Trained In Science-Base Field: Change of Specialization among Educated Women in Malaysia

Abstract

The theoretical model for economic development states that development in science and technology is the key to increased productivity. Upon realizing this, the Malaysian government has targeted 60 to 40 per cent of students for Science to Arts field at the tertiary level of education. However the rate of participation in science-based programs hardly achieved 60 percent even after more than four decades of efforts taken and incentives given by the government. Despite the policy’s under-achievement, this article aimed at examining another dimension of the issue. It sets to explore to what extent would Science based graduates remained working in the same field after their graduation. Given that female has been dominating the enrolment in tertiary education while low rate of female participation in the labor market is recorded, this study focuses on women who have completed their tertiary education. Based on data collected through survey on educated women, this study found 36.9% of women who have graduated with sciencebased degree opted to non-science type of job. The study also found that those who opted out experienced difficulty in finding a job and earned less than those who remained in the same field. Unsurprisingly, these respondents found that knowledge acquired from their tertiary education is less helpful in their career advancement. The findings highlighted the under-achievement of the policy implemented by the government.