Still Jobless Six Years After Graduating
A 32-year-old business management graduate from Ipoh, Malaysia, says he has attended more than 50 job interviews over the past six years, only to be repeatedly turned down, often with the same reason given.
“Every time I go for an interview, one of the responses I get is that they can’t afford to hire me because I have a degree,” Khairul Akmal Razali told Sinar Harian on Tuesday (29 April 2025).

Despite actively applying for positions through the Public Services Commission (SPA) and the Education Services Commission (SPP) every year, he was never called up for a single interview.
Struggles to Cope with Financial Responsibilities


Over time, these jobs have helped him provide for his family and manage his monthly expenses.
Furthermore, he still faces the burden of student debt from his studies at the diploma and degree levels that need to be repaid.
In addition, Khairul said earning a lower salary isn’t a problem for him, as long as the job offers flexible hours and stability.
Unfortunately, opportunities that meet those conditions have yet to come.
Selling Sambal to Make Ends Meet
To earn extra money, Khairul also began selling crispy fried sambal (chilli paste) on a small scale. He shared that his passion for business drove him to pursue this venture.
Though he has a degree in business management, he shared that he is open to any job that can help support his family.
While he’s still looking out for other job opportunities, he is also putting time and effort into growing the business, hoping it can give his family a more stable future.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
After 14 Years, Malaysian Man Finally Lands Dream Government Job at 37
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Over 900 Johor Students Skip SPM, Eyeing Better Paying Jobs in Singapore
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