The issue of low wage ceilings has long been a common concern among Malaysians, especially fresh graduates who are eager to secure their first dream jobs in a highly competitive market.
While the promise of higher starting salaries may seem encouraging, the question remains: is it truly attainable?
In a recent inspirational talk, YBhg. Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar presented the median wage figures across various states, highlighting that some states still have median monthly wages as low as RM2,000.
Although breaking this low-income cycle may seem challenging, Tan Sri Wahid Omar emphasised that it is far from impossible.
Responding to a question from a student at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School (UniKL BIS), he stressed that excelling academically is the first crucial step toward better career opportunities.
He advised students to strive for first-class honours, as this is often the primary criterion employers use to shortlist candidates.
“When employers advertise jobs, they receive thousands of applications. Typically, they look for candidates with a CGPA above 3.5, especially for major companies. So, do your best to achieve the best results possible,” he said during the “A Trip and Treat in the Journey to Excellence with YBhg. Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar” at UniKL City Campus on 15 May 2025.
The event was also graced by the presence of UniKL’s Deputy President (International, Industrial, and Institutional Partnership), Yang Berbahagia Prof. Ir. Dr. Azmi Hassan; Chief Corporate Planning Officer, Mr. Ariff Majmi Zaaba; Dean of UniKL Business School, Yang Berusaha Prof. Dr. Naziruddin Abdullah; and Associate Prof. Ts. Dr. Md Redzuan Zoolfakar from the Centre for Industrial Linkages, UniKL.
Tan Sri Abdul Wahid, a former Minister and Chairman of Bursa Malaysia, is one of Malaysia’s most accomplished corporate leaders, having served as Chief Executive Officer of three major blue-chip companies: UEM Group (2001-2004), Telekom Malaysia (2004-2008), and Maybank (2008-2013).
Drawing from his vast experience leading top Malaysian corporations, he urged students and graduates not to stop at their degrees but to pursue professional qualifications to enhance their career prospects.
With an accountancy background himself, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid highlighted the importance of further certifications such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW), and the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA).
“Once you achieve these qualifications, you open more doors and better opportunities. Of course, the journey won’t always be rosy; challenges will arise,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of staying active and employed while seeking the ideal job opportunity.
“For example, if I review applications and find two graduates who have been job hunting for a year—one currently working at a fast-food outlet and the other unemployed—naturally, from my perspective as an employer, all things being equal, I would hire the person who is currently working at the fast food restaurant because I know that he or she has the resolve and willingness to work hard, as opposed to someone who is waiting for a good job,” he added.
