Job hunting can be challenging, but the King has an important message for fresh graduates: don’t be too selective when choosing jobs, or you might miss out.

During the 100th Convocation Ceremony at UiTM on November 13, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim urged graduates to seize available opportunities, especially with rising competition from foreign labor.

“Being picky doesn’t just harm the graduates themselves; it also negatively affects the country’s development,” he stated. The King cautioned that excessive selectiveness could leave graduates “honourably unemployed” while foreign workers fill the gaps.

His Majesty also advised youth not to rely solely on government support. “Depending entirely on the government leads to a weak and passive generation. As future leaders, you must reject this mindset.”

Sultan Ibrahim emphasized that fostering self-reliance and courage to improve oneself is essential for both personal growth and national progress. Dependency, he warned, erodes self-confidence and undermines the country’s aspirations for advancement.

“Every individual, including the younger generation, civil servants, and politicians, must first embrace change within themselves to ensure a brighter future for the nation and its people,” he added.

The King also commended UiTM for producing capable graduates and encouraged the university to continue driving the nation’s progress as a center of knowledge.