Key Reviews

• In 2022, there were 5.92 million graduates in Malaysia, of which 5.06 million graduates were in the labour force, resulting in 85.4 per cent graduate labour force participation rate (GLFPR). 
  

• As Malaysia’s economy gradually regained momentum towards recovery and subsequently foster a healthier labour market situation during the year, the number of employed graduates went up by 6.0 per cent to register 4.87 million persons (2021: 4.59 million persons) while the number of unemployed graduates decreased 5.5 per cent (-10.9 thousand) in 2022 to record 187.8 thousand persons.
  

• The structural labour market challenges remained as indicated by the continuous increase in underemployment. Graduates in skill-related underemployment increased by 7.9 per cent (+123.1 thousand persons) to 1.68 million persons (2021: 1.55 million), as they accepted jobs that did not match their qualifications and skills. The situation was more profound among youth graduates aged 24 years and below as the skill-related underemployment rate remained high at 61.2 per cent in 2022 as compared to 80.6 per cent in 2021. 
  

• The share of graduates outside labour force composed 14.6 per cent of total graduates or equivalent to 862.6 thousand persons. The major groups of graduates outside labour force were due to housework/ family responsibility (32.4%), retired/old age (37.1%) and attending school/ training programme (26.1%).
  

• Looking ahead to 2023, Malaysia predicts moderate economic growth, where the role of graduates is considered increasingly vital in driving economic progress. Graduates equipped with deep knowledge and relevant skills are expected to lead in driving innovation and make a significant contribution to expanding and advancing various economic sectors. Despite global uncertainty, the labor market is projected to remain positively stable in Malaysia, supported by government initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall economic landscape. This can instill confidence in graduates that they hold a crucial role in spearheading Malaysia's economic growth, while adapting to challenges that may arise in an uncertain global scenario. With a continual focus on skill development aligned with market needs, graduates in Malaysia are expected to continue playing a positive role in driving the country's economic growth and fostering innovation across various industrial sectors.
  

The full publication of Graduates Statistics 2022 can be downloaded through eStatistik Portal.

Released by:

DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICS MALAYSIA
20 November 2023