Page 26 - Handbook Postgraduate (Master) 2015 2016 English

SOFT SKILLS

INTRODUCTION

In this era of globalization, high academic achievement alone is not enough for graduates to be accepted into
the job market. Employers have high expectancy of graduates and given the ever increasing challenges in
employment, graduates not only need academic qualifications but capabilities and skills that give value-added
and can attract employers. From this aspect, „soft skills‟ are seen as critical contributors in generating holistic
human capital besides increasing global competitiveness.

The Ministry of Higher Education has specified seven elements of soft skills that graduates should master.
These seven (7) skills are:

(1) Communication Skills

(2) Critical thinking and Problem Solving skills

(3) Teamwork Skills

(4) Lifelong Learning and Information Management

(5) Entrepreneurial Skills

(6) Professional Ethics and Morality

(7) Leadership Skills

Each element is categorized into two (2) groups, namely:

 Soft Skills (must have):
SMH are the skills that must be mastered by all students in Higher Learning Institutions. If these skills
are absent, the student is regarded as not competent in the element involved.

 Soft Skills (good to have) :
SGTH are regarded as generic skills that give value-added to the student. If these skills are mastered
by the student together with the SMH, the student is regarded as having outstanding competency in
the element involved.

CRITERIA OF THE SOFT SKILL ELEMENTS

1. COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Communication skills involve effective communication in Malay and English and are categorized into eight (8)
levels as follows:

Course Outcomes:

1. The ability to deliver an idea with clarity, effectiveness and confidence, in verbal and written form.

2. Ability to apply active listening skills and give feedback.

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