Top 20 High Demand Jobs of the Future in Malaysia
Technological advancement and automation reshaping the future job landscape, holds immense importance when considering the impact of these changes. Over the past decade, we have witnessed an array of innovations, from the Internet of Things to digitalisation, reshaping industries. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 has accelerated this transformative wave and it is here to stay. As businesses adopt new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, many routine tasks are being automated. This means that some jobs are becoming redundant, while new jobs are being created that require different skills. Technology adoption will remain a key driver of business transformation in the next five years.
With technology adoption, cultural shifts and skillset demands evolving rapidly in the Malaysian job market, achieving success means that students must embrace the changes and plan ahead by choosing a course that aligns with the future job demand. Understanding which jobs have future high demand as well as matching your academic skills, talent and interests can provide valuable insights for your career path. With technology being crucial for remote tasks and business operations, many roles now require digital skills. However, traditional jobs that require the human touch still remain highly sought after, like hospitality, culinary arts, law or human resources. In addition, Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation sometime between 2025 and 2030. In line with this demographic shift, demand for healthcare workers and jobs related to care for the elderly will increase. Therefore, when you have an understanding what the future demand for the job and choosing the course that will prepare you for it will ensure you a successful career.
Which Job and Course is Best for the Future 2030?
Bernice, Digital Marketing at Taylor’s University
While Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has the potential to raise income levels and improve quality of life, with about 590 million to 890 million new jobs having been estimated to emerge from 4IR especially for those who have digital access, it can also bring greater inequality because of its potential to disrupt labour markets.
Job markets are increasingly segregated into ‘low-skill, low-pay’ and ‘high-skill, highpay’ segments. It is estimated that 400 million to 800 million jobs worldwide will be displaced by 2030 because of global automation and 14 per cent of existing jobs will become redundant in the next 15 – 20 years.
About one in three jobs will change in response to automation, and a sizeable number will be replaced and become obsolete. By 2028, approximately 28 million fewer workers in six ASEAN member countries (Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore) will be needed to produce the same level of output asin 2018.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has estimated that 14 per cent of existing jobs will become redundant in the next 15 to 20 years while 32 per cent will change in response to automation.
Projections estimate that by 2028, 0.5 million less people would be needed to produce the 2018 level of output for Singapore, 1.2 million less for Malaysia and 4.9 million less for Thailand due to advances in technology. Therefore, workers will need to periodically upskill and reskill to cope with technological shifts or enhance skills which cannot be highly replicated by machines. In 4IR, the most emphasised competences are adaptability and self-directed learning and thinking. For older workers, it is pertinent to engage in lifelong learning to cope with advances in technology.
Malaysia has several policies in place, such as the 4IR National Policy and Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint, to take advantage of 4IR which is expected to increase labour productivity in Malaysia by 30 per cent. 4IR is expected to increase labour productivity across all sectors, with improvement in agriculture by 55 per cent, manufacturing, 30 per cent and services, 45 per cent by 2030. Government estimates that 4IR is expected to create up to 500,000 jobs by 2025.
Here are some of Malaysia’s high demand jobs for 2030:
- Cyber Security Specialist
- According to independent market research firm Providence Strategic Partners, the total cybersecurity industry in Malaysia is forecasted to grow by 18.7% CAGR from an estimated RM3.9 billion in 2021 to RM5.5 billion in 2023. Malaysia was aiming to achieve 80% 5G coverage in
populated areas by the end of 2023, and allocated RM60 million to government body CyberSecurity Malaysia to develop a 5G cybersecurity testing framework as part of the 2024 budget. Despite the rapid industry growth, Malaysia still lags behind in cyber security talent pool development. Malaysia recorded a shortage of almost 8,000 cyber security professionals in 2020. Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economic Blueprint (MyDigital) has set a goal for the nation to produce 20,000 cyber security experts by 2025. - Cybersecurity and data systems integration solutions are burgeoning. The essentialities of such services received acknowledgement by SMEs, and the adoption rate reflects the shift. And predictably, the top 10% of job opportunities in Malaysia are cybersecurity related. Budget 2021 allocated RM27million for cybersecurity programs alone. That itself forms the fundamental building blocks of the digital transition under the Malaysian Digital Economy roadmap.
- Career Opportunities: Security Analysts, Security Architects, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysts, Consultants and Cyber Incident Analysts.
- Degree Qualification: Cyber Security, Computer Science or Software Engineering
- According to independent market research firm Providence Strategic Partners, the total cybersecurity industry in Malaysia is forecasted to grow by 18.7% CAGR from an estimated RM3.9 billion in 2021 to RM5.5 billion in 2023. Malaysia was aiming to achieve 80% 5G coverage in
- Ai & Data Science
- The National Policy on Industry Revolution 4.0 (Industry4WRD), spearheaded by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), will play a vital role in promoting digitalisation across all sectors. Businesses are starting to pivot their operations to enable remote capabilities, no longer restricted to borders and time zone differences. 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.
- Career Opportunities: AI product manager, Ai Researcher, Ai Designer, Ai Analyst, Computer vision engineer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Natural Language Processing (NLP) Engineer or Ai Engineer, Data Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Storyteller, Database Administrator, Business Intelligence Developer or Data Architect
- Degree Qualification: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Computer Science, Software Engineering
- Cloud Engineer
- Malaysia has witnessed remarkable growth in its data center sector. Fueled by digital transformation, increasing internet access, and smartphone adoption, the demand for robust data infrastructure has surged. The push towards remote services and cloud computing has further amplified this demand. Additionally, Malaysia’s strategic positioning as a data center destination, benefiting from Singapore’s development restrictions, has bolstered its prominence in the region’s digital landscape, driving data center expansion, and contributing to its evolving digital economy. Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint is also driving digital transformation in the public sector, with a target of achieving 80% utilization of cloud computing storage. Cloud service giants such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Corporation have announced strategic plans to strengthen their cloud regions in Malaysia, thus influencing the establishment of new data center facilities by prominent players like Equinix and GDS Holdings. Amazon Web Services also announced plans to launch an AWS Region in Malaysia, ultimately investing RM25.5 billion by 2037.
- According to Mordor Intelligence, the Malaysia Data Center Market size is estimated at 0.71 thousand MW in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.36 thousand MW by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.73% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- Malaysia’s data center market will grow 72% from 2022 to $2.25 billion in 2028, outpacing the 47% growth rate for all of Southeast Asia, predicts Ireland’s Research and Markets.
- Career Opportunities: Cloud management, Cloud Engineer, Communication, Cloud Architect, Automation, Cloud Administrator, DevOps Engineer, QA Engineer, Full-Stack Engineer, Security Engineer, Frontend Developer or Cloud Security Analyst
- Degree Qualification: Cloud Engineering, Computer Science or Information Technology
- Electrical & Electronics
- There is anticipation for semiconductors and electronics to pick up in the coming years as global businesses, eager to capitalise on advancements in AI and automation begin demanding greater computing power. Malaysia remains a major player, cornering 13% market share in global chip testing and assembly. Over the past year, a total of RM52 billion in semiconductor investments have been secured, potentially creating 11,000 jobs in the sector. Rising industries that need a steady supply of chips are keeping demand strong. Where semiconductors are concerned, the automotive, data storage, and wireless sectors will drive at least 70% of the manufacturing industry (2023 Job Market & Salary Trends Malaysia – Randstad)
- The E&E industry is one of the major industries that contributed to Malaysia’s exports of manufactured goods, jobs creations as well as income growth. As outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the E&E sector was identified as one of the high-growth, high-value industries (HGHV). In addition, Malaysia is ranked as the seventh largest semiconductor exporter, with a global market share of seven per cent and Malaysia is now supplying approximately 13 per cent of the demand for packaging and testing, along with certain levels of wafer fabrication, such as 200nm.
- Career Opportunities: R&D Engineer, Project Engineer, Aerospace engineer, Broadcast engineer, CAD technician, Control and instrumentation engineer, Design engineer, Electrical engineer, Electronics engineer, Sound engineer, Special effects technician, Renewable Energy Engineers, and Solar Energy Installation and System Engineers
- Degree Qualification: Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Electronic Engineering
- Mechatronic and Robotics
- In Malaysia, drones can inspect buildings and survey job sites, while 3D modelling visualises building projects so workers can virtually check construction progress without going on-site. Robotics like Boston Dynamic’s Spot will also gain more interest as companies seek greater efficiencies while protecting the health and safety of their workers in dangerous environments. (2023 Job Market & Salary Trends Malaysia – Randstad)
- Career Opportunities: Mechatronics Engineer, MR&D Engineer, Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Preventive Maintenance Engineer, Industrial Engineer, or Requirements & Verification Positioning Engineer (Mechatronics/Robotics)
- Degree Qualification: Mechatronic Engineering
- Digital Marketing
- As of 2020, 83% of the Malaysian population uses the internet, with 70% of them frequenting social networking apps, and 61% on shopping apps. On LinkedIn, there was a 63% increase in marketing jobs over the first six months of 2021. Marketing shifted even more significantly to digital channels. Digital marketing has become crucial for brands to reach these prospective customers, thus making roles under this industry highly demanded. 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. And to ensure content is able to reach audiences, they need to be optimised for search engines like Google. This makes specialists in search engine optimisation (SEO) in demand.
- Career Opportunities: Market Researcher, Brand Management, SEO Specialist, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Marketing Strategist, Customer Lifecycle Manager, CRM and Loyalty Manager, Marketing Automation, Performance Marketing Manager, Growth Marketing Manager or Head of Digital
- Degree Qualification: Digital Marketing, Marketing or Communications
- Actuaries
- According to experts, there will be a 20% increase in demand for actuaries globally in the coming decade. The importance of insurance today is paramount. Heralded as a means of protection from financial loss, it is a form of risk management, primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent or uncertain loss. Actuaries serve as the back bone for the insurance company. They predict the profitability of various customers by using several mathematical and statistical formulas. These professionals estimate the present value cost for future uncertainty like accidents, deaths, natural disaster, disability and lawsuits. It is therefore no surprise that over the years, demand for actuaries has risen significantly in Malaysia and is likely to continue. With respect to General Insurance, the de-tariff measures for motor insurance in the country have led to a rise in candidates in pricing and general insurance, while candidates with an actuarial background are being sought after for highly technical insurance roles, such as pricing and valuation. Notwithstanding, the demand for underwriters in the insurance sector has also been constant, ever more so with the proliferation of shared services in Malaysia. This generates demand for multilingual underwriters to support operations in different countries. (Robert Walters Malaysia)
- The demand for actuaries has surged locally and regionally, with insurers increasingly rely on consultancies to supplement the lack of local talent. Demand remains steady in Claims and Underwriting, except for the Marine sector, where demand for roles like marine underwriting
and claims exists, but supply is minimal. Front-end roles remain cyclical as candidates seek a change of employer or due to M&A, and companies demand for Sales to boost profits and market share. Overall, the industry faces a candidate shortage. Clients prioritise talent with strong technical expertise who have begun departing for overseas opportunities due to favourable exchange rates and better conditions. Operations hubs and shared services have become more
popular in response, both as a source of qualified talent and cost efficiency. (Hays Malaysia) - Career Opportunities: Actuaries, Underwriter, Actuarial Analyst, Pricing Specialist, Risk Management, Data Scientist or Actuarial Audit
- Degree Qualification: Actuarial Science
- Professional Qualification: IFoA, SOA or CAS
- Aerospace
- The Malaysian aerospace industry has grown significantly to become the second-largest in Southeast Asia, providing more than 27,500 jobs mostly in the MRO and aero-manufacturing subsectors. In the industry’s latest figures, MIDA has approved a total of 31 projects between 2017 and 2019, with a total investment value of RM3.54 billion that has created some 4,038 job opportunities. In its early days, the Malaysian aerospace industry had a small base and catered primarily to the domestic market; now, the industry has more than 230 domestic and foreign companies invested, with RM16.2 billion in total revenue generated as of 2019. By 2030, the industry is projected to contribute revenue of RM20.4 billion for MRO, RM21.2 billion for aero-manufacturing, and RM13.6 billion for engineering and design services. In MRO services, Malaysia ranks in the top three within the Asia-Pacific region and will continue to remain competitive due to the country’s strategic location and access to the region, as well as its affordable costs and talent availability. Under the MAIB2030, which runs from 2015 to 2030, Malaysia aims to become Southeast Asia’s top aerospace nation by 2030 through becoming an integral part of the global aerospace supply chain. The blueprint targets a total revenue of RM55.2 billion and the creation of more than 32,000 high-income jobs.
- Career Opportunities:
- Degree Qualification: Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Electronic Engineering or Mechatronic Engineering
- Creative Design
- They are instrumental in enhancing visual communication, shaping brand identities, and creating impactful and memorable experiences across a wide range of platforms and industries. Their creativity, expertise, and dedication contribute significantly to the success of businesses, organizations, and artistic endeavours.
- Career Opportunities: Web Designer, User Interface Designer, Graphic Designer, Exhibit Designer, Animation
- Degree Qualification: Animation, Multimedia Design, Graphic Design or Creative Design
- 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.
- Degree Qualification: Law (LLB
- Business Analyst
- In the age of generative AI, the role of a business analyst has become more critical than ever. As organizations navigate through complex data and market trends, these professionals are the linchpins in translating data insights into actionable business strategies. A business analyst bridges the gap between IT and the business, using data analytics to assess processes, determine requirements, and deliver data-driven recommendations and reports to executives and stakeholders. Over the past five years, their role has evolved from traditional data analysis to a more strategic position that involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and influencing business decisions through data insights.
- Career Opportunities: Business Intelligence Analyst, Business Data Analyst, Financial Business Analyst or Marketing Business Analyst
- Degree Qualification: Business Analytics, Data Science or Actuarial Science
- Financial Technology (Fintech)
- Fintech is another area that continues to experience significant growth due to changing consumer behaviour, movement control restrictions, and regulatory changes. According to the Fintech Malaysia Report 2021, online and mobile banking penetration reached 112.5% and 61.8% respectively, with more than 3 million new mobile banking service subscribers and 400,000 new businesses registering for QR code payment acceptance in 2020. Current trends in the financial sector workforce are
indicative of a trajectory towards becoming more technology-intensive and knowledge-driven. - Career Opportunities: Financial Analyst, Financial Planner, Business Analyst, Financial Trader, Investment Manager
- Degree Qualification: Financial Technology (Fintech), Accounting & Finance, Banking & Finance, Finance
- Fintech is another area that continues to experience significant growth due to changing consumer behaviour, movement control restrictions, and regulatory changes. According to the Fintech Malaysia Report 2021, online and mobile banking penetration reached 112.5% and 61.8% respectively, with more than 3 million new mobile banking service subscribers and 400,000 new businesses registering for QR code payment acceptance in 2020. Current trends in the financial sector workforce are
- Hotel Management
- 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.
- Degree Qualification: Hotel Management or Event Management
- Chefs
- The demand for qualified chefs will coincide with the demand for hospitality staff as tourism revives after the pandemic. The Food and Beverage (F&B) industry in Malaysia seeks skilled and experienced professionals who can contribute to the culinary and hospitality sectors. Graduates with expertise in food preparation, culinary arts, food and beverage management, and customer service are in demand. Malaysia’s F&B industry is culturally diverse, offering a rich variety of cuisines and culinary experiences. The tourism industry plays a significant role in driving the demand for F&B services. Tourist destinations, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Malacca, offer abundant job opportunities in restaurants and hospitality establishments. Chefs can also find job opportunities in the hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and luxury establishments. Roles may include food and beverage managers, chefs, restaurant supervisors, and banquet coordinators.
- Career Opportunities: Executive Chef, Garde De Manger, Chocolatier, Sous Chef, Chef de Partie, Patisserie or Pastry Chef, Saucier, Fish Chef, Vegetable Chef, Meat Chef, Fry and Grill Chef, Butcher Chef, Chef Consultant or Barista
- Degree Qualification: Culinary Arts, Baking or Patisserie
- Human Resources
- Human Resource professionals whose expertise lie in learning and development, talent management, change management and transformation are an extremely sought-after breed, and especially so if such talent possess digital adoption or digital project management experience to boot. The heightened need for greater tech-savvy HR professionals is accelerated by initiatives such as the Malaysian government’s announcement to pump US$720 million into its “Industry Digitalization Transformation Fund”, in its endeavours to enhance its digital economy. A significant US$50 million of which would be used to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their transition to Industry 4.0.
- Career Opportunities: Human Resource Manager, Compensation & Benefits Manager, Rewards Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, HR Business Partners or Recruitment Manager
- Degree Qualification: Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Digital Content Creator
- With the global gaming industry predicted to reach US$321 billion by 2026, there remains tremendous growth potential. According to the most recent Southeast Animation Report, cg animation is where most studios in the region specialize, but there is also a strong mix of 2d, vfx, video game, and motion graphic work being done as well. The animation industry will continue to grow with its current global market size is estimated to be worth US$298.2 million this year and is forecasted to reach US$519.6 million by 2028. Southeast Asia (SEA) Digital Creative Content Industry Talent Research Report 2022 by MDEC found that there is more competition for qualified talent at all levels, which is made worse by the global pandemic’s macroeconomic effects. The demand for talent is expected to increase, approximately, by eight per cent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) over the next three years, according to Southeast Asian studios. The government has provided strong support, including allocating RM30 million in the 2024 budget to promote Malaysia as an e-sport development hub.
- According to the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation’s Game Industry Report 2021, the country’s game development sector is expected to reach RM1. 5bil by 2024, while the global video game market is estimated to be worth USD188. 73bil in 2021 and expected to reach USD300bil by 2029. With a projected compound annual growth rate of 7% per year, video games are set to exceed other forms of entertainment such as movies, streaming and music, and demand for skills and creative talents in game production will only increase in the years ahead. There are endless opportunities with the ongoing expansion of mobile gaming and the emergence of new technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR).
- Career Opportunities: Animation, Game Developer, VR/AR, 3D artist
- Degree Qualification: Animation, Multimedia Design, Visual Effects, Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR), or Game Design
- Educators
- The number of teaching opportunities at Malaysian international schools climbed 36 per cent in 2022, although the number of applicants decreased. According to the Council of British International Schools (COBIS), there are insufficient teachers to match the demand. Furthermore, UNESCO announced in 2016 that 69 million new teachers would be needed by 2030 to meet the population increase demands.
- In the modern world, both parents in Malaysia hold jobs in order to support their family income. Therefore, those with children would require competent and qualified Early Childhood Educators to take care of their children and help them build foundational tools needed throughout their lives. More preschools and kindergartens have sprung up all over the country to cater to the needs of children and families.
- Career Opportunities: International School Teacher, Tuition teacher, University lecturer, ECE curriculum developer, Kindergarten teacher. Preschool teacher or Kindergarten director.
- Degree Qualification: Education or Early Childhood Education
- Pharmacists
- According to New Straits Times, Malaysia’s Health Ministry has plans to increase the number of pharmacist positions in the public sector by approving the creation of 8,686 positions for medical, dental and pharmaceutical officers. This plan is to be carried out from 2022 to 2025, with the aim of ensuring continuity of patient care. The employment of pharmacists is projected to continue growing since there is a big ageing population in Malaysia that requires more care and medication. According to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Employment Insurance System (EIS) statistics, there are currently 1,622 job vacancies for pharmacists.
- Career Opportunities: Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist, or Industrial Pharmacist
- Degree Qualification: Pharmacy
- Physiotherapists
- Malaysia’s changing demographics has become a significant contributor in the increased demand for healthcare services, according to a Fitch Solutions report. The country continuously faces a host of health-related issues that require active interventions from healthcare providers. The Ministry of Health is proactively addressing these challenges by enhancing healthcare facilities and services in the country by allocating appropriate resources to empower the public health delivery system. 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. According to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Employment Insurance System (EIS) statistics, there are currently 939 job vacancies for Physiotherapists.
- Degree Qualification: Physiotherapy
- eCommerce
- According to the World Economic Forum WEF), within technology adoption, big data, cloud computing and AI feature highly on likelihood of adoption. More than 75% of companies are looking to adopt these technologies in the next five years. The data also shows the impact of the digitalization of commerce and trade. Digital platforms and apps are the technologies most likely to be adopted by the organizations 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.
- Malaysia’s e-commerce market has grown rapidly in recent years, fuelled by rising smartphone penetration and a willingness by shoppers to buy from overseas. Driven by a relatively high internet penetration rate, the e-commerce market in Malaysia is going from strength to strength and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 24 percent a year. Experts in eCommerce are in great demand, as businesses seek to promote their products and build and enhance brand association and engagement channels with their customers via digital platforms. Customer experience has been a key topic on the agenda of many businesses, with social media forming a key part of a successful strategy. There is a strong demand for marketing professionals with working knowledge of key social media channels and expertise in implementing successful social media strategies.
- Career Opportunities:Content Writer, Digital Marketing Manager, Customer Service Representative, Business Analyst, Developer, Ecommerce Coordinator, Marketing Project Manager, Management, Pay-per-click (PPC) manager or Product manager
- Degree Qualification: eBusiness, Digital Marketing, Logistics, Mass Communication, International Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Data Science or Information Technology (IT)
