Overview

“The number of graduates increased to 5.98 million in2024, with the unemployment rate declining to 3.2 percent, in line with the strong growth of the labour market."

Key Reviews 

• In 2024, Malaysia’s graduate labour market continued to demonstrate positive performance  in  line  with  the  country’s  stable  economic  growth.  The  total number  of  graduates  increased  by  4.1  per  cent  to  5.98  million  persons compared to the previous year.

• Of this total, 5.14 million were in the labour force, while 838.8 thousand or 14.0per cent were outside the labour force. The Graduate Labour Force Participation Rate  (GLFPR)  rose  to  86.0  per  cent,  reflecting  a  stronger  engagement  of graduates  in  the  labour  market.

• Graduate  Labour  Force  Participation  Rate  (GLFPR)  by  gender  also  showed favourable progress, with male graduates recording a participation rate of 89.0per cent and females at 83.4 per cent. The narrowing gap in participation rates between   genders   reflects   greater   inclusivity   and   balance   in   employment opportunities  for  both  men  and  women.

• At the same time, the graduate unemployment rate continued to decline to 3.2per  cent  from  3.4  per  cent  in  2023,  supported  by  greater  employment opportunities across various economic sectors. This positive development was further reinforced by government initiatives and policies focusing on enhancing human capital development, employability, and the alignment of skills with industry needs.

• In terms of earnings, both mean and median monthly salaries of graduates recorded steady growth in 2024. The mean monthly salary rose to RM5,330,while the median salary increased to RM4,521. Degree holders earned a medians alary  of  RM5,724,  whereas  diploma  holders  received  RM3,390.  These improvements  highlight  the  continued  returns  on  investment  in  higher education  and  the  stability  of  the  graduate  labour  market.

• Overall in 2024, despite prevailing global economic uncertainties, Malaysia’s labour market continued to demonstrate strong resilience throughout the year. In line with Budget 2025, the Government remains committed to supporting student  welfare  and  strengthening  graduate  employability  through  various initiatives focused on developing a highly skilled workforce. Moving forward, efforts  to  align  the  education  system  with  labour  market  demands  and  to expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based learning tools will ensure that future graduates are well-prepared to contribute to Malaysia’s sustainable and innovation-driven economic growth.

The  full  publication  of  Graduates  Statistics  2024  can  be  downloaded through eStatistik  Portal.

For interviews, press statement and clarification to the media, contact:
Baharudin Mohamad
Public Relation Officer
Email: baharudin[at]dosm.gov.my
Phone: 03 8090 4681

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