The option of going through the Diploma pathway to a Degree is hardly heard of.

For SPM school leavers, the pressing question is “What’s next after SPM?”. With the recent release of SPM results, students must consider their next step towards higher education. To pursue a degree, students must first complete a pre-university program. Common pathways include continuing in Form 6, enrolling in A-levels, or undertaking a Foundation program. These options provide the necessary academic preparation to enter a degree program. 

The option of going through the Diploma pathway to a Degree is hardly to be heard of because a Diploma has always been associated with vocational training rather than academic competence. This idea has reinforced the notion that a Diploma is for students who are not academically inclined. Higher education is often equated with success and social status.

This biasness contributes to the stigma that Diplomas are seen as a less desirable educational path compared to other pre-university programs. Furthermore, with societal pressures and expectations from parents and peers, Diploma is stigmatized as a second choice for those who are unable to pursue other pre-university programs.

Apart from that, the messaging from schools and higher institutions when marketing diplomas influences the public perception as they emphasize diplomas as “alternative pathways”, which unintentionally suggests inferiority. All these discourage students from pursuing Diploma programs although Diplomas often lead to quicker entry into the workforce and practical skill acquisition.  

Understanding the Value of a Diploma

A Diploma is generally perceived as a higher qualification than other pre-university programs, often equivalent to the first year of a degree program. Diploma programs require more in-depth, specialized knowledge, providing students with a more focused set of skills tailored to specific industries.

The curriculum of a diploma program covers a broader range of subjects and emphasizes practical application, making it more rigorous and demanding. Despite the intensity, Diploma programs equip students with job-ready skills through practical training, preparing them effectively for immediate entry into the workforce. 

Why It Is a Path Worth Considering

Diplomas enable individuals to enter the workforce with a more targeted education that combines theoretical learning with hands-on training and also serves as a pathway to further education, such as pursuing a degree.

Apart from that, Diplomas are versatile programs that can be paired with other fields of interest in undergraduate courses. For instance, a Design Diploma graduate can enhance their qualifications by combining their Diploma with undergraduate business courses. This approach allows them to acquire dual skill sets, distinguishing Diploma programs from other pre-university programs. 

In line with industrial evolution, the workforce landscape is changing significantly. There is an increasing demand for skills, and organizations are adopting skills-based hiring practices. Diplomas are more career-oriented, focusing on practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable to specific industries or careers, making graduates more job-ready.

Diploma graduates specialize in a particular field or trade, possessing in-depth knowledge and expertise that set them apart from students with more general pre-university qualifications. Additionally, Diploma programs often include internships or practical projects, providing students with real-world experience that is highly attractive to employers.  

Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah emphasized that “The transformation strategy of human capital must focus on providing a direction towards a more productive, effective, skilled, and high-tech workforce, which will lead to an improvement in family income and living standards.”

With the rapidly expanding workforce market, generating skilled employees is critical, and job skills training is crucial to this effort. 

According to LinkedIn’s “Future of Talent” report, organizations are shifting their focus towards assessing candidates based on their skills rather than traditional qualifiers like education or experience. The report also highlighted that an increasing number of companies in Malaysia prioritize candidates with skills over conventional qualifications. This approach allows them to address critical skill gaps while benefiting from a more diverse and adaptable workforce. 

How Diplomas Bridge Skills Gap 

Unemployed graduates are continuously becoming a problem for Malaysia. According to Dr Mohamad Hisyam Bin Mohamad, as stated in the article Malaysian Graduate Employability Challenge, published by New Straits Times, in 2022, one of the reasons for unemployment among graduates in Malaysia is due to skills gaps, where the graduates lack workplace skills or experience required by the employers or the industries. Employers are looking for a well-prepared graduate workforce.

The specialized skills provided by Diploma programs allow individuals to become job-ready sooner than those from foundation programs. This could potentially reduce unemployment among graduates in Malaysia due to skills gaps.

The marketability of graduates is no longer measured solely by academic achievements; it now necessitates a balance with skills, including technical and vocational training, to better align with the demands of the Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). Diploma programs, which integrate both theoretical and practical skills, can significantly enhance graduate employability by equipping students with job-ready skills tailored to specific industries. 

Diploma programs emphasize practical, hands-on training and career readiness, in contrast to more theoretical academic programs. These programs prioritize the development of fundamental skills that are directly applicable to industry demands, particularly in the context of IR 4.0.

While students in more traditional academic settings focus on theoretical knowledge, Diploma students engage in real-world challenges, gaining practical experience that prepares them for immediate entry into the workforce. Thus, a Diploma is not merely a qualification but a direct pathway to a career equipped with the necessary skills for success.  

It is essential to change the narrative surrounding Diplomas and reduce the stigma associated with this qualification. Diplomas offer a valuable alternative to pre-university programs, providing a blend of theoretical and practical skills that prepare students for the workforce.

As we move towards a skills-based economy, where skills are the new currency in the future job market, raising awareness about the benefits of Diploma programs is crucial. These programs equip students with job-ready skills tailored to industry needs, thereby enhancing their employability and meeting the demands of IR 4.0.