Best Hospitality Jobs in Malaysia
Looking to start or further your career in Malaysia’s ever-growing hospitality industry? It’s an exciting and popular career (the average salary for a person working in hospitality, food, or tourism in Malaysia is about RM 4,390 per month) full of opportunities for advancement. But there are a few things you should know before moving ahead. Check out the top 20 best hospitality jobs in Malaysia right now –– and the skills and experience you’ll need to get hired.
What are the Best Fields of Hospitality in Malaysia?
Given Malaysia’s prominence as a popular global tourist destination, many types of industries can be considered the best in the country. While all areas of Malaysia cater to Malaysian citizens, the fields in which visiting guests tend to be the most popular. Here are the best fields of hospitality to enter when looking for a job in Malaysia:
- Hotels & Resorts
- Restaurants, Dining & Catering
- Airlines
- Health & Fitness Facilities
- Cruise Liners
What Experience Do I Need to Work in Malaysia's Hospitality Industry?
Experience in the hospitality industry is essential –– but just what kind of experience you bring to the role depends on your area of hospitality. Here are some good examples of hospitality experience to help you stand out from the rest.
For those looking to get into the business and management sector of the hospitality industry, education is not always a requirement, but very good to have. After SPM or IGCSE O-Levels, there are many different paths you can follow towards securing the right hospitality qualifications that businesses are looking for. In Malaysia, those who possess a certificate or diploma typically earn 17% more than their peers who only have high school-level education.
After completing a diploma, students in Malaysia can go on to study for a degree in Tourism Management, Hospitality Management, or Hotel Management. These are typically 2-year courses, and, upon successful completion, students emerge ready to apply for jobs in their chosen fields. Once they’ve built enough hands-on work experience, they can apply for more senior-level roles.
For those in more customer-facing roles, job and training experience is the best kind of experience.
What Skills Do I Need to Work in Malaysia's Hospitality Industry?
The hospitality industry in Malaysia requires candidates to possess a unique skill set to provide customers with exceptional service. Here are some of the most in-demand of those skills.
- Communication skills
To listen to, understand, and deliver on every customer’s unique expectations, strong communication skills are a must-have in the hospitality industry.
- Negotiation skills
Key to solving customer disputes and organizing events while bargaining for contractor work requires equally impressive and efficient negotiation skills.
- Time management
Hospitality in Malaysia, like anywhere, is a demanding and fast-paced industry. To be able to smoothly operate as an effective member of your team, managing your time properly is very important.
- Teamwork
In the hospitality industry, efficient teamwork is needed at all levels and in many different departments, especially if you work in a hotel or a kitchen.
- Observation skills
Sometimes, the slightest mistake can completely ruin a customer’s experience. That’s why attention to detail is a key skill needed for all hospitality jobs
Top 20 Best Hospitality Jobs in Malaysia
What does a Restaurant General Manager do?
Malaysia has a large tourism industry and, as such, it is home to some of the most famous and exclusive restaurants in the world. The general manager of this type of restaurant oversees running the daily operations, but also elements of bookkeeping, scheduling, and knowledge of cuisine.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Marriott, Accor Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Nando’s Malaysia |
What does a Spa Manager do?
The manager of a hotel or resort spa helps guests to luxuriate and relax throughout their stay. Prominent business people, these roles can also involve scheduling appointments, maintaining inventory, and hiring and training staff.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork | Grand Hyatt, Marriott International, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts |
What does a Barista do?
Baristas are crucial hospitality players in that they are responsible for the quick and efficient preparation of coffee and caffeinated beverages that keep Malaysians operating at their highest energy level possible. Not only do they work in extremely fast-paced environments, but they also clean, open, and close cash registers and order products.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Starbucks, KOI Café Malaysia, McDonald’s, Zuspresso, Chateraise Malaysia |
What does a Marketing Director do?
A Marketing Director working in the hospitality sector is typically responsible for using industry research and market trends to forecast growth opportunities while examining ways of increasing revenue for their hotel, restaurant, or leisure resort.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Foodpanda Malaysia, Minor International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Randstad Malaysia, Publicis Group |
What does a Concierge do?
A Concierge –– someone who sits at the check-in desk at a hotel or resort –– communicates directly with guests regarding many different services. Their roles are varied in expectations, but typically involve securing car or restaurant reservations on behalf of customers, local area knowledge, sight-seeing suggestions, and more.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Marriott International. Grand Hyatt |
What does an Executive Chef do?
An Executive Chef fulfills a managerial role in a restaurant, hotel, resort, or other venue and typically involves extensive work behind the scenes. They manage the food operations and ordering of ingredients and products –– plus, they also supervise cooks, sous chefs, and any other staff member working in the kitchen.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Doubletree by Hilton, Four Points, Hyatt International, Hard Rock Hotel Penang |
What does a Hospitality Manager do?
Hotels and restaurants in Malaysia thrive on tourism and the need for qualified Hospitality Managers, who run the day-to-day operations of businesses like hotels, restaurants, resorts, and cruise ships is always in demand.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Hyatt Hotels, Genting Malaysia, Accor Hotels, Ormond Group, Marriott International |
What does a Travel Agent do?
A travel agent researches and plans extended trips for groups, individuals, and couples looking to get away. Travel agents source preferred rates on hotels, flights, car rentals, and excursions.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management | Yes Travel & Holidays, Sayu Travel & Tours, Startek, Mahira Travel |
What does a Flight Attendant do?
Flight Attendants are responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and security of passengers before, during, and after flight take-off. They not only provide customer service when dispensing meals and refreshments, but they also assist flyers with immigration questions and destination tips –– all while creating a sound environment aboard the airplane.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Singapore Airlines, AirAsia Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, |
What does a Front Office Manager do?
Front Office Managers, like the ones found at hotels and restaurants, aren’t as involved as directors or senior management but fulfill just as important a role. Day-to-day duties typically include staffing, managing guest accounts, and coordinating hotel sales among other things.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Minor International, Accor Hotels, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts |
What does a Wedding Planner do?
Tasked with overseeing many different aspects of a wedding and reception, Wedding Planners know all the ins and outs of the industry. They can help brides-to-be source a venue, create seating charts, and couriers wardrobe to and from locations –– the sky’s the limit.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork | St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Nestle, Pan Pacific Hotels Group |
What does a Porter do?
A Porter handles and transports the baggage for guests staying in a hotel, resort, or cruise ship –– either bringing items to the guestrooms or delivering them from the room to the lobby for departure. These positions are one of many support staffers working within the hospitality industry, and they often represent the business brand due to their direct interaction with customers.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork | MH Hotels Malaysia, Hyatt International, Doubletree Hotels |
What does a Hotel General Manager do?
Hotel Managers are in charge of the daily operations of the venue, including hiring, training, scheduling, and monitoring staff, as well as fulfilling customer service inquiries and complaints, plus coordinating with vendors and external companies.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Pullman Hotels, Novotel, Hyatt Place Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Garden Inn |
What does an Event Planner do?
Depending on the occasion, Event Planners are typically involved in every aspect of the planning, execution, and post-clean-up stage of the event. They also book clients while solving on-the-fly issues that may arise, not to mention helping to clean up once the event is done.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Le Meridien, Nestle, BeBee Malaysia, CiD Realtors |
What does a Food & Beverage Director do?
These roles are vital to the upkeep and efficient operation of businesses like hotels, bars, restaurants, and cruise ships. Directors oversee various teams across multiple departments and are the go-to for approvals that affect entire businesses.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Negotiation skills Time management Teamwork | Marriott International, Accor Hotels, Randstad, Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
What does a Housekeeping Manager do?
Mostly employed in hotels and resorts –– but also on cruise ships and on airlines –– housekeeping managers oversee the cleanliness and appearance of the venue, monitor and control labor costs, and ensure cleaning supplies are in-stock.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork | Novotel, Accord Hotels, SOFITEL, Hyatt Place, Sunway Medical Center, Doubletree |
What does a Bartender do?
One of the most popular jobs for young people looking to get their foot in the door of Malaysia’s hospitality sector, bartenders fulfill an essential role in restaurants and bars. If you are of legal age and know how to craft cocktails and sling suds then this is an exciting venture wherein you will likely meet all kinds of interesting people.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Doubletree by Hilton, Marriott International, Grand Hyatt |
What does a Valet Attendant do?
In any industry where cars are parked, a professional Valet is essential. Their responsibilities include greeting guests, assisting with luggage, carefully parking cars, and retrieving vehicles quickly once guests are ready to leave.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, SIMA Auto Park, Ikano-Retail, Touchless Parking |
What does a Pastry Chef do?
A Pastry Chef is responsible for making pastries, desserts, and other baked goods for a café, restaurant, or hotel. In addition to the execution of food, pastry chefs also spend time thinking up new dessert menu ideas and decorating their work.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | Marriott International, Chateraise Malaysia, Ajwa Bakery, Le Cordon Bleu |
What does a Restaurant Server do?
Food service is one of the most popular positions in the hospitality industry. Most serving jobs don’t require experience and, if it’s a reputable place, they will provide you with foundational training. Plus, you often get to enjoy a free meal on your shift. These jobs are typically fast-paced, but the communication skills (and tips) you’ll develop make it a worthwhile option.
SKILLS REQUIRED | EXPECTED SALARY | COMPANIES HIRING |
Communication skills Time management Teamwork Observation skills | SOFITEL, Accord Hotels, Four Seasons Hotels, and Resorts, Le Meridien |
Find the Best Hospitality Jobs in Malaysia Now
There you have it! The best hospitality jobs –– and the skills and experience required to get them –– in Malaysia for 2024.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
