A growing number of young Malaysians are choosing to enter the workforce rather than pursue higher education, a trend that has raised concerns about the country’s long-term human capital development.
Former Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, described the situation as worrying, citing the 7,099 students who were absent from all SPM 2025 examination papers.
Alarming decline in academic interest
He warned that if more young people continue to forgo higher education, Malaysia could lose valuable talent needed to support economic growth and national development.
According to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), 351,012 SPM graduates applied through UPUOnline for the 2026 academic intake. Of these, 235,480 applicants met the eligibility requirements, while 169,803 candidates (72.11%) received offers to public higher education institutions.
Dr Mohd Uzir was quoted by Utusan as saying that the declining interest in higher education should be treated as a serious issue. If the trend continues, Malaysia may struggle to achieve its aspiration to become a high-income nation and meet its target of having 35% of its workforce classified as skilled workers.
Shifting demographic trends
Beyond education, he also highlighted several demographic changes that could have lasting implications for Malaysia’s future:
- Declining birth rates: Women are having their first child at a later age, with the average now 29, compared to their early 20s two decades ago
- Delayed marriages: The average age at marriage has increased to around 28 years
- Rising divorce rates: Higher divorce rates are also reshaping Malaysia’s demographic landscape, potentially bringing long-term social and economic consequences
Reflecting on his 36-year career in national statistics, Dr Mohd Uzir described one of the most difficult periods as the COVID-19 pandemic, when official data showed that 826,100 Malaysians were unemployed at the height of the crisis.
Behind every statistic were real families facing uncertainty, financial hardship, job losses, and difficulties paying off debts. The experience reinforced the importance of accurate data in helping policymakers understand the real challenges people face.
Do you think more young Malaysians are choosing to work rather than pursue higher education out of necessity, shifting priorities, or other factors? Share your thoughts below.
Also read: “Chill, SPM isn’t everything” – Malaysian Man Who Failed SPM Brags About His RM3.5K Salary
