UniMAP aiming for graduates to earn RM4,000 salaries

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) aims for 25 to 30 percent of its graduates to secure salaries of RM4,000 and above by 2030. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Ir Dr Mohd Shukry Abdul Majid explained that the university is enhancing its industry-connected education model to provide graduates with sought-after skills and experience.

Of the 50 academic programmes, 14 have adopted Work-Based Learning (WBL) models, where students spend one year in industry while completing their courses. This exposure helps employers evaluate students' performance and lets them become familiar with the company's work environment, often resulting in job offers upon graduation.

Industry participation is integrated into three stages, from programme creation to continuous curriculum enhancement. Industry representatives serve in various roles, such as Board of Study members, visiting lecturers, and Final Year Project evaluators. UniMAP recently secured RM1.3 million from the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority to create elective courses in collaboration with Jabil and Walta Engineering, focusing on manufacturing, electrical, and computer engineering.

The university also intends to implement apprenticeship-based programs, allowing students to spend a year at the university and the subsequent two to three years in industry.

Apart from academic degrees, UniMAP incorporates internationally recognized professional certifications in its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. Around 10 of the 33 TVET programs offer certifications from Huawei, Siemens, Cisco, Keysight, and CATIA, along with qualifications in electric vehicle technology, occupational safety and health, and welding inspection.

UniMAP aims to ensure all 33 TVET programs offer professional certifications by 2030. The institution currently boasts a graduate employability rate of 99.4 percent among its 2025 graduates, ranking first among public universities for the percentage of graduates employed by multinational corporations.

Currently, approximately 15 percent of UniMAP graduates, especially those in electrical and electronics and semiconductor sectors, earn premium salaries. The university is also broadening flexible education options for industry professionals through weekend programs in Penang, in partnership with the Penang Skills Development Centre and Walta.

Nearly 70 technicians and employees from multinational companies enrolled in their first intake to pursue bachelor's degrees in October. The university is also establishing an APEL.A Assessment Centre to enable workers to leverage their experience for higher education. On the international front, 13 students were sent overseas for industrial training this year, with plans to increase that number to 30 next year.