SDG 4 recognizes the importance of inclusive and quality education that will prepare learners with relevant skills to succeed in life. The Malaysian University English Test (MUET) is still a common assessment used to benchmark English proficiency for entry into higher education systems in Malaysia but it has been identified to have limited predictive ability in link with workplace readiness. Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been found to affect academic and professional performance, making it an increasingly important skill for employers seeking graduates who can not only display linguistic competence, but are emotionally intelligent as well (Hamdzah, Subramaniam, Zainal Abidin, & Hassan, 2020). This study explores the involvement of EI in establishing improved employability based on its relationship with MUET performance among Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) undergraduates. Based on the relevant research, Dahri, Hamid, and Ismail, 2024; Jamil, Rahman and Yusuf, 2024, a conceptual model is proposed in this study, where EI competencies of self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills underlie MUET performance which will further strengthen employability skills. In the current study it was observed that higher EI is positively related to MUET speaking and writing performance (Sanam & Obayed, 2025), and the dimensions of employability which consist of adaptability, communication and teamwork. The findings are envisaged to help close the assessment-workplace readiness gap and have implications for the inclusion of EI strategies within the context of language education integrations and employability frameworks of the SDG 4 agenda.
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