim and interest in a higher education?
Well, let me tell you a secret. I wasn’t ambitious at all – not at all when I
was in school. Like most of my classmates and peer group, I have no clue what I
wanted to be after leaving school. I only wanted a simple life, even now. I
only wanted to be just a clerk if I can pass my school Senior Cambridge
examination.
But surprisingly, not to my expectation
my results were not bad with 6 A1 to enable me to go and do my A Levels in
Singapore Polytechnic, and henceforth to universities for my undergraduate in
India and in England for all my postgraduates up to my PhD. All in all, I
attended 6 universities – two in India and 4 in England. When I was in England,
the British Government gave me two scholarships based entirely on my academic
performance at the University of London. I wasn’t selective in what I wanted to
study. I just pointed out randomly with my finger that any course will do,
printed there, without thinking what that course was, or would it carry me into
my future.
I have no great ambition. I just wanted
God to guide me into wisdom to carry as little material burdens as possible.
All I wanted was just food, a shelter, a bed, a bathroom, toilet, clean clothes
to wear daily, a table to write and read and a chair and some corner to sleep
at night whatever qualification the university can give me. That’s all I
wanted, even till today – as simple a life as possible without any material
burdens to carry into the grave.
But I never, never expected God granted
these to me with two British scholarships for my postgraduates in London and at
Reading. Why? Because unlike all other students they wanted to earn big money
ASAP after their first degree. But at last, God stopped me from that. He
provided me with British scholarships to meet more than my basic needs in
England with a beautiful hostel room with curtains, bed, table, chairs,
wardrobes, bathroom, food and drinks all provided, a kitchen, and my room
overlooking a beautiful English garden where I could watch squirrels darting
about and birds bathing in a water fountain…etc all taken care of including a
maid tidying and cleaning up my room every morning. They provided me breakfast,
lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and even brought supper into my room before
midnight. These are far more than what I needed. I could never get them should
I go out to work.
Ha! My ‘job’ was just to sit down
comfortably in the seminar room to listen to stories (lectures) every morning,
and my scholarship they gave was my ‘salary’. That was all I needed to do.
Then when examinations came, my ‘job’ was
just to vomit out all those stories (lectures) they told me over the past few
years. That’s all I needed to do. No sweat, no toil, no pain, no effort at all.
Just to listen to stories every morning and get paid (a tidy scholarship) for that
and tell them back the same stories. What a blessing! Not just that only. After
I have accurately retold the stories, they gave me a Master’s degree where I
can ‘proudly’ print it after my name, and if it was my highest degree (PhD), I
can also confidently print “Dr” before my name. Should I go and work no
employer is empowered to confer me with these academic titles – only the
universities. It's all for free for me to listen to stories and tell them back
the same stories as a parrot – as a birdly animal – ha, ha, ha.
I get them because I was never greedy,
ambitious, materialistic. All I wanted from God was just wisdom, and I got more
than that just like King Solomon
Just my simple self-called jb, with no
ambition – but just tell stories here, like I did in the universities
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