KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 -- Too many graduates in Malaysia have become overqualified for the current job market, forcing them to opt for low- or semi-skilled jobs with subpar starting pay due to a lack of jobs that match their qualifications.

A total of 48.6 per cent of Malaysian graduates were overqualified for their current jobs in 2021, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) revealed today in their report Shifting Tides: Charting Career Progression of Malaysia's Skilled Talents.

"Since starting one's career on the wrong foot could have enduring effects on future career trajectory, 'last-mile' active labour market initiatives are important to facilitate the education-to-work transition.

"This could ultimately overcome the underutilisation of...