Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

Synergizing the information management and communication skills in contribution towards students empowerment
Che Rosnah Ngah a, Abdul Halim bin Awang @ Sulong b Sultanah Nur Zahirah Library Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Mengabang Telipot 21030 Kuala Terengganu cherosnah@umt.edu.my b Universiti Darul Iman Malaysia Kampus KUSZA Gong Badak 21300 Kuala Terengganu abdhalim@udm.edu.my
a

Abstract

The paper focuses the importance of information management as part of core soft skills for students before embarking life after study. The information management alone is not functioning well if information cannot be transmitted properly. It needs another complimentary skill; i.e. communication skill as to merge and align the information need and usage. Usually, freshmen are exposed with campus culture and life the moment they register. Apart from being best among the creams freshmen feel they are honored to be in high institutions of learning. Their thinking ability changes and perception towards new exposure may enlightened. During their campus engagement, learning is known to be the main activity. However, learning alone does not guarantee them to be versatile and indispensable especially when joining the working world. Although extensive cocurriculum development provided in campus have given them the opportunity to indulge; nevertheless, the absence of proper information management and communication skills may affect their competencies in future development. Every human need to communicate and to ensure the function is effective, there must be certain information to be exchanged. The authors wish to highlight experience where students sometimes are not properly guided during their academic life. The introductory phase is much emphasized strictly on academic matters where other soft skills requirements are sometimes overlooked. Examples are taken from data obtained via the library literacy classes held in a local university where numerous students feedbacks have indicated the necessity to attend the classes in view of exploring of how information should be searched and comprehended. Having said that, some constraints in promoting and running the classes itself also need to be taken into consideration. Thus, students are affected in terms of their lifelong learning as skills learned or digested are very minimal. The authors wish to share opinions based on statistics and written feedbacks where students have indicated their wish to get apart from a piece of scroll in hand. The quality aspects takes place versus the quantity of request made for the literacy classes whereby it is not necessary a numerous request is good but ensuring the quality sharing of information searching skills techniques is more important. It is also noted that within one hour class may not be able to cover the extensive range of searching information. Notwithstanding, students could not absorb the knowledge if it is a too long session; therefore maintaining an hour time slot will suffice the purpose for novice audience. The most significant is to show how to get into the information with certain communication skills sufficiently which resulted with effective teaching and learning. The skills captured hopefully be digested and used for future exploration. Thus, level of excellence will increase as students are empowered in their journey achieving personal, social, occupational and educational goals. Some loopholes such as students are not certain and believe in themselves due to lack of encouraging and motivation elements during study are also highlighted.

Keywords: Information management; communication skills; student motivation; lifelong learning

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

1. Introduction The information management and communication skills are among the seven soft skills identified and chosen to be implemented to all institutions of higher learning in Malaysia [1] in the past two years. The rest are as follows: i. Thinking skills and problem solving skills ii. Team work force iii. Entrepreneur skill iv. Ethics, moral and professionalism v. Leadership skills [2] The information management has been paired up with a lifelong learning. This implicates that by acquiring any of the seven skills, students will be immersed in the information circle as every little search for information; there is a necessity to incorporate such skill. All these skills later on will not just end without purpose but will be carried along during the life cycle. In this instance, the authors feel the necessity to highlight the current situation undergo by local potential graduates observed while studying in the campus. Despite a dream to hold a scroll in hand, quench for thirst of information hunger plus communication uncertainness are at alarming stage. Thus, it would be a burden in shouldering the responsibility of building up an excellent human capital as the foundation is quite shallow and shaky. Most institutions of higher learning have given much emphasized on their co-curriculum activities in order to assist students in their personel developments. However, to a certain extent, this could still be debated. Based on the two series of the library literacy classes hold in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu as an example, the authors noticed students were alert and enthusiast to gain information and willing to tap some communicative skills. Through observations made, students firstly found difficulties in expressing themselves as to what they were looking for. The questions and answers outlining the how, what, where, when, who and why are always upside down. This is due to lack of proper communicative skills which is not fully comprehended. Therefore, transmitting information could be distorted as gap exists and poorly justified. The concern is these potential graduates are the one who are going to be Malaysian future leaders or be actively involve in our industry, social, economy and culture. The authors could see a waste in education training capacity whereby the effort of keeping them as an excellent human capital is 2

diminished. In the Holy Al-Quran had stated that all human being is born with excellent attributes (Surah At-Tin: 4) Verily, We created man in the best stature (mould). Therefore, literally it should not be so much hassle in maintaining the excellencies. But what happen in true fact students turn up to be the opposite although they are mainly selected individuals to be in the higher leaning institutions. As such, in line with the requirements set by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education; special attention had been given to so-called soft skills need to be embedded to all potential graduates. This is an alternative out of many ways that can assist and provides preparation not only for their employability but also their self-content and value in decision making participation for self and nation. Thus, could ensure the proper human capital development and supply be sustained and contribute towards the return on investment (ROI) of full work force of the country.

2. Information literacy, information management and communication skills 2.1. Definitions 2.1.1. Information literacy Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. [3] In order for students to have proper information management, they need to acquire the skills via library information literacy classes. Information literacy is different from library orientation where the latter refers to customers education classes usually hold for freshmen. Information literacy audience could be of any years of students education as it refers to a very specific content and show. 2.1.2. Information management Whereas definition is: information management

skills and techniques used to identify gaps in one's knowledge, select and use appropriate resources to find quality information to fill those knowledge gaps. This is also referred to as "information literacy" or "life-long learning."[4] By having such information literacy skills, individuals would be able to do effective

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

search of information upon the right time with the right source for the right purpose. It is something that people do a right thing for the first time rather than doing things right. 2.1.3. Communication skills A business definition for communication skills are skills that enable people to communicate effectively with one another. Effective communication involves the choice of the best communications channel for a specific purpose, the technical knowledge to use the channel appropriately, the presentation of information in an appropriate manner for the target audience, and the ability to understand messages and responses received from others. The ability to establish and develop mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation is also important. More specifically, communication skills include the ability to speak in public, make presentations, write letters and reports, chair committees and meetings, and conduct negotiations. [5] Further to its definition, the gist of the communication skills meant by the authors is practically making full use of a language in terms of its proficiency and articulation. 2.2. Why information management is needed? For a Muslim, every action is taken into consideration as to whether you do good or bad deeds. This is quoted in Surah Al-Israk: 36 which says; And follow not (o man i.e. say not, or do not or witness not) that which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those one will be questioned (by Allah). In the process of incorporating training for potential graduates, the information management is so much stressed for individual future exploration resulting from skills learned. Embedding proper information management skills may jeopardize the purpose if serious attention is not reflected. The initial point will begin with information management before embarking further towards knowledge management or knowledge society. Only with sufficient amount of information could permit ones decision making in life to take place. The other reason is information management is practically part and parcel of life without one realizing it. In daily life we are surrounded with lots of information or even sometimes we experience information overloaded. Why overloaded? It is simply because people find it difficult to segregate relevant information which only adds value to life is taken care of. 3

Information management contributes towards desired life where it helps individual to know the right time, the right source and the right use of information. Information obtained fit for this purpose offers additional value to the individual where decision making are made based on right, sufficient and timely information. 2.3. Relation to communication skills The authors wish to share below excerpt; "We all use language to communicate, to express ourselves, to get our ideas across, and to connect with the person to whom we are speaking. When a relationship is working, the act of communicating seems to flow relatively effortlessly. When a relationship is deteriorating, the act of communicating can be as frustrating as climbing a hill of sand."[6] Significantly, the main concern meant in this paper is the language. Language is one of the most effective tool to communicate apart from other medium of communicating such as sign, observation, meditation (communicating spiritually) etc. The language could be either in English, Bahasa Melayu or any other language that matches and be easily understood. Language plays an important role regardless when communicating via oral or writing. Even in the Holy Al-Quran mentioned with regards to owns language to be appropriately used as quoted in Surah Ibrahim; 4; And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Messenger) clear for them. The other form of communication such as body and non-verbal follow suit with a common language used before any information is exchangeable. Therefore, language is seem to be a vital catalyst to speed up the communication process between or among individuals in exchanging or barter trading any kind of information needed at point of use. No information can be transmitted successfully without a medium connecting to the audience. Hence, acquiring any language proficiency and be articulated contributes a bonus attribute towards an individual. The same goes to the potential graduates who can make this profitable for self lifelong learning. 2.4. Why communication skills? Students will only benefit through information literacy classes when they managed to acquire it via proper communication skills element. It will be difficult for anyone who do not have a sound communication skills later explore what have been

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

learned during the said session. Thus, it has to be a certain medium of communicating. For example, the presenters of library literacy classes need to ensure that standard language be used to gain maximum attention from the audience. If majority of the audience would prefer and understand well in English, he or she may proceed as not to uphold the foreign language but to ensure message is passed across. Understanding the suitability of using appropriate language priority could offer maximum impact in students learning. More important is to have everybody speaking the same language. Language can also offer unity and uniformity in learning. Most information available in the Internet is written in English. The same goes to online databases information in the librarys portal. Therefore, although lectures are conducted in Bahasa Melayu, the references being asked by lecturers are made available in English. It offers another opportunity for students to learn other foreign language as to add self-value in education. And effective communication is said to be when: It is two way. It involves active listening. It reflects the accountability of speaker and listener. It utilizes feedback. It is free of stress. It is clear.[7] Although communication via reading is also pertinent but in this paper, main focus is on direct communication that involves two parties, presenter(s) and audience. A face-to-face communication could bring more effective teaching and learning capacity as what is being practiced in the library literacy classes. Students feedback are measured in terms of their satisfactory level and test of understanding is monitored through analysis of students written feedbacks. Findings yielded from the evaluation form becomes a tool in measuring effectiveness and be simulated for further improvements. Students were trained indirectly to response and stimulate them to branch out ideas and suggestions. The customers profiling thus been build where later it helps in future administrative improvement. 3. Sharing experiences in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu 3.1. Background of information literacy classes The said class is run in a small group of about 25 30 people in each session. It is a hands-on session which takes place in a computer lab. Presenters will be assisted by trained facilitator(s) together with a stand-by technical staff in case of any technical glitches. The session is conducted within an hour and strictly catered to a theme requested by lecturers. Therefore, each slot will 4

have different module content as information shown will vary in suiting appropriate platforms for students to search information. The language use is a combination of English and Bahasa Melayu although main emphasize is English as most information and databases inter-phase accessibility are in English. Students were enlightened when information search is made tailored to their requirement. It also generates their analytical searching skills where various methods have been shown. Many students responded by saying the session is a very good eyeopening for them to use in the future. This was based on 84% written feedbacks who wish to have the said classes be exposed way earlier and have longer hours of teaching. However, in responding to increase the hours may not be possible as lecturers have been kind enough to let their own lecture hours to be utilized for the information literacy classes. The constraint identified is the facultys syllabus-wise which is quite pack and lecturers find difficulties in getting their students to attend the said classes. They are aware that the information literacy is important especially when they themselves had experienced it before. Hence, certain negotiations been made with the library where those who really dare to take the risk of scarifying own classes but as long as their students gain the benefit which later make lecturers marking process easy. Verbal feedbacks received from lecturers indicated that students who had attended the said classes mostly were high scorers. And thus they (lecturers) complimented the librarys effort in helping their students in showing some of the effective ways of searching information with less time but more reliable and valid sources are obtained. The first author started conducting the classes for two consecutive years; 2007 and 2008. Based on the statistics collected, a slight drop of about 7% request on these classes reflected a significant thought of why this happened (14 slots were ran in 2008 compared to 15 slots in 2007). However the customer satisfaction index (CSI) rate that has been set i.e. achieve 80% of CSI; have shown a positive increase in achievement of 99% in 2008 compared to 95% in 2007. The students turned-up figures is 279 in 2008 versus 529 in 2007. Another findings is in 2008, all requests were received only from the Science and Technology discipline. 3.2. Quantity versus quality Although there is a drop in number of classes hold and students turned-up, CSI is taken priority in considering the quality measurement purposes (the library has been certified with ISO 9001:2000 in May 2008). It may not be necessarily true that if the quantity is higher or bigger, the quality of service is

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

guaranteed. The main objective is to share effective searching skills with interested and alert library members. On the other hand, symmetrical effort of a dog barking a hill is not being practically exercised as it will only lead to time and energy waste (there is no value if patron insists). Notwithstanding, should proper planning has been incorporated into the agenda, definitely all parties involved will enjoy the benefit. Customers satisfaction index rate that has been measured reflects a significant positive enlighten experience of those students attended. The library try its best to follow-up the effectiveness of skills learned after a reasonable period by getting feedbacks from lecturers. Therefore, quality in service is maintain for the sake of not only satisfying the customers but also enlightening them. As much as the library wish to share the knowledge with its customers, however, certain constraints might hold it back. The same thing goes for incorporating language skills whereby it has to be the collaboration work of all parties concerned in the campus. 3.3. Observation and justification Students nowadays are much advanced in their thinking capacity. However, without opportunity may not permit them to go far in terms of building up their competencies in various skills. The two aspects of information management and communication skills are much inter-related and complimentary as without one, the knowledge gained is handicap. Students are eager to know more stuff but the obstacle is they are unsure how to converse to let people know what they actually want. In most academic libraries, this matter could be referred to reference librarians where the latter could translate enquiries in the form of reference interviews. This is when questions raised by students is turned out into the actual question they meant. For example, a student may approach a librarian and ask how to get journals. But what the student really meant is how to get an article in a journal. This indication has shown how people sometimes think of something but referring to something else. Isnt it strange? An alternative solution to overcome this issue is to practice good and reasonable language culture in universities as to reflect the academic value. Sadly, it is not always the case. Students are much affected by all sorts of colloquial, dialects and others in their daily conversation while communicating which gives an impact on their academic presentation. Therefore, exposure to various methods of information management skills embedded would help their communicating style in return. Even in the information explosion era, students know how 5

to differentiate between useful and useless information. The Holy Al-Quran reminded fellow Muslims for example in Surah Al-Alaq: 1-4 as follows: Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. In United Kingdom, all these skills have been grouped as key skills whereby it encompasses graduate attributes that have been expressed as generic, personel, core or transferable to achieve personel dispositions required for effective learning at work and lifelong learning.[8] In the effort to relate this thought in the Malaysian society context, the graduates passed through with flying colors but why their employability always mismatched? Why certain employers are choosy and percept negatively towards the local graduates? Is it something quite not right in Malaysian education system? The Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had mentioned this statement; We need to change and we are changing the basic paradigm of our education system. [9] Datuk Seri Najib even had identified that a nation is defined by its people whose personalities should be cultivated in becoming good and mature people. He also confirmed that Malaysian graduates are hesitant, shy and tongue-tied. [10] Based on experience dealing with current students, many of them dare not to speak up during campus life due to shyness. Friends and peers would laugh if they were to practice English for example. It is worsen, East Coast or Northern Peninsular students conversing proudly in their own dialects. This does not help learning corpus at all in inculcating language in the long run. Although most public universities institute their own department of languages, however, the condition in some cases are not satisfactory whereby students in the campus are not really making use of the facilities. Only interested and willing-to-learn attitude students would join respective languages club activities or actively participating in any language event. 3.4. Contribution towards student empowerment While analyzing the various feedbacks both from students and lecturers, the authors found out that there is significant changes in students performance upon attending information literacy classes. Though the immediate feedbacks obtained

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

after each conducted session has indicated high percentage of students satisfaction, this would not meant students know instantly how to search information. However, what can be measured is perhaps their concern and responses towards any kind of beneficial training that could help them survive in the future. Through a verbal communication during a faculty meeting, lecturers had expressed their gratitude for helping them to hold the information literacy skills. This could not be easily done by the lecturers themselves as they are tight with the teaching syllabi. The collaboration effort between the faculty members and the library has resulted a win-win situation where both parties gained the benefits. The library could offer its services in educating patrons while faculty gains in helping their students. Students themselves have put more effort after attending the said classes. The authors found out that not only the final year students came back and ask further questions on how to access various information via multiple sources, but even the second year students do so! Some of the third year students also came back for more advanced questions after being exposed during their second year. The response is overwhelmed. Based on this, the students are mainly interested especially when they know that particular skill could really help them to explore more information which could turn to be a useful knowledge. For example, students are enlightened in knowing how to access online information via librarys databases 24x7. They appreciate the skills to compare access value between internet resources versus librarys databases in terms of its reliability and validity. They feel happy when searching can be done smartly instead of hardly and miserable findings. They could evaluate themselves how competent before and after incorporating the skills. They are alert how to look for next and manage to synergize effectively to questions and answers of how, who, where, when, what and why. Prominently, all the skills learned and experienced will be embedded in them. Those skills will nurtured as they go along in their study life and be re-called upon needed later. A motivation factor can also be seen where good academic results are obtained. It will be different for a student who knows little compares to the one who knows a lot. As information management can be incorporated in all fields of work and activities together with a communication skill, the synergy of the two elements are therefore contributes high level of confidence in students competencies. By knowing how to get rightful information and be able to communicate effectively, any purpose or objective can be attained 6

without much obstacles. If the individual/student who acquire these skills in addition also embed other good personalities, there is no reason why Malaysian could not achieve and maintain an excellent human capital development in the future. 3.5. Who to be responsible? The knowledge workers (knowledge managements term referring to lecturers and librarians among the professionals in the category) who are working in institutions of higher learning, are fully responsible to ensure students are being prepared for the said purpose. Adapting good communication skills as example to students is recommended i.e. collaboration effort. Communication again is practiced during the session itself by giving chances for students to interact directly with both presenter and facilitator(s). There is no doubt that the trainers themselves must have certain competencies to ensure sessions are run according to standard. However, lecturers and librarians themselves would not be able to co-ordinate this task well without the support from the Top Management. Hence, members who sit during the Library Customers Committee Meeting for example, could include this agenda to be part of a main criteria set for all students. Otherwise, an intention or aim to become top-notch universities may be endangered as pertinent aspects of students development has been neglected. This supposedly be in line with the verses 32 & 33 of Surah Fussilat which says; And who is better in speech than he who [says: My Lord is Allah (believes in His Oneness), and then stands firm (acts upon Hos Order), and] invites (men) to Allahs (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: I am one of the Muslims. Verse 32 and; The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of danger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend. Particularly, putting high moral values in the whole administrative activities flow itself will give a meaning towards the staff. Before staff could perform and delegate value to students, staff are prior motivated with task. Lecturers are being acknowledged on their teaching hours and librarians are physically seen in their effort of offering quality service to fellow library members.

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

4.

Lesson learned & recommendations

The development of human capital usually comprises of at least three elements i.e. mental, physical and spiritual.[11] The mental ability is much concern for potential graduates to tackle firmly as this could lead how decision making is being made. Good mental ability would comprehend the information management skills easily. While communicating aspects is much related towards the physical development of individuals as it is portrayed as to how a person carries him/herself. By blending the two skills, expectation for achievement should be positive and promising. The spiritual aspect mainly to merge all skills into one personality repository as this could be related to what Al-Quran has mentioned in Surah An-Nahl: 125; Invite (mankind, O Muhammad PBUH) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray form His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided. Elements in information management and communication skills have been synergized to produce one good individual Muslim who can extend the benefit to the surrounding community. Malaysia should incorporate these personalities as main qualities in the potential graduates competencies. Hence, mismatch employability could be solved and nations productivity increases. In whatever consequences, de-tour the route might clear the air of a long-standing mind boggling matters. Tracking the root cause is always good in any learning or change organizations whereby knowing the right cause could save situation from becoming worst. The change effect reflects as stated in Al-Quran, Surah Ali Imran: 110; You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad PBUH and his Sunnah) are the best of people ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin AlMaruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. Incorporating both information management and communication skills in students learning dictionary will definitely help students survival. In todays circumstances, every single decision making action need certain amount of information. Seeking information thus needs some strategy to bid time and other resources constraint. Nevertheless, without sound communication skills, information searching could be delayed which contributes zero value to the seeker. And time 7

waits for no man, expected answers may not be obtained as posting wrong questions. Who is then to be blamed and be responsible? Definitely, it is unfair to rope the burden onto the potential graduates because they need guidance from the authoritative parties concern with their education per say. Some recommendations perhaps could be taken into consideration are as follows: i) Fully understanding of collaboration work between faculties and library can contribute a synergy effect. Faculties identify the students need of such soft skills and library responses in meeting the task demand. This is to work relatively close and compliment to each others requirements. Libraries have to ensure the service will be dealt by bunch of competent staff suitable for the needs and purpose. In other words, a good platform need to be ready prior offering the service. Staff who coordinate the classes need to have excellent competencies such as willing to share knowledge attitude on top of being knowledgeable, pleasant and articulate in presenting to name a few. The reason being is information management is conveyed via communication! Libraries also need to identify the customers requirements (both students and lecturers) via customers profiling. Faculty liaisons may play the role directly in implementing task to be accomplished such as getting to know the audience closer i.e. their core needs, methods preferred, stay relevant, expectation etc. Faculty liaison librarians could be considered as one of the member in the Library Customers Committee Meeting as to keep track with customers need, updates and followup. Apparently only unit coordinators sit as members of the said meeting. Last but not least, support from Universitys Management in realizing the importance of such literacy classes which lead towards an effective information management for attendees. Communication skill is incorporated indirectly throughout although it should be started way from the faculty itself, perhaps languages department may have to double the promotion and role.

ii)

iii)

iv)

v)

Persidangan Pembangunan Pelajar Peringkat Kebangsaan 2008 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 22-23Oktober 2008

5.

Conclusion

to earn dignity of being a person with value when knowledge resided contributes towards sound decision making in life.

Malaysian potential graduates are Malaysian leaders and managers in the future. Sustainability of an excellent human capital is much depends on todays effort in moulding them to the desired standard. Effort initiated by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education is substantial to start eliminating unwanted flaws occurred in the past. The authorities agreement to include soft skills to be part of the agendas in realizing sustainable development in higher education is seen as a marvelous step. The authors strongly recommend that enrouting the journey might render some solutions towards discussed issues. Looking back is sometimes good to remind what and where had went wrong. This is in line with the verses in the Holy Al-Quran, Surah Al-Asr:1-4 which says; By Al-Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth and recommend one another to patience. Students in the campus currently are aware of their function. What they need next is the encouragement and motivation to step forward in life after study. The university platform could be seen as the final laboratory for graduates to tap the necessary structured skills. However, the skills adapt and adopt do not end the moment they exit the university. Those learned skills will be carried forward and correspond upon needed. Most important, the word lifelong learning carry a unique meaning as compared with lifelong employment which graduates are going to encompass in their entire life. Truly, human learn every single second to gain knowledge. The final aim is to achieve Allahs blessing and be more closer to Him as stated below in Surah Fatir: 28; It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, Off-Forgiving. It is with a great hope that students appreciate their existence in whatsoever circumstances, know where they are originated from and where they are heading to. Success in reaching the final destination is in their hands but with a proper guidance layout by those who had ventured and charted the path before. Synergizing the information management and communication skills together may help current and future human capital

Acknowledgements The authors wish to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Maria Salih, an academician at Sultan Idris University of Education, Tanjong Malim, Perak Darul Ridzuan. The authors had the opportunity reading through her enlightening paper entitled Realising Sustainable Development In Higher Education Through Soft Skills, via the Internet which triggered us to pen our views. The said paper was presented at APEID in Bangkok last year [personal e-mail communication with Dr. Maria on 11 September 2008].

References Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. Development of soft skills module for institutions of higher learning, Universiti Putera Malaysia, Serdang, 2006. 2. Ibid. 3. Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. American Library Association.2006.http://www.ala.org/acrl/ilco mstan.html (Accessed on 9 September, 2008). 4. Glossary of Information Management Terminology. Mulford Library. The University of Toledo .http://hsc.utoledo.edu/lib/education/Glossary2 .html (Accessed on 9 September, 2008). 5. BNET Business Directory. CNET Networks2008 http://dictionary.bnet.com/definition/communi cation+skills.html (Accessed on 9 September 2008). 6. Windle, Rod & Warren, Suzanne. CADRE. Section 4: Communication skills. http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/section4 .cfm (Accessed on 9 September 2008). 7. Ibid. 8. Johnston, Bill & Watson, Aileen. Participation, reflection and integration for business and lifelong learning. Journal of Workplace Learning. 16 (2004) 53-62. 9. Najib Tun Razak, Datuk Seri. Life-long learning, not life-long employment. Special Features. Graduan 2007. Kuala Lumpur. 2007 10. Ibid. 11. Naim Fahmi Hj. Ahmad Tajuddin. Hijrah dan pembangunan insan. Koleksi Ilmiah e-rujukan. 2005.http://www.islam.gov.my/erujukan/lihat. php?jakim=489 (Accessed on 10 September 2008. 1.