A recent report titled “The Gaji Cukup Makan Economy” has exposed a harsh reality: Malaysia’s higher education system is failing to deliver financial security for graduates.
In view of the viral discussion / debate about the topic, we've summarised the report’s most critical findings and what we can do about it.
The Reality: Degrees No Longer Guarantee Good Pay- 65% of degree holders earn less than RM3,000/month — barely enough to cover living costs, let alone save or invest
- 70% of graduates work in unskilled or semi-skilled jobs, meaning their degrees go underutilised.
- Employability stats (often 80%+) are misleading — many graduates are stuck in low-paying, mismatched roles.
Why?- Weak private-sector demand for skilled labour — companies prefer hiring cheaper, less-educated workers.
- Wage stagnation — entry-level salaries haven’t kept up with inflation.
- Mismatch between education & job market needs — many degrees don’t teach in-demand skills.
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The Consequences: Debt, Underemployment & Inequality
Why?
- Weak private-sector demand for skilled labour — companies prefer hiring cheaper, less-educated workers.
- Wage stagnation — entry-level salaries haven’t kept up with inflation.
- Mismatch between education & job market needs — many degrees don’t teach in-demand skills.
- Rising education costs + low salaries = Poor ROI on degrees. Many graduates struggle with PTPTN debt but see little financial benefit.
- Underemployment is rampant — graduates take jobs like cashiers or clerks, wasting their qualifications.
- Long-term risk: Lower-income students may avoid higher education altogether, worsening inequality.
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The Solution? Upskill or Get Left Behind
The report suggests that traditional education alone is no longer enough. To escape the "Gaji Cukup Makan" trap, Malaysians must:
✅ Learn practical, in-demand skills (digital marketing, AI, finance, ESG, etc.)
✅ Pursue continuous learning — not just rely on a one-time degree.
✅ Leverage affordable, flexible e-learning to stay competitive.
The bottom line?
If you’re earning “Gaji Just Cukup Makan,” the problem isn’t you — it’s the system. But you can break free by upskilling strategically.
Start Learning Today — For Free 😍
As one of Malaysia's leading localised e-learning platform, Fin2u Academy offers 20+ free courses to help you gain high-income skills. Sign up now at www.fin2u.net and take control of your future.
P.S. If you’re an expert with skills to share, join Fin2u Academy as a mentor (course creator)! Click here to indicate your interest. Let’s build a stronger, more skilled Malaysia together.
#UpskillOrRiskIt #GajiCukupMakan #Fin2uAcademy #LifeLongLearning #Learn #eLearning
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