In Malaysia, CGPA has traditionally been a major factor in the hiring process for fresh graduates. Employers often set minimum academic requirements to filter candidates quickly. But does CGPA really reflect a graduate’s potential?
Research and trends show that a high CGPA does not always equate to real-world skills, creativity, adaptability, or leadership—qualities that matter most in the workplace. As the job market evolves, it's time for employers to look beyond grades and start evaluating what truly matters: skills, personality, and growth potential.
1. CGPA Doesn’t Show the Whole Picture
While CGPA reflects academic discipline, it doesn’t reveal:
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership potential
- Emotional intelligence
- Teamwork and adaptability
A 2021 World Bank Malaysia Economic Monitor report highlighted that employers often find graduates lacking in soft skills and job readiness, despite their academic achievements.
2. Employers Are Already Rethinking the Role of CGPA
Many forward-thinking companies in Malaysia, including PwC, Maxis, and Nestlé, have moved toward holistic candidate evaluation—giving more weight to interviews, assessments, and digital profiles rather than academic scores alone.
In fact, in a 2023 article from The Star, HR leaders noted a growing shift:
“We’ve started focusing more on attitude, willingness to learn, and how candidates solve problems. CGPA is just one data point—it’s no longer the only one.”
— HR Director, Malaysian MNC
3. Nexus Grad: Redefining How Graduates Are Evaluated
Nexus Grad, Malaysia’s first graduate-centric marketplace, is built on the idea that grades don’t define you—your potential does. Here's how Nexus Grad is solving the CGPA bias:
· Nexus Factor: AI-Powered Graduate Profiling
Instead of just uploading a resume, graduates complete their profile with achievements, certifications, soft skills, and experiences. Our AI evaluates their true potential across multiple dimensions—not just CGPA.
· Talent Showcase Beyond the Resume
Employers can view graduate portfolios, project work, languages, leadership roles, and personal strengths, all verified and structured in a meaningful way.
· Skill Verification & Job Matching
Nexus Grad connects employers with candidates based on skills, mindset, and career goals, improving both match quality and hiring outcomes.
4. Why This Matters for Employers
Relying solely on CGPA can result in:
- Overlooking high-potential candidates who didn’t thrive in academic settings but excel in the real world
- Lack of diversity in hiring (creatives, non-traditional thinkers, late bloomers)
- Higher turnover when hires don’t align with company culture or role demands
Malaysia’s job market is evolving—and so should the way employers evaluate graduates. By shifting focus from CGPA to skills, strengths, and personality, companies will find better cultural fits, more resilient employees, and long-term contributors.
With Nexus Grad, you’re not just hiring a piece of paper—you’re discovering real people with real potential.
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