INTI College Sabah (INTI) today launched two facilities on campus in partnership with JobStreet.com, one of Asia’s leading employment market places; and the ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), one of the most recognised professional accounting bodies globally. These facilities aim to address youth unemployment, a critical issue which the 2016 Bank Negara Malaysia Annual Report highlighted stood at 10.7%, three times the number of overall unemployment in the country.
(third from left) Simon Si, JobStreet.com; Roselyn Chua, INTI; Jaccie Koh Bao Meng, Career Counsellor, INTI; and Edmund Teh, Employability Advisor (Engagement & Partnership), JobStreet.com, with the 10 INTI student ambassadors for the Graduate Employability Programme.
Roselyn Chua, Chief Executive of INTI said, “We are very pleased to work with JobStreet and ACCA in offering these facilities and services which are aimed at improving graduate employability. Engaging with employers and professionals early in their careers helps students build their competencies and bridges the expectations gap. The launch of these facilities, along with INTI’s first Career Fair, provides our students with access to career information and employers directly on campus, and empowers them with a competitive edge in pursuing their aspirations.”
JobStreet offers first Graduate Employability Programme in East Malaysia
The launch of the JobStreet Career Corner at INTI comes off the back of JobStreet’s 2015 survey, where 70% of employers highlighted that the standards of fresh graduates were just average. The ratings stemmed from the poor attitude and communication skills shown by graduates during interviews or at work, signifying that while academically qualified, they lacked the necessary capabilities to impress potential employers and secure job offers.
Roselyn Chua, INTI (sixth from left) with industry partner representatives attending the Career Fair.
Simon Si, JobStreet’s Head of Regional Communication said, “We are proud to partner with INTI in bringing the very first Graduate Employability Programme to East Malaysia, making it easier and more accessible for students in this region to get the information and guidance they need to secure their first job. In addition to the career services counsellors, we are also pleased to welcome 10 student ambassadors from INTI who have trained with JobStreet to support and guide fellow students.”
Chua explains, “The counselling skills received by the counsellors and student ambassadors will enable them to work better with our students be it through the preparation of resumes, mock interviews and providing feedback on areas of improvement. This enables students to develop their academic skills and professional brand concurrently while in college.”
ACCA Room to encourage professional development beyond the classroom
INTI also welcomed Datuk Alexandra Chin JP, Council Member and Immediate Past President, and the first Malaysian to be elected as ACCA’s global leader, who launched the refurbished ACCA Room.
“The surge of globalisation and its impact across industries requires graduates to differentiate themselves and stand out from their peers. In collaborating with INTI to launch this ACCA Room, we hope to encourage students to consider their long term professional development beyond the classroom. As a professional body, we are committed to working with ACCA students throughout their lifelong journey with us – supporting students and members through careers with great Continuous Professional Development (CPD), a job board, career advice and our approved employer programme. In this way, we ensure ACCA members remain relevant and in demand.” shared Datuk Alexandra.
(from left) Judy Lim, Recruitment Manager, Ernst & Young Malaysia; Michelle Clement, Business Relations Manager, ACCA; Tina Suryani, Business Relations Manager, ACCA; YB Datuk Alexandra Chin JP; Immediate Past President, ACCA; YB Datin Linda Stanley, Market Development & Planning Manager, ACCA; Peter Gabriel, Business Development Manager, ACCA; Roselyn Chua, CE, INTI; Michael Chin, Director of Administration, INTI; and Maria Luisa, Head of INTI’s School of Hospitality.
With over 160 approved employers in Malaysia and over 12,000 ACCA members in Malaysia, including over 1,100 ACCA members in East Malaysia, ACCA connects young professionals to established senior leadership members, providing them invaluable, first hand insights into upcoming trends within the industry. Internationally recognised certifications also help professionals upskill themselves, improving their careers and long term prospects.
“These partnerships and the inclusion of practical learning experiences into our curriculum enabled INTI to record incredible student outcomes in 2015. This included 98% of INTI students securing jobs within six months of their graduation, and 25% receiving job offers even before they graduate. 82% were also paid higher than the market average, testifying to the quality and skills they bring to the workplace right from the start of their careers,” explains Chua.
These outcomes were validated by BDO Governance Advisory, making INTI the only institution of higher learning in Malaysia to vouch for its employability outcomes.