The Muamalat Newsletter Vol. 2 2023

Competitiveness of MarketingGraduates in Malaysia Author: Mohammad Noorizzuddin Nooh Faculty of Economics and Muamalat Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Understanding the Job Market Gap in Malaysia The issue of employability among graduates in Malaysia is multifaceted and requires a deep understanding of various contributing factors. One of the underlying causes identified is the lack of soft skills among graduates. Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who possess not only specific skills and knowledge but also soft skills such as communication, problem- solving, and people skills. Furthermore, there seems to be a gapbetweentheskillsandqualities possessed by graduates from universities and the requirements of prospective employers. Research has highlighted the importance of addressing this gap to improve the employability of graduates in Malaysia (Fahimirad, Nair, Kotamjani, Mahdinezhad, & Feng, 2019). Redefining the approach to education and focusing on developing a well-balanced set of skills including soft skills, problem- solving skills, and adaptability is imperative for the enhanced competitiveness of marketing graduates in Malaysia. This approach will not only benefit the graduates but also contribute to the overall economic growth and competitiveness of the nation. When discussing the competitiveness of marketing graduates in Malaysia, it is important to investigate the specific soft skills that employers areseeking inpotential employees. In addition to communication and 43 FEM eNewsletter | Dec 2023