THE two-day Career and Education Expo (EKSPEN) 2024, organised by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), aims to guide students and graduates in career planning, provide tailored career information, and help them secure jobs that match market demands.
The expo, which started today and ends tomorrow, runs from 9am to 5pm. It has been an annual programme since 2018.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo emphasised the importance of equipping graduates with the right skills and talents to meet current job market demands.
“Given the current economic pace, graduates need the right skills and talents to meet today’s job market demands.
“Today, we observe fiercer competition for jobs as the market sees a surge in the number of graduates seeking employment opportunities.
“For this reason, it is crucial for students to grasp the current economic demands and prepare extensively across all facets. This awareness should be fostered as early as feasible,” said Jagdeep during the opening ceremony of EKSPEN this morning at Hamzah Sendut 1 Library, USM.
Jagdeep also highlighted the importance of students and graduates enhancing their quality by developing soft skills, technical knowledge, and expanding their social networks.
“Understanding the trends in the labour market, industries, and careers is vital for graduates to align their skills and talents with the economy’s pace.
“This programme aims to provide students and graduates with internship opportunities, interview experience, and career advice through company exhibitions.
“I encourage final-year students of USM to make the most of the opportunities at EKSPEN to prepare themselves for the transition into the workforce upon graduation,” Jagdeep added.
This year, EKSPEN featured 28 exhibitors from industries, SMEs, public agencies, and private educational institutions, providing diverse job opportunities and industry training.
Also present were Narimah Samat, deputy vice-chancellor of Academic and International; Arinawati Ayob, chief librarian; Azizah Omar, Student Development Centre director; K. Kabilan, vice president III of the Student Representative Council; and Muhammad Azfaruddin Tajudin, EKSPEN project director.
Story by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri
Pix by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy