10 of the Best Courses to Study in Malaysia in 2025 with High Job Demand in the Future
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2023 has revealed that almost a quarter of jobs, or 23 per cent, are expected to change in the next five years via a 10.2 per cent growth in some jobs, and a 12.3 per cent decline in others as a result of technology and digitalisation. The report said that employers anticipate 69 million new jobs will be created and 83 million eliminated among the 673 million jobs corresponding to the dataset, a net decrease of 14 million jobs, or two per cent of current employment.
McKinsey says its study indicates that by 2030, automation could displace up to 25% of hours (equivalent to about 4.5 million workers) in Malaysia. However, between 3.3 million and 6 million jobs are expected to be created in Malaysia by 2030, but with the new age of automation Industrial 4.0, preparation and training are fast becoming the critical factor as the new workforce would need new skills. According to a 2018 report by Dell Technologies and the Institute of the Future, 85% of the jobs of 2030 haven’t even been invented yet.
The advent of technological developments has made many old jobs obsolete and created demand for a variety of new roles and career paths. Throughout history, Malaysian students have consistently considered career outcomes as a significant factor when deciding to pursue a specific course or study in a particular country. As you find yourself in or are about to embark on your student journey, it’s only natural that you begin to think about your career options when you graduate from university. However, unlike previous generations, you are currently positioned at a fascinating juncture in time where the world around you is undergoing rapid and constant technological change. This idea of this brave new world is certainly exciting and perplexing at the same time, especially for students after secondary school. What jobs will employers be hiring for in 10 years? There’s no way to know for sure now, but by observing the evolving trends in job markets here are 10 top courses that will lead to careers in the world of tomorrow.
The world is changing and changing fast, but what does that mean for your education and career? Find out which jobs are growing and what degrees those jobs need. Whether you are fresh out of school and considering your degree options or are looking to switch careers, this article is for you. Learn what new jobs will be around for decades to come so that you can prepare yourself by choosing the right course to study. This will help you plan your education and training for long-term benefits as well as ensure that you don’t become jobless when you graduate.
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10 Courses with Future Most In-Demand Jobs in Malaysia that You Should Consider Studying
Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate
Industry 4.0 is signalling a change in the traditional manufacturing landscape. What are the implications of these future trends to Malaysian students? You must start now to choose the right course that will be able to get you a job in the INR 4.0.
In recent years, the world has seen technology develop at an accelerated pace, ushering in a new world that calls for the acquirement of new skills. The impact of technology on jobs cannot be understated, with the rise of automation changing the way tasks are carried out, putting jobs in various industries at risk. Many of the fastest growing jobs and predicted future ones are driven by technology development, increased Internet connectivity, rapid globalisation and new business demands.
Many Malaysian students are still choosing the traditional and outdated degree programmes that will not equip them to face the new technologically advanced work environment. These students will be jobless or possess skills that would not be relevant in the future jobs in Malaysia.
However, traditionally prestigious professions still have it – those in these jobs remain sought-after today, although their counterparts in the digital industry are in high demand. Despite talk of oversupply, medical specialists, accountants, engineers, architects, pharmacists and dentists are still much needed in Malaysia. These professionals are crucial for Malaysia to achieve developed nation status. These roles are important in ensuring affordable, quality service, especially healthcare, for the people.
By having a view of emerging job trends, it is hoped that Malaysian students after secondary school would be inspired to draw up study plans and select career choices and pathways for their university studies that will ensure success in future careers and work environments.
What are the Top 10 Courses to Study that will Lead to Stable Jobs in 2030?
1. Computing & Technology Courses
Zen Yi, Graduated from Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Many of the fastest growing jobs and predicted future ones are driven by technology development, increased Internet connectivity, rapid globalisation and new business demands. Tech skills are required in jobs across industries in different roles and functions and this is expected to create demand for tech-based or tech-related jobs.
Jobs like artificial intelligence specialists and data scientists are required across industries to help organisations and businesses be more efficient in delivering their products and services, and be more responsive to customer demands in anticipated increased competition. Based on the trends, these jobs in the tech industry are predicted to be in high demand in the next 10 years.
- Data Scientist
- Cloud Computing Engineer
- Software Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Network and Information Security Engineer
- Full Stack Developer
- DevOps Engineer
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Students should choose computing courses that will enhance specific skillsets such as Cyber Security, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (Ai),, Robotics, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things (IoT) or Games Development. General programmes like Computer Science, or Software Engineering are also excellent choices.
2. Engineering Courses
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
The world will always need engineers, but some specialized fields are growing faster than others. As the population ages, environmental policy changes, and automation takes over more and more aspects of manufacturing, the world needs qualified and experienced engineers to design, develop, test, and implement new strategies to meet the challenges of technological advancements.
Malaysia needs more engineers to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) to build a sustainable future, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) said.
Top engineering courses are Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, and Civil Engineering
3. Accounting or Finance Courses
Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU
In today’s ever-changing world, banking and finance graduates are highly sought-after in a cross-section of Malaysia’s industries where each offer a variety of job opportunities. The Financial sector stands as one of the largest sectors in Malaysia with more than 300,000 people employed. This sector is made up by professionals in the Accounting, Banking, Economics, Finance, Insurance and Statistics and Taxation sub-sectors.
An important industry for the country, it contributes up to 11 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Traditional financial institutions increasingly recognise the need to incorporate more digital services to remain competitive in this new landscape. Malaysia’s fintech sector is driving demand for talent with e-money and blockchain experience.
The key in succeeding in the banking & finance industry is choosing the right specialisation, and ensuring you find a career path that best match your abilities and interests. Therefore, having a finance qualification can lead to a rewarding career. A fast-track career in finance depends on a good understanding of market movements and the diverse investment market.
- Accounting
- Accounting & Finance
- Actuarial Science
- Banking & Finance
- Finance
- Financial Technology (Fintech)
4. Technology Enhanced Business Courses
Bernice, Digital Marketing at Taylor’s University
In the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2023 shows the impact of the digitalisation of commerce and trade. Digital platforms and apps are the technologies most likely to be adopted by the organisations surveyed, with 86% of companies expecting to incorporate them into their operations in the next five years. E-commerce and digital trade are expected to be adopted by 75% of businesses.
E-commerce is seen as one of the bright spots driving Malaysia’s economic recovery, not just for its growing
popularity but also for its growth potential. The government understands the merits of e-commerce enterprises. Thus, implementing various initiatives to strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy.
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing
- Business Analytics
- eBusiness
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
5. Law Degree
Although lawyers affect nearly every aspect of society in a range of positions and industries, their basic duties are the same–to represent the needs of their clients in civil and criminal trials. Lawyers can specialize in bankruptcy, international, elder, probate, or environmental law. The growing field of intellectual property is also seeing a growing level of attention from lawyers.
According to the lawyer statistical data from Malaysian Bar, the number of legal practitioners or lawyers in Malaysia had increased from 13,672 to 20,384 from year 2011 to year 2021. Amongst these 20,384 lawyers, 9,190 of them are male’s lawyers and 11,194 are female’s lawyers. Upon checking the Malaysian Bar website currently, it is stated that there are approximately 16,000 lawyers in Malaysia and the number is growing annually.
6. Communication Courses
John Lai Wai Hong, Graduated in Mass Communication from KDU University College
There were 33.03 million internet users in Malaysia at the start of 2023, when internet penetration stood at 96.8 percent. Malaysia was home to 26.80 million social media users in January 2023, equating to 78.5 percent of the total population. In addition, a total of 44.05 million cellular mobile connections were active in Malaysia in early 2023, with this figure equivalent to 129.1 percent of the total population.
Data from LinkedIn shows an astounding increase of 48% for more digital marketers and content creators. Digital marketing has become crucial for brands to reach these prospective customers, thus making roles under this industry highly demanded.
Existing jobs like content creators are now being taken to the next level and being given new dimensions by technology to reach a wider audience through multiple channels and platforms. Bloggers, podcasters, and YouTubers are in demand as companies look to create both tactical and strategic content that will help their customers make sense of the new and rapidly changing environment.
The roles under this umbrella consist of digital marketing specialists who are responsible for creating marketing campaigns and reporting results. Companies are also seeking out content creators for marketing purposes, whether it’s a writer or editor for written content, or a video producer or graphic design artist for visual content.
7. Architecture Course
Hock Wei, Architecture at UCSI University
The career opportunities in this field have a good record of graduate employment. Opportunities also exist in the other areas, including marketing, promotion, facility management and development. Many large organisations in Malaysia, such as departmental stores hotels, resorts and property developers, also employ architects and architectural graduates as designers as well as managers and supervisors. Following experience with larger firms, graduates may start their own consulting business.
There is a shortage of architects in Malaysia due to the low passing rate in the final test which would enable them to become professional architects, which carries the title of Ar. As at February 13, 2023, there are 2279 Architects recorded by LAM (source: LAM registered architects) in Malaysia. This means that the market demand for professional architects in Malaysia is high.
8. Design & Creative Content Courses
Eric Lau, Graduated from Graphic Design at First City University College
The rapid rate of digitalization — for example, the shift to online retail due to lockdowns — has opened up new roles in e-commerce with companies rushing to place creative ads on the various social media platforms. Those trends, in turn, have led businesses to implement new digital technologies, resulting in a surge in demand for creative designers especially in the digital area.
Many companies are tailoring advertising work to digital and direct mail in the hopes of reaching all the online shoppers at home. As companies battle to maintain brand dominance, creative firms and in-house departments are taking on additional projects, more qualified and trained creative talent are needed .
- Animation
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Multimedia Design
- Visual Effects
- Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR)
- Game Design
9. Hospitality & Tourism Courses
Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
Over six decades, global tourism has experienced steady growth and has been seen as a powerful vehicle for economic benefit and job creation. In 2018, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that the tourism industry is one of the world’s largest economic sectors contributing 10.4 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) and creating more than 319 million jobs globally.
Travel is resuming after a 3-year hiatus from the COVID pandemic. During the pandemic, the hospitality and tourism industry was hardest hit and many left the industry to find jobs in other areas. This has created a huge vacuum and the demand for hospitality professionals will sky rocket in the coming years.
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Report (EIR) released in 2022 reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade. The bullish forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector, also shows the sector will be a driving force of the global economic recovery, creating one in three of all new jobs.
In addition, Foundit Insights Tracker (FIT), which compiles a comprehensive monthly analysis of job posting activity across online recruitment platforms, said the hospitality sector in Malaysia has witnessed a 59% increase in hiring, compared with the same period last year. Jobs in the hospitality sector is set to increase, for example, IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to create more than 800 new jobs this year and double its estate in Malaysia by 2025.
10. Health Science Courses
Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy
Healthcare has phenomenally benefitted from the explosion of technology in this century. Modern medicine has eradicated several diseases and developed vaccines for many, and life-saving medicines and methods are more accessible to common people now. Our increasing life expectancy worldwide is a testament to the success of the healthcare industry. Unsurprisingly, healthcare is expected to grow manifold in the next decade, with new technologies and an aging population driving the demand for healthcare services
Malaysia’s changing demographics has become a significant contributor in the increased demand for healthcare services, according to a Fitch Solutions report. In particular, its growing ageing population is expected to bring heightened demand due to a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in this age demographic. NCDs contributed up to 68% of the burden of premature deaths, majority of which occurred in the 45-59 age group. The report found that the proportion of the population aged 65 years and above has grown from 3.9% in 2000 to 5.1% in 2015, and it is estimated that the total elderly population in Malaysia will hit 2.4 million by the end of this year.
According to the Malaysian Physiotherapy Association, currently there is an estimated 2,759 practising physiotherapists in the country which is only 0.88 Per 10,000 population. Therefore, there is a demand for more qualified and trained Physiotherapists.
Industrial Revolution (INR) 4.0 – Top Courses that You Should Study in Malaysia to be Ready for it
In order to be successful in your future career, students need to plan ahead and find out which jobs would be in demand and be relevant. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has impacted many jobs and rapidly transformed the future of jobs.
Industry 4.0 is signalling a change in the traditional manufacturing landscape. Also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Industry 4.0 encompasses three technological trends driving this transformation: connectivity, intelligence and flexible automation.
Industry 4.0 converges IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology), to create a cyber-physical environment. This convergence has been made possible thanks to the emergence of digital solutions and advanced technologies, which are often associated with Industry 4.0.
These technologies are helping to drive manufacturing’s digital transformation through the integration of previously disparate systems and processes through interconnected computer systems across the value and supply chain.
Embracing Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing and the interconnectivity that comes with it opens a myriad of benefits for companies, including greater agility, flexibility and operational performance.
What are the implications of these future trends for key aspects of the future workforce and workplace that would concern you as a student? To address this question, we take a closer look at the major factors that are expected to shape the world of work in the coming decades so that you can be prepared by choosing the right course to study so that you will be prepared for a career in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 in Malaysia and globally.
In doing so, our objective is not so much to predict the future but rather to understand what are the changes that technology is impacting jobs of the future. When we understand the future trends, we will know which courses to choose that will enable us to hone our skills to obtain a job that has high demand and salary.
