Graduates Must Change Mindset - Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Human Resources Deputy Minister Maznah Mazlan wants a change in the mindset of graduates who generally view a career in the technical and vocational fields as a last choice. She reasoned that this was because, the country would, by 2020, generate about 3.3 million jobs, 40 per cent of which would centre on the two fields. She said the government often upgraded the two fields, along with the advancement in technology, adding that technical and vocational careers should not be viewed as less important, just because they were unpopular among the graduates. "The current challenge is to change the mindset of Malaysians who do not prioritise a career in the technical and vocational fields. "The human resources, education and higher education ministries are currently making an effort to lure graduates into the two fields," said Maznah when opening an exhibition, 'Graduan Aspire 2012' here Saturday. The two-day exhibition which began Friday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is expected to attract 15,000 graduates nationwide. About 70 companies are taking part in the event, including Maybank, SapuraKencana Petroleum, Celcom Axiata, DRB Hicom and Naza World. -- BERNAMA