PUTRAJAYA, January 2 – Malaysia recorded a 4.2% increase in graduate numbers in 2023, reaching 5.74 million, with over two-thirds employed in skilled roles, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd Uzir Mahidin credited the growth to a positive economic and labour market environment, noting that graduates accounted for 22.3% of the working-age population.
Of the total graduates, 85.7% were active in the labour force, with degree holders comprising 54.4% and diploma holders 45.6%. Employment among graduates rose by 4.9% to 4.76 million, with 67.6% working in skilled occupations, predominantly as professionals (57.4%), technicians (24.2%), and managers (18.5%). The services sector absorbed the majority of graduate employment (77.5%), followed by manufacturing (13.4%) and construction (6.3%).
Median monthly salaries and wages for graduates also improved in 2023, increasing by 3.4% to RM4,409. Skilled workers saw a 3.6% rise to RM5,663, while semi-skilled and low-skilled categories recorded increases of 4.3% and 1.9%, respectively. “This upward trend reflects a healthier labour market and better opportunities for Malaysia’s graduates,” said Mohd Uzir.
