PETALING JAYA: MySTEP may not offer permanent jobs but human resource experts say it still provides crucial work experience for graduates, especially if it is used as a stepping stone rather than a long-term solution.
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan human resource expert Prof Dr Balakrishnan Parasuraman said the initiative addresses a key reality of today’s labour market – work experience often matters more than academic qualifications.
“In the private sector, the first question is usually not about academic qualifications, but whether the candidate has working experience. Academic qualifications are only one entry point into the job market – they do not guarantee employment.”
Balakrishnan added that MySTEP allows both graduates and non-graduates to gain practical experience aligned with their backgrounds, giving them concrete examples to highlight when applying for future roles.
“From what I observe, they are doing real jobs that align with their qualifications.
“Once they have experience – whether one month or up to 12 months – they can apply to other government agencies or the private sector.”
He said comparisons between MySTEP and private-sector employment must consider the broader labour market which is seeing shrinking permanent positions and a shift towards performance-based and contract employment.
“Nowadays, the government is also reducing permanent positions and moving towards contract-based employment. This is one way to recruit highly competent individuals, especially as workplaces evolve with digitalisation, artificial intelligence and fast-paced economic development.”
From an HR perspective, Balakrishnan said MySTEP provides structured exposure that develops not only technical skills, but also soft skills increasingly valued by employers.
“It enhances communication skills, language proficiency and leadership capabilities when candidates are given responsibilities. While some of these are introduced in universities, MySTEP provides real workplace exposure.”
Responding to criticism that MySTEP is outdated, he argued that temporary and flexible work arrangements are becoming more common worldwide.
“Temp work experience is not outdated. Many jobs today are transitioning from permanent to contract or part-time arrangements. Work culture has changed. Employers are adapting and employees are seeking better work-life balance and quality of life.”
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia human resource management lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Zumrah said MySTEP remains relevant, particularly for fresh graduates with limited exposure to real workplace environments.
“MySTEP can provide meaningful work experience, especially to fresh graduates. It can improve their value with significant working experience that enables them to secure better jobs in the future.”
He explained that the programme resembles entry-level roles in the private sector in terms of exposure but differs in career outcomes and structure.
Crucially, Abdul Rahim stressed that MySTEP was never designed as a direct recruitment pathway.
“The main purpose is to provide working experience. For permanent appointments, all Malaysian citizens must apply through the government appointment system such as the Public Service Commission,” he said.
He suggested that the programme could be strengthened by giving high-performing participants priority consideration for contract-based roles, subject to strict conditions, such as achieving at least 85% in performance appraisals and receiving strong recommendations from immediate supervisors.
