Brain waste among science and engineering graduates in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Abdullah, Norehan, Ahmad, Siti Aznor, Soon, Jan Jan, Lim, Hock Eam
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/26156/1/norehan%201.52.docx; http://repo.uum.edu.my/26156/
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

This paper aims to examine the brain waste among science and engineering graduates in Malaysia using a case of research officer in MARDI. Brain waste is defined as underutilized of the qualification and skills in jobs obtained. This study however used the salary as criteria to define brain waste. Results of descriptive statistics reveal that there is brain waste among the respondents. Brain waste occurs to some of them in their first, second and third jobs. Thus, their job transitions provide a completed cycle of brain waste faced by the respondents. It is found that around thirty per cent of the respondents were experiencing brain waste in their first job after graduated from their first degree. This brain waste decreases and stabilized to around twenty per cent in respondents' second and third job. However, the incidence of brain waste diminished totally on their fourth job. Overall, the incident of brain waste could last for about two and half years. Females and those with low parents’ education are more likely to have brain waste. The incidence of brain waste appears to have no substantial differences in terms of age, ethnicity and types of degree (sciences and engineering). This study provide empirical evidence that the criteria of not yet employed within six months after completed the study in Tracer’s Study by MOE is not sufficient for brain waste analysis among graduates in Malaysia