INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY SKILLS WITH INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCIES TO ENHANCE GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY IN MALAYSIAN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY NETWORKS


Reynold Wong(1*), Ummi Naiemah Saraih(2)

(1) Public Management, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
(2) Centre of Excellence for Social Innovation & Sustainability, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, 01000, Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract


The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has heightened the demand for graduates equipped with a balanced integration of technological skills and interpersonal competencies to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. This concept paper explores the critical role of technology skills as a moderating factor in enhancing the impact of self-efficacy, soft skills, and personality traits on graduate employability within the Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN). By examining these relationships, the study provides a framework to align graduate training with the demands of technology-driven industries. The findings emphasize the importance of embedding both technical and interpersonal skills into educational curricula to equip graduates for dynamic, technology-centric workplaces. This paper offers actionable insights to guide curriculum reforms, ensuring graduates are holistically prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving global economy shaped by 4IR advancements.

Keywords


Technology skills; interpersonal competencies; graduate employability; malaysian technical university network; fourth industrial revolution

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15575/fjsfm.v5i2.41400

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