The Impact of ICT-enabled Internships on Policy Analysis Skills among Final Year Students

ASM Sc. J., 20(2), 2025

Published on November 13, 2025

https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2025.0002

Author: Siti Hajar Kamaruddin and Mohd Shazwan Mohd Ariffin

Abstract

This study examines the impact of ICT-enabled internships on policy analysis skills among final-year students at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. As digital governance and evidence-based policymaking gain prominence under initiatives like MyDIGITAL, equipping students with data-driven decision-making capabilities is essential. The study analyses data from 134 internship students, focusing on their exposure to digital tools, big data analytics, and virtual collaboration platforms during a 16-week internship program. Findings indicate that ICT-integrated internships significantly enhance policy research competencies, data visualisation skills, and policy modelling abilities. However, challenges such as digital infrastructure limitations in remote placements persist. The study underscores the importance of optimising ICT-driven internships to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical policy analysis, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the policy sector.

Keywords: data-driven decision-making, digital governance, higher education, ICT-enabled internships, policy analysis skills