2020/21 Malaysia Salary Guide by Kelly Services

Brian Sim, Managing Director and Country Head of Kelly Services Malaysia
IT, digital sales jobs will be most in demand post-Covid-19, Findings from Kelly Services Survey
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The survey has found that jobs in IT and digital sales and marketing will be the most in demand as Malaysia eventually emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, as these capitalise on remote working opportunities and changing consumer habits.
The 2020/2021 Malaysia Salary Guide released by staffing specialists Kelly Services called these roles “new collar” jobs, due to their recent emergence to keep up with increased reliance on technological services.
Brian Sim, managing director of Kelly Services Malaysia, said that because businesses had begun to embrace the use of technology both in improving internal systems and reaching new customers, the creation of jobs was a natural development.
“This transformation is a permanent change and one that has fast-tracked our nation’s journey towards Industrial Revolution 4.0,” Sim said in a statement.
“Heading into 2021, digital skills will be fundamental to the employability of job seekers and will be a vital ingredient to the career progression of those who are already employed.”
The IT sector is expected to boom as more companies employ technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, and will need skilled workers who understand how to use these tools.
Software developers, software engineers and programmers are the specific jobs the group recommends jobseekers to be on the lookout for.
Due to the increased use of e-commerce brought about by movement restrictions, Kelly Services also expects digital sales and marketing to be areas employers will be looking to expand.
“The workforce must adapt to the many technological changes and keep themselves up to date in order to stay competitive in the job market,” said Sim, reminding job seekers to continue developing their skills as well as learn new ones.
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2020/21 Malaysia Salary Guide by Kelly Services

The 2020/21 Malaysia Salary Guide by Kelly Services is emphasising on the need for collaboration between the public and private sector to generate more opportunities for jobseekers, and lower Malaysia’s unemployment rate. The report simultaneously stressed the need for digital skills, a key demand by employers across almost every industry.
The Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented in March to curb the pandemic had resulted in a tidal wave of digital transformation across all organisations, substantially increasing the demand for highly skilled talent who are able to quickly adapt to new technologies.
“The new normal has emboldened organisations to explore new ways of working using technology, in an effort to ensure business continuity and productivity,” said Brian Sim, Managing Director and Country Head of Kelly Services Malaysia.
“This transformation is a permanent change and one that has fast-tracked our nation’s journey towards IR4.0. Heading into 2021, digital skills will be fundamental to the employability of jobseekers and will be a vital ingredient to the career progression of those who are already employed.”
Sim added that due to the rise in technological adaption, opportunities for employment continue to spring up across the nation, giving rise to “new collar jobs”. Technical jobs that do not rely on non-traditional education paths, but instead looks at the skills and capabilities of each candidate.
The report highlighted that many new collar jobs can be found within the IT sector, which has been largely unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Remote work has driven the use of collaborative software, cloud data storage, as well as more advanced technoilogies like artiifical intelligence and machine learning, creating a demand for talent within this sector.
While there has been a slowdown in certain IT segments, the situation is expected to stabilise in the coming year.
“Employers need to also improve salaries and provide career growth opportunities to attract and retain critical talent in their organisation. Hot jobs to look out for in this sector include Lead Software Developer, Information Security Manager, Software Engineer and Analyst Programmer,” the report highlighted.
Information technology (IT)
Many new collar jobs can be found within the IT sector, which has been largely unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote work has driven the use of collaborative software, cloud data storage, as well as more advanced technoilogies like artiifical intelligence and machine learning, creating a demand for talent within this sector.
While there has been a slowdown in certain IT segments, the situation is expected to stabilise as we enter the new year. While demand there may be demand, employers need to also improve salaries and provide career growth opportunities to attract and retain critical talent in their organisation. Hot jobs to look out for in this sector include Lead Software Developer, Information Security Manager, Software Engineer and Analyst Programmer.
Sales and marketing
E-commerce boomed following the announcement of the MCO, as most retail outlets and restaurants shifted their business online. This has greatly empowered businesses to continue operating and engaging with customers, even when on-ground operations are restricted.
Online shopping is a norm that all Malaysians have embraced, and will remain so in the foreseeable future. This provides ample opportunities for professionals interested in this field, as almost every organisation endeavours to enhance their digital footprint online and on social media.
Social media savvy professionals are highly valued in this sector, as Malaysians continue to rank among the most active social media users on the planet. Highly adaptive and creative individuals will be increasingly sought after by businesses, as digital marketing becomes a top priority for businesses moving forward. Hot jobs to look out for in this sector include Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager and Brand Manager.
The boom of e-commerce has also greatly empowered businesses to continue operating and engaging with customers, even when on-ground operations are restricted. This provides ample opportunities for professionals interested in this field, as almost every organisation endeavours to enhance their digital footprint online and on social media.
Social media savvy professionals are highly valued in this sector, as Malaysians continue to rank among the most active social media users on the planet. Highly adaptive and creative individuals will be increasingly sought after by businesses, as digital marketing becomes a top priority for businesses moving forward. Hot jobs to look out for in this sector include Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager and Brand Manager.
“Our focus now should be on regaining our footing economically, leveraging our nation’s talents to spur growth across all industries and sectors. Accordingly, the workforce must adapt to the many technological changes and keep themselves up to date in order to stay competitive in the job market. Organisations should also support their workforce by consistently upskilling them to ensure both the employee and the business remains productive,” added Sim.