University graduates lack 'soft skills' and loyalty towards their employers, according to a survey of company executives.
Last month, City University (CityU) commissioned the Chinese Manufacturers' Association (CMA) to poll 326 companies mainly from the trading, retail and marketing, and manufacturing industries.
About 75 per cent have hired fresh graduates before.
Eighty per cent of the companies said graduates lack skills in multitasking and problem-solving. Two-thirds of the respondents said young graduates lack business sense and global vision. Such traits are highly valued by employers.
Sixty per cent of the companies polled, however, praised the graduates for their creativity and good computer skills.
'Besides higher education qualifications, employers look for enthusiasm and a willingness to go the extra mile,' says CityU vice-president Paul Lam Kwan-sing.