As with many countries around the world, Malaysia––especially the once-burgeoning Kuala Lumpur sector––experienced significant setbacks at the beginning of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to an Ipsos study, about 10% of the entire country’s population (which consists of 31.95 million people) lost their job due to the coronavirus, while 74% of Malaysians experienced an increase in stress and anxiety around job security. And although these numbers are startling, the general ease with which many of Malaysia’s business sectors are rebounding from a troubling 2020 means that a huge number of people will soon be looking for full-time work. This is why you must know about the most in-demand jobs in Malaysia in 2024.
Some of the most vulnerable workgroups in the country have been hit the hardest, including youths, recent graduates and migrant workers––all of whom typically maintain at least two dedicated skillsets. This is where you can step in and discover the benefits of learning at least a third skill.
As many residents of Malaysia prepare to get back to work, you must know how to stand out above the crowd. And the best way to do this is to get an idea of the most in-demand jobs in Malaysia right now. But before you dive into a job search, consider this: what skills are in high demand in Malaysia? Once you have a solid understanding of which industry skills are on the rise, you will be much better prepared come interview time.
Check out our lists of the most in-demand skills and the most in-demand jobs in Malaysia in 2024.
What Skills Are In High Demand in Malaysia?
TOP 10: THE MOST IN-DEMAND SKILLS IN MALAYSIA IN 2024
1. Project Management
Communication, organization and adaptability. These are the sub-skills required of a strong candidate for a project manager position. And, fortunately, Malaysia is experiencing a marked growth of management jobs requiring quick and effective turnaround. With the world looking to right itself ahead of 2021, more opportunities in the business realm are reopening––and those business projects require leaders. Expect strong project management jobs to remain in high demand for the foreseeable future.
Industries: Government, Marketing, Retail/Wholesale
Job titles: Project Manager, Risk Manager, Procurement Director
2. Languages
The need for diversifying Asian and non-Asian export markets has grown. Many companies, specifically smaller companies, in Malaysia have recognised the value of employing skilled translators and linguistic experts to broaden their communication platforms beyond the Eastern Hemisphere. And these companies need employees who speak multiple languages and can facilitate with transcribing Malay into English, French, German and the like.
Industries: Legal, Marketing, Accounting, Education, Publishing
Job titles: Interpreter, Communications Specialist, Translators
3. Web Development
With new technologies popping up every second, it’s no wonder that candidates with high-level web development skills are in high demand across Malaysia. The ability to learn multiple programming languages is an asset for anyone looking to take their career one step further. If you’ve got proficiency in writing HTML code, CSS and Java, then you are already ahead of the competition.
Industries: Information Technology, Pharmaceutical, Finance, Creative Marketing,
Job titles: UX/UI Designer, SEO Specialist, HTML/CSS Writer, Content Management Specialist
4. Creative Design
As many people continue to practise social distancing and remote work, there are fewer eyes in the street to notice out-of-house advertising signage (billboards, bus ads, experiential marketing). As such, many companies in Malaysia, especially in downtown Kuala Lumpur, are tailoring advertising work to digital and direct mail in the hopes of reaching all the online shoppers at home. And they need creative designers and art directors with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator skills to fill those quotas.
Industries: Advertising, Publishing, Education
Job titles: Art Director, Graphic Designer, Production Artist, Copywriter
5. Nursing
The global pandemic of 2020 taught us that nurses and medical professionals are in desperate demand throughout Asia, but especially in Malaysia. While the planet is still reeling from the effects of COVID-19, healthcare has taken a hard hit––one from which it will only recover with the right nursing professionals on hand. Post-COVID treatment for those still living with the disease will surely account for thousands of man-hours well into the next decade.
Industries: Private/Public Healthcare, Tourism, Education
Job titles: Intensive Care Nurse, Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Hospital Administrator
6. Sales
While often compared to language skills, dedicated sales abilities are invaluable when working across non-Asian markets and will surely be sought-after well into the next decade. Unlike other industries, supply and demand increased during the pandemic in Malaysia. Knowing how to harness the power to communicate effectively from business to business is a vital skill set that Malaysian-run business are recognizing.
Industries: Retail, Wholesale, Hospitality, e-Commerce
Job titles: Supply Chain Manager, Sales Director, Sales Manager
7. High Finance
Many of the world’s largest financial firms already have a presence in Malaysia. And given the damage to key global business hubs in Asian markets like Beijing and Tokyo, the expected rebound from vaccinations and lifting of trading and travelling restrictions means that those with financial skills are expected to be in high demand in 2021.
Industries: Finance, Compliance & Legal, Accounting, Business Planning
Job titles: Financial Analyst, Account Broker, Investment Advisor, Chartered Accountant
8. Cosmetology
A valuable trade that is always in demand, skilled make-up and hair artists are some of the most popular and well-paid professionals in the country. The South Asian beauty industry has always been booming––and as pandemic restrictions are projected to ease significantly by the end of 2021, more Malaysian men and women will be turning to advisors to work on their appearances.
Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Tourism,
Job titles: Beauty Advisor, Nail Technician, Salon Manager
9. Customer Service
When individual economies experience hard times, you can often expect rebounds to occur in the form of localised unification and in-spending; when the world economy falls on hard times, the natural rebound occurs in the areas of travel, retail, tourism and hospitality––all of which require dedicated customer service candidates at all levels.
Industries: Retail, Hospitality, Wholesale, Tourism
Job titles: Sales Associate/Manager, Travel Agent, Company Secretary
10. Education
Like students in many other countries, Malaysians have had a difficult experience adapting to at-home learning. While some of the country’s primary school teachers developed virtual skills during the pandemic, certain challenges remain and the need for more educators has grown. What’s more, given that remote learning is still the norm in many parts of the country, many parents have turned to private tutors and extra-curricular learning facilities to assist in their children’s learning.
Industries: Government, Private Schooling, University Education
Job titles: Schoolteacher, University Professor, Freelance Tutor
What Are The Most In-Demand Jobs in Malaysia?
TOP 20: THE MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS IN MALAYSIA IN 2024
1. e-Commerce Customer Service
Top companies hiring: Target Fashion Group, Travel Club, J&T Express
Salary range: RM 50,000 – 60,000
Career prospects: As businesses and consumers continue to move towards online shopping, the need for e-commerce specialists, especially at the mid-senior level, remains high. Demand for those qualified candidates with retail and e-commerce skills in Malaysia is certain to continue post-pandemic.
👉 Browse e-Commerce Customer Service Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
2. Mobile Application Developer
Top companies hiring: Limpopo Group, Kraft Software, ODESI ECOB
Salary range: RM 90,000 – 100,000
Career prospects: Mobile apps have become a staple in the lives of many people around the world. Malaysia is no exception. Candidates with strong mobile development skills (ideally, coding and scriptwriting) can pretty much choose from a vast array of available jobs in larger cities.
👉 Browse Mobile Application Developer Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
3. Data Scientist
Top companies hiring: Air Asia, DCAP Commercial, Kewmann
Salary range: RM 75,000 – 85,000
Career prospects: Combining computer science, statistical modelling, encryption and math skills, data scientists uncover the answers to questions that help major organisations deliver objective decisions to their base. These high-paying jobs have consistently become some of Malaysia’s most in-demand opportunities.
👉 Browse Data Scientist Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
4. Translator
Top companies hiring: Elite Translations Asia, Capital Dynamics, Pasona Malaysia
Salary range: RM 50,000 – 55,000
Career prospects: A highly important role in many Asian-speaking countries with solid international business connections, translator roles are in high demand due to the increase in foreign investment opportunities in Kuala Lumpur, and surrounding areas. Translating Malay to English, French and German is a skill that will take any candidate far.
👉 Browse Translator Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
5. School Teacher
Top companies hiring: Wesley Methodist School, Learning Port, Havil International School
Salary range: RM 50,000 – 70,000
Career prospects: Despite the challenges faced by many teachers in Malaysia, especially those working virtually through a pandemic in more remote towns and cities, the demand for new facilitators at the elementary-school level remains high throughout the country.
👉 Browse School Teacher Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
6. Software Engineer
Top companies hiring: Willowglen MSC, iMocha (Sdn Bhd), Auronex
Salary range: RM 45,000 – 50,000
Career prospects: Universal demand for software engineers and architects has grown consistently since the early 21st century. And that growth is also prevalent today in Malaysia, much like the need for junior programmers and technicians––both of which are typically viewed as precursors to the former. Software engineers typically feature flexible schedules and large opportunities for advancement.
👉 Browse Software Engineer Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
7. Front End Web Developer
Top companies hiring: SNSOFT (Sdn Bhd), Barcove, Beyondsoft
Salary range: RM 100,000 – 120,000
Career prospects: The demand for web developer jobs in Malaysia continues to grow well into 2024. Candidates with strong software and technology skills are consistently valued and will likely continue to be a popular and sought-after position well into the next decade.
👉 Browse Web Developer Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
8. Beauty Adviser
Top companies hiring: LondonSales Cosmetics, LuxAsia, Zalora Sea
Salary range: RM 45,000 – 50,000
Career prospects: Always popular, the South Asian beauty industry continues to experience incredible growth into 2024, with beauty advisors landing high-paying, flexible jobs in many of Malaysia’s largest cities.
👉 Browse Beauty Advisor Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
9. Customer Support Specialist
Top companies hiring: Moby Money, Agoda.com, WEBHELP
Salary range: RM 25,000 – 30,000
Career prospects: Resolving customer issues and complaints takes a strong amount of analytical and communication skills––not to mention being a dedicated people-person.
👉 Browse Customer Support Specialist Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
10. Marketing Manager
Top companies hiring: Google, Darul Hikmah Resources, Monster Energy,
Salary range: RM 70,000 – 90,000
Career prospects: The ability to lead a solid team of forward-thinking business and creative coordinators using results-driven marketing skills is the hallmark of a good marketing manager––a role that has experienced considerable growth in Malaysia, and shows promise to continue beyond 2024.
👉 Browse Marketing Manager Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
11. SEO Specialist
Top companies hiring: Primal Malaysia, Brighttail Digital, Shopee
Salary range: RM 55,000 – 60,000
Career prospects: Many of the world’s largest advertising companies witnessed growth in 2020, despite the poor global economy. With this increase in activity came a surge in performance marketing jobs––particularly specialist roles in SEO and content marketing.
👉 Browse SEO Specialist Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
12. Cyber Security Specialist
Top companies hiring: EC-Council Global Services, Splyt, Standard Chartered
Salary range: RM 65,000 – 75,000
Career prospects: Also known as Information Security Analyst, these highly skilled roles are growing in importance throughout Malaysia given the need companies have for protecting their internal networks and servers. Expect this growth to continue well past 2024.
👉 Browse Cybersecurity Specialist Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
13. Real Estate Negotiator
Top companies hiring: Dutama Properties, Oriental Real Estate, The Great Haus
Salary range: RM 70,000 – 80,000
Career prospects: The Malaysian property market is expected to start recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021––and with it, more real estate professionals will be required by firms hoping to close sales in a timely manner.
👉 Browse Real Estate Negotiator Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
14. Logistics Manager (Supply Chain)
Top companies hiring: HappyFresh, AirAsia, Cargill
Salary range: RM 40,000 – 50,000
Career prospects: Supply chain is a delicate industry made up of companies that require skilled candidates to oversee all elements of movement––from distribution to storage––of their materials and products. Logistics managers in Malaysia are quickly growing in popularity.
👉 Browse Logistics Manager Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
15. Content Creator
Top companies hiring: SEA Gamer Mall, Institut Jantung Negara, Invoke Solutions
Salary range: RM 80,000 – 100,000
Career prospects: With more people stuck at home in 2020, content creators took to social media in unprecedented numbers to try to engage with users. Content creators are typically performers, editors and writers who have extensive SEO experience and just happen to be very sought after based on a particular point of interest. Whether you are creating shoppable videos on TikTok and YouTube, posting valuable live streams on Instagram, or hosting your own podcast, if you can attract an audience and encourage them to engage with you, you can make good money.
👉 Browse Content Creator Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
16. UX/UI Designer
Top companies hiring: Air Asia, Made4U, TGV Cinemas
Salary range: RM 80,000 – 100,000
Career prospects: UX/UI designer jobs have witnessed a recent increase in demand throughout Malaysia––especially in major cities, given the multi-discipline talents required across various industries. Candidates with such a specialised skill set can expect to find attractive jobs that pay particularly well.
👉 Browse UI/UX Design Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
17. Wealth Advisor
Top companies hiring: Gibraltar BSN Life, Nicholas Tan Agency, CIMB Group
Salary range: RM 50,000 – 60,000
Career prospects: Still reeling from critical market shifts and economic downturns over the past two years, financial institutions in Malaysia are finally seeing a rebound and, as such, are seeking candidates with number-crunching skills who can fill in the gaps for their existing clients.
👉 Browse Wealth Advisor Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
18. Graphic Designer
Top companies hiring: Betime Marketing, TGV Cinemas, ALT Advantage
Salary range: RM 45,000 – 55,000
Career prospects: There is always a high demand for creative artists in Malaysia, but those with specialised computer graphics abilities are particularly sought after in 2024. Graphic designers are visual communicators responsible for inspiring customers with their art––a skill that is useful in many industries, especially retail.
👉 Browse Graphic Designer Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
19. Clinical Psychologist
Top companies hiring: Tunku Abdul Rahman University, WhatsDoc, Serene Retreat
Salary range: RM 40,000 – 60,000
Career prospects: Given the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on much of the world’s collective psyche, it’s no wonder that support professions specialising in mental health have been on the rise in the past year. Board-certified candidates (preferably from the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology) are in high demand for 2024.
👉 Browse Clinical Psychologist Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
20. Full-Stack Developer
Top companies hiring: Limpopo Group, Inovaantage, Azeus Convene
Salary range: RM 110,000 – 120,000
Career prospects: In an ever-evolving digital and mobile world, full-stack developer jobs––which typically consist of designing user interactions for websites and coding for mobile platforms––have seen significant growth in demand.
👉 Browse Full-Stack Developer Jobs in Malaysia on GrabJobs
The Most In-Demand Jobs in Malaysia in 2024
There you have it! The most in-demand jobs in Malaysia in 2024. In an ever-changing global market, with the ongoing threats of climate change, global warming, new pandemics and other unpredictable elements, the demand for jobs can fluctuate. Some jobs––good, well-paying, life-changing jobs––can even be rendered obsolete in 5 – 10 years thanks to innovative new technologies. In short, there are a number of factors that can change the way you work. However, as the above article highlights, there is almost always a silver lining to such setbacks, provided you maintain a versatile skillset and consistently work on education and training to help yourself grow. Every year, the list of in-demand jobs changes. Be ready, and you’re sure to succeed.
