Top 10 Best Courses to Study at Private University in Malaysia in 2024/25

Top Ten List of Best Courses to Study in Malaysia

• Choosing the right course to study in Malaysia after high school is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life.
• A list of Top 10 Courses with high job demand that students can consider studying in Malaysia after SPM, IGCSE/O-Levels, UEC, STPM, A-Levels or Pre-University (Pre-U)
• The Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) finds that nearly a quarter of all jobs (23%) globally will change in the next five years.
• Students should discuss their future choices with knowledgeable and experienced education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

In the Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has revealed that almost a quarter of jobs, or 23 per cent, are expected to change in the next five years. It also stated that across 45 economies, covering 673 million workers, 69 million new jobs are expected to be created and 83 million to be eliminated, a net decrease of 14 million jobs, or 2% of current employment. The report finds that nearly a quarter of all jobs (23%) globally will change in the next five years.

By 2027, businesses predict that almost half (44%) of workers’ core skills will be disrupted. Technology is moving faster than companies can design and scale up their training programmes, found the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report. AI is widely reported to be a key disrupter, but other factors, including the green transition and geo-economic conditions, will also see “churn” for almost a quarter of jobs by 2027 – a measure of disruption that includes both emerging and declining jobs.

In addition, the most in-demand occupations in many industries today did not exist ten or even five years ago. The report also quotes that an estimated 65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in completely new job types that are yet to exist. The potential disruption that this reality presents is significant.

Furthermore, for today’s students, analytical and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to understand and work with technology will be critical. Every student – regardless of their chosen fields – should aim to build these generalist skills to be ready for a rapidly changing future. With an awareness of the impact of technological advancements, students need to choose a course that will be relevant in the future to avoid being replaced by technology or graduate with skills that are obsolete.

Through this report, we see that technology is evolving rapidly and continues to change making huge impacts to jobs. Therefore, students after secondary school or Pre-University (Pre-U) in Malaysia need to ensure that the courses that they choose will transition them into jobs that will exist and sustain their lifestyle.

I have grouped all the courses that are popular and have job demand in Malaysia into 10 main areas of study. Some courses have higher job demand and salary than others. You have to choose based on your list of criteria of what’s important to you. This list of top ten of the best courses to study in Malaysia makes it easier for students to narrow down to which area that you are interested in and would best suit you.

Choosing a course to study is a process in finding out who you are, what you are good at and its job prospects. An experienced & knowledgeable Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course. Here at EduSpiral Consultant Services, I do the research on the job demand for the careers in Malaysia, Salary Reports, and universities so that I can advise students based on facts and evidence. Furthermore, in my 20-year career, I have counselled thousands of students to choose their course and career, and many have already graduated and found the career of their dreams.

• Top 50 Jobs with High Future Demand in Malaysia
• 30 Jobs with Future High Demand & Salaries in Malaysia – Find Out so you can choose the Best Course to Study Now!
• Study Courses that has High Job Demand in Malaysia
• Top 10 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary
• Top 10 Best Courses to Study in Malaysia
• What is the Best Course to study after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia?
• Malaysia’s 28 Top Jobs in Demand in Future with High Salaries
• Top 10 Degree Courses in Malaysia with Highest Starting Salaries

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The Top Ten List of Best Courses to Study after High School or Pre-University (PreU)

Choosing the right course to study in Malaysia after high school is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. This can be a confusing and difficult time if you are unprepared.

With the wide variety of courses available to a student, the time can be a confusing one if not guided properly by an experienced and knowledgeable education counsellor.

It can be confusing for students to choose the right major for their undergraduate degree studies in Malaysia. Preparations should have been made even before this time but fear not it is still not too late if you have not decided on a career path. It is important for you to research carefully the career that you intend to pursue.

Below is a list of Top 10 Courses that students can consider studying in Malaysia. Some of them have very high job demand and salary, while others not so much. There are many factors in choosing a course such as your interest & skills, your academic results, the budget for your studies, job demand, salary, and more.

The list would serve as a guide in your decision-making.

1. Computer Science, Computing & Information Technology (IT) Courses 

   

   • The World Economic Forum (WEF) in its Future of Jobs report, characterises Industry 4.0 as the developments of genetics, artificial intelligence, networked devices, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing and other smart technologies. By 2030, the number of global digital jobs is expected to rise to around 92 million. These are generally higher-paid roles, according to the Forum’s white paper, The Rise of Digital Jobs.
   • In Malaysia, revenue in the IT Services market is projected to reach US$5.02bn in 2024. IT Outsourcing dominates the market with a projected market volume of US$1.88bn in 2024. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 9.05%, resulting in a market volume of US$7.10bn by 2028. (Statista)
   • The information technology (IT) industry is expected to face a shortage of between 7,000 and 15,000 professionals, as Malaysia rides the wave of the growing digital economy. The industry is currently in need of specialised workers in various IT fields. By 2025, the IT industry will require one million specialised working professionals as the industry is experiencing a rampant growth.
   • Malaysian workers equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) skills and expertise could experience salary increases exceeding 40 percent, says Amazon Web Services (AWS), a company of Amazon.com. According to AWS’ regional study titled “Accelerating AI Skills: Preparing the Asia-Pacific Workforce for Jobs of the Future,” nearly nine out of 10 (89 per cent) Malaysian employers prioritise hiring AI-skilled talent. However, despite the high demand for AI talent, 81 per cent of employers reported difficulty finding the necessary expertise, while 80 per cent admitted to lacking knowledge on how to establish AI workforce training programs.
   • As Malaysia embraces the digital revolution, certain industries are emerging as key drivers of talent demand. The cybersecurity sector is experiencing significant growth, with the allocation of RM60 million for a 5G cybersecurity testing framework in Malaysia. This has prompted companies to re-skill tech talent with transferable skills and expertise in data and cybersecurity. Another booming industry is e-gaming, which offers opportunities for game developers and 3D artists to advance their careers.
     Cyber security engineers capable of executing security orchestration, automation and response (SOAR) will enjoy a leg-up over the competition. With big data continuing to play a pivotal role in providing cost-effective options in a wide range of use cases, organisations are cognisant of the need to be able to harness the amount of information available to them. Data Analysts proficient in AWS or Azure GCP remain highly coveted for this reason. As the qualification bar for technology talent rises, DevOps and Cloud Engineers continue to enjoy high demand across the industry, and candidates with a good balance of technical skills (Oracle ERP, Python, Java and R, Perl, Ruby etc) will be top picks.
   • In the Michael Page 2023 Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Malaysia report, an IT director in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector can earn an average of RM330,000 annually. The role involves overseeing and managing IT operations and technology infrastructure. While the specific responsibilities
   • • Computer Science
     • Software Engineering or Computer Programming
     • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
     • Cloud Computing
     • Cyber Security
     • Data Science or Data Analytics or Big Data
     • Internet of Things (IoT)
     • Information Technology (IT) or Information Communications Technology
     • Forensic Computing
     • Network Computing
     • Business Information Systems (BIS)
2. Accounting, Finance & Quantitative Studies Courses 
   • The market for accounting and finance professionals in Malaysia remains strong with a demand for professionals with a combination of soft skills and robust technical expertise hold an edge in securing opportunities that align with their skill set.  With more companies mobilising job roles from Europe to Asia due to geopolitical instability, there will be an increased demand for professionals with a strong command of the English language as well as foreign languages.
   • In response to the growing emphasis on ESG practices within the sector, the hiring landscape has witnessed an intensified search for bankers specialising in risk management. This development aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s recent mandate requiring financial institutions to account for climate change factors when evaluating risk exposure.
   • Worldwide, digital banks have been growing in popularity among users for providing a seamless, trouble-free digital on-boarding process. This is especially true in Asia where a fifth of the world’s digital banks current predict, offering contemporary, cloud-driven architecture, exceptional user engagement, and a readiness to integrate their financial services into existing platforms to the tune of user engagement. This trend is set to continue in Malaysia, where 74 percent of Malaysians utilise digital financial services and 79 percent use digital payments. To promote financial inclusivity, Bank Negara Malaysia has awarded five digital banking licenses to applicants, the first of which was approved for operations in September 2023. This expanding blue oceana market is expected to result in an influx of job openings for adventurous candidate’s looking to break into the digital banking sector.
   • Hays 2024 Salary Guide reported that 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.
     • Financial Technology (Fintech)
     • Accounting
     • Accounting & Finance
     • Actuarial Science
     • Finance
     • Finance & Investment
     • Banking & Finance
     • Economics
3. Business Management Courses
   • Students interested in business should not get a general business degree. In your future career, obtaining specific skills will enhance your employability especially if you have additional technology know-how.
   • Malaysian employers are eager to hire professionals who can contribute to their customer experience and digital marketing initiatives. The need for talent with top skills in the digital and traditional marketing space continues to be driven by technology. The evolution of skills changes from one year to the next, but it is the way that businesses utilise these skills to drive their talent and overall business forward that matters the most. Professionals with skill sets in specific areas of marketing, and the knowledge to give advice and insights on how to develop areas such as SEO, PPC, and CRM, will be in high demand.
   • 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.’
   • As supply chains today are being revolutionised by emerging technologies, this has resulted in new growth areas such as e-commerce and last mile delivery markets. Hence, in tandem with this growth, the logistics industry has also been expanding rapidly in the country, especially in the Klang Valley area. The Malaysia Freight And Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 27.81 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 35.10 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.77% during the forecast period (2024-2029). In the Michael Page 2023 Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Malaysia report, a senior supply chain executive, like a regional supply chain manager, can expect to be paid an average of RM200,000 annually. The supply chain sector has undergone a drastic transformation due to the pandemic. Supply-chain professionals have had to work hard to make the chains more agile, flexible and resilient. As such, senior supply chain executives who are strategic thinkers and have the requisite knowledge and experience to transform a company’s supply chain will be duly compensated.
     • Digital Marketing
     • eBusiness or e-Commerce
     • Human Resource Management (HRM)
     • Logistics Management
     • Supply Chain Management
     • Marketing Management
4. Engineering & Built Environment Courses
   • Engineering and built environment careers remain relatively stable and in demand however not all engineering jobs have the same level of demand and salary.
   • In the World Economic Forum (WEF) Future of Jobs 2023 report, investment in the green transition, as well as increasing consumer awareness of sustainability issues will create new opportunities. Roles from renewable energy engineers, solar energy installation and systems engineers to sustainability specialists and environmental protection professionals will be in high demand, translating to a growth of approximately one million jobs.
   • The engineer to population ratio for developed nations is 1:100. For Malaysia, with a population of 32 million, the number of engineers should be 300,000. At the end of 2022, there were around 187,900 engineers registered, according to the Board of Engineers Malaysia. This leaves the country’s engineer-to-population ratio at one to 170. This is lower than in developed countries such as Germany and France, where the ratio is at one to 100.
   • Malaysia’s major involvement in the electric and electronic (E&E) sector, especially the semiconductor industry, is propelling new growth areas, as more companies are moving into more knowledge-intensive, hi-tech, innovative and higher-value-added activities. New growth areas the E&E manufacturers are currently exploring include e-commerce, automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), accelerating the move towards IR4.0 both at industrial and societal levels. Today, IoT is pushing demand for more advanced semiconductor devices such as sensors, resistors and transceivers, to help the industry to adopt digitisation and digitalisation aimed at improved productivity, profit and competitiveness.
   • It is noted that the E&E industry is producing 13% of global back-end semiconductors, driving 40% of the nation’s export output and contributing about 5.8% to the GDP in 2023. With ambitious targets set at RM120 billion by 2025 in GDP growth and RM495 billion in export earnings, the industry is a catalyst for Malaysia’s economic progress.
   • Despite expectations of a global economic slowdown in 2023, MSIA 2022 E&E Survey, shows that almost half of the electrical and electronics (E&E) companies in Malaysia remain focused on recruitment to cope with talent shortages and high turnover rates. Malaysia had attracted E&E investments of RM186.2bil since January 2020 (2020 – RM15.6bil; 2021 – RM148bil; and from January to September 2022 – RM22.6bil). The E&E industry is a major contributor to Malaysia’s economy, and it is the country’s biggest export sector with exports of RM593bil in 2022, accounting for 38% of total exports. The industry also accounts for 78% of Malaysia’s external trade surplus of RM255bil, and continues to attract the highest level of investments (foreign and domestic), with a record-breaking investment of RM148bil in 2021, comprising 76% of the country’s total investment in the manufacturing sector. The E&E industry employs about 590,000 Malaysians and indirectly provides employment for millions of Malaysians in other industries.
   • The average monthly salary in the E&E industry is RM6,450 or twice the Malaysian average. However, only 0.3% of the E&E workforce hold an advanced degree, indicating potential for further growth.
     • Engineering
     • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
     • Telecommunication Engineering
     • Mechanical Engineering
     • Civil Engineering
     • Mechatronic Engineering
     • Petroleum Engineering
     • Chemical Engineering
     • Architecture
     • Quantity Surveying
     • Construction Project Management
5. Humanities Courses
   • Hays 2024 Salary Guide reported that the outlook for Malaysia’s legal market is incredibly positive across private practice and inhouse roles. The emergence of Shared Services Centres in Malaysia, coupled with the regional shift of APAC hubs to Singapore, has increased the demand for legal talent in a broader regional context. Candidates with MNC backgrounds and experience in cross-border transactions are particularly sought after, leading to a preference for flexible working hours and a hybrid work environment which MNCs tend to offer. Hybrid roles are in high demand across industries, with a strong focus on corporate secretary, compliance, and corporate affairs. Data privacy will also continue to be spotlighted in 2024, leading to a continued strong demand for regional data privacy counsel and data protection officers
   • In the Michael Page 2023 Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Malaysia report, a head of legal in the banking and financial services sector can earn an average of RM540,000 annually. The head of legal serves as a catalyst, enabling competitive advantage by providing critical legal guidance to facilitate decision-making by the executive leadership team. This position encompasses various responsibilities to ensure legal compliance, mitigate risks, and provide strategic organisational guidance.
     • Law
6. Communication Courses 
   • Mass Communication
   • Digital Marketing
   • Branding & Advertising
   • Broadcasting
   • Media Studies
   • Public Relations
   • Marketing Communications
   • Events Management
7. Creative Media & Design Courses
   • On the eGames sphere, the lead government agency in technology, MDEC, in its South-East Asia Game Industry Initiative report, said Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam had game companies that were able to generate between US$5mil and US$10mil revenue per year.
   • The Malaysian video games (or simply gaming) market is now valued at US$786 million (RM3.68 billion), making it the third largest in Southeast Asia. The Southeast Asia Game Industry Report 2021 shows that big names in the gaming industry are already helping to build a conducive production ecosystem in Malaysia. They include Bandai Namco of Japan, Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS) and Streamline Studios of the US, Belgian producer Larian Studios and British games developer Codemasters.
   • Malaysia already has its crop of successful games creators. One that has achieved international success is the “Simulacra” series, a detective-horror game developed and published by local developer Kaigan Games. Its three games in the franchise have won fans of the horror genre globally. Also on the list of games that have won an international following are “No Straight Road” by Metronomik and “Rhythm Doctor” by 7th Beat Games.
   • The Malaysian Investment Development Authority said in 2018 that the gaming industry contributed US$100 million (RM468 million) to Malaysia’s revenue and is predicted to expand at a 10.9% annual rate (CAGR 2018-2023), resulting in a market volume of US$168 million by 2023. Malaysia is also ranked 21st in the world in terms of game income, with a total of US$633 million.
   • According to the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) Strategic Plan for Esports Development 2020-2025, the RM10 million stated in the Budget 2019 for the investment of esports was the first-ever annual budget announcement in South-East Asia (SE Asia) focused exclusively on the development of its kind.
   • Malaysia’s animation industry was valued at over $1.6 billion in 2020, with exports in the sector of more than $285 million, doubling numbers from 2014. Studios produced more than 65 original pieces of intellectual property which sold in more than 120 countries, creating nearly $40.5 million in export value. To date, local animation studios have produced more than 65 original pieces of intellectual property, creating over US$40.5 million in export value while at the same time expanding their presence to more than 120 countries.
   • Malaysia’s position at the head of the pack in Southeast Asia is largely due to the efforts of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), a government agency launched in 1996 that operates under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Digital. The organization has served to unite the region’s digital industries – animation, video games, vfx, and digital media – and has been a catalyst for tremendous growth. 
     • Design
     • 3D Animation
     • Game Design or Computer Games Development
     • Film, Broadcasting & Cinematic Arts
     • Visual Effects
     • Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR)
     • Interior Design or Interior Architecture
     • Product Design
     • Graphic Design
     • Multimedia Design
8. Hospitality & Culinary Arts Courses
   • A total of 330 million jobs are supported by the hospitality & tourism industry around the world, contributing 10 per cent, or US$8.9 trillion, to the global gross domestic product each year. Although the Covid-19 Pandemic has hit the hospitality & tourism industry badly, however, once it is over people will want to travel again and demand for hospitality & tourism professionals will once again rise in the next few years which means there would be jobs when you graduate.
   • According to Business Today, Malaysian Hospitality Sector saw a 59% growth in hiring in 2023. The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) for Malaysia, reveals that the Hospitality industry continued to dominate the job market in March 2023, with a YoY increase of 59%. The industry’s increased adoption of sustainable solutions has been key in driving hiring demand. The Hospitality and Retail industries continue to lead the way among the industries, showing steady growth. The Hospitality industry saw a remarkable YoY growth of 111%, driven by Malaysia’s booming tourism industry, which draws an increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists.
   • Malaysia’s hospitality and tourism industry has great potential to boost further, following the abundance of natural resources, well-diversified cultural and cuisines, modern infrastructure, and strategic location, added by the intensified efforts to improve safety and security in the country, including measures to curb intrusion and other threats.
   • In Malaysia, the hospitality and tourism sector make a substantial contribution, accounting for 6% of the country’s gross domestic product and constituting 23% of national employment, equivalent to 3.5 million jobs. It is the third-largest component within the service industry. Malaysia’s hospitality industry is renowned for its role in driving socioeconomic development and promoting job creation, serving as a significant catalyst for overall economic growth.
   • The Government has outlined several strategies in the 12th Malaysia Plan to re-energize the tourism industry (12MP). Among them are restoring tourist confidence in traveling safely in a post-pandemic world, as well as providing higher-quality products and services such as ecotourism and community-based cultural immersion activities that vividly depict the Malaysian experience. All branding and promotion efforts will focus on safety and hygiene. The government has also launched the National Tourism Policy (NTP) 2020 – 2030, a ten-year transformation plan for the tourism industry. The NTP was designed to place Malaysia among the top ten tourist destinations in terms of both arrivals and receipts. Smart tourism is one of the key strategies for remaining competitive far into the future. 
     • Hotel Management or Hospitality Management
     • Culinary Arts
     • Patisserie or Baking
     • Events Management
9. Health Science Courses
   • Fitch Solutions forecasted public and private healthcare spending in Malaysia to steadily increase in five years at a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% through 2027 which will support the sector’s modernisation and medical tourism goals.
   • Personal healthcare expenditures in Malaysia are expected to double to $2.8 billion 2028. The Malaysian government will continue to strengthen the capacity of public health services as evidenced by making the Ministry of Health (MOH) among the recipients of the largest allocation increase in the National Budget for 2023, amounting to $7.9 billion, as compared to $7.1 billion in 2022. With 10% of the population over 60, options for elder care are a focus in the healthcare system. In addition, given the high percentage of deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), management of NCDs through monitoring and prevention are other vital issues. Unfortunately, Malaysians have the highest rate of diabetes in SE Asia, with approximately 1 in 5 adults affected.
   • Malaysia offers both public and private healthcare systems. Private healthcare providers are driving health technology adoption and pursuing partnerships with international healthcare providers to strengthen their service offerings to medical travelers. Public health care providers are expanding their abilities to offer prevention and screening while increasing healthcare access in remote parts of the country. These continued efforts will sustain a need for related technology and products.
   • Over the next ten years, the public and private healthcare sectors are focused on expanding investment in healthcare technology, medical devices, and digital health to ensure world-class quality healthcare service delivery. Those developments are part of a broader modernization effort aimed at outbreak preparedness, elder care, and NCD management. Key opportunities exist for medical devices, health technology, healthcare partnerships, medical travel, and clinical research.
   • Over the longer term, the prospects of private healthcare will continue to be underpinned by rising affluence and an ageing population, said Kenanga Research in its latest report on the sector.
     • Medicine
     • Dentistry
     • Nursing
     • Physiotherapy
     • Medical Imaging
     • Medical Lab Technology
     • Pharmacy
10. Education Courses
    • The education sector in Malaysia covers early childcare to tertiary levels and professional training. The Malaysia Education Blueprint (2015-2025) aims to create future-ready graduates and industry-relevant talents for the era of IR4.0 technologies, aligning with aspirations to be a regional education hub.
    • Malaysia’s Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) have surged, nurturing human capital for the nation and ASEAN. Over 300 colleges provide Diplomas and Bachelor’s, while universities offer Master’s and PhDs.
    • The number of university graduates in Malaysia increased by 4.7% in 2021 from 5.36 million graduates in 2020. The PHEI industry which is worth RM31.5 billion in 2018 has the potential to grow to RM65 billion by 2026. The government foresees the education sector propelling the services sector to comprise 70% of GDP. With a contribution of RM31.5 billion in 2018, it’s projected to reach RM84 billion by 2030, growing at 5% to 6% annually. Guided by the strategic plan ‘Way Forward for Private Higher Education Institutions (2020-2025)’, Malaysia aims to establish itself as a premier international higher education hub, with a goal of hosting 250,000 foreign students by 2025.
    • While Malaysia has made significant strides in expanding preschool enrollment rates, achieving 84 percent in 2020 from 67 percent in 2009, challenges related to access and quality persist, as reported by World Bank. The country aimed to achieve universal preschool enrollment by 2020, but this target remains unmet, a common issue faced by many developing nations. The Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013-2025) outlined goals for preschool education, including a minimum qualification of a diploma in early childhood care and education (ECCE) for all preschool teachers by 2020. However, this target also remains unachieved, with various unresolved obstacles hindering progress in this area.
    • Access and quality issues in preschool education continue to hinder progress despite past reform efforts and initiatives in Malaysia. A lack of preschool seat availability in certain areas, low awareness among parents about the benefits of preschool education, affordability concerns, low teacher quality, and overlapping roles among multiple overseeing ministries and agencies are among the identified issues.

• • • Education
    • Teaching English as a Second Language
    • Early Childhood Education

Prepare for Future Career Success by Choosing the Right Course Now

Graduate employability has also become a concern  for Malaysia. Employers recognise the concerns  on graduate’s skills gap, such as the lack of  industrial training experience and communication skills.

In order to be successful in your future career, students need to study the employment trends to see which jobs and skills would be in demand. You don’t want to graduate and find yourself jobless because what you have learnt is not relevant anymore.

According to the Statistics Department, Malaysia recorded a total of 5.92 million graduates in 2022, of which 53.9% were degree holders. However, Social Security Organisation (Sosco) noted that some 40% of graduates are underemployed in semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs.

Furthermore, as of December 2023, 307,200 young Malaysians aged 15 to 24 were jobless, representing an unemployment rate of 10.6 per cent. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for those in the wider 15 to 30 age bracket was 6.4 per cent, comprising 432,100 youths.

Putting this into context, these youths account for about 76 per cent of the 567,800 people who do not have jobs in Malaysia. Another 5 to 6 million students are set to graduate this year, compounding the issue. At the same time, job creations in 2023 slowed down, making things even more challenging for young people seeking to enter the workforce.

A total of 15,460 graduates or 42 per cent of all job seekers on the national job search portal, MYFutureJobs, face an issue of skills mismatch in 2023.

According to the HR Minister, the situation needs early intervention, including guiding students to choose their field of study at the tertiary level. For example, there are more than 10,000 vacancies in the cybersecurity sector because not many students are interested in pursuing this field of study

As the country’s central bank noted in its 2018 annual report, there are more graduates in the country than there are jobs for them.

You might also be interested to read – Top 20 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you Make the Right Choice

Choosing a course to study is not a science, it is a process

in finding out who you are and what you are good at. An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course.

Students should discuss their future choices with knowledgeable and experienced education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise?

Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.

Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 20 years experience in counseling students.

Having worked in the private education industry, we have in-depth knowledge of each private university and college in what they are good at.

Useful article for you – Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

What do I want to do for my career?

You may have a clear idea of what you want to do for a career which makes choosing a course to study easier, particularly if you want to become a doctor or lawyer. You can search our articles section to see if we’ve already written about your dream graduate career and how you can achieve this.

When making a decision about your career, it is important to take into consideration the average salary. Starting salaries in Malaysia is about RM2800 to RM3500 for most careers while starting salaries in Singapore is about SGD2714.

Although starting salaries is generally the same level for everyone, what you do in the following years of your job will determine how much higher you would get.

Sometimes, the course that you are interested in may not have a high job demand or salary in Malaysia, hence, you have to weigh the cost of taking that course. You have to balance between passion and money.

If you come from a rich family then I guess you have no worries and can go for your passion but if you’re like general population, then you have to consider carefully the future salary of the course that you intend to take.

Many students forget that when they grow older, most will get married and start a family. In addition, you will need to care for your parents when they get old. All these will need money.

Therefore, it is also important to choose the right university that would equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to move up in your career.

Many students make the mistake of choosing the cheapest university for their studies and then later realise that they cannot get the promotion or salary increment because they did not get the skills needed.

English is one of these skills that most students do not take seriously about its importance for promotion and salary increments in future jobs. Think about it, if you are unable to write a report or email in proper English or do a presentation smoothly, how would you be able to become a manager or CEO eventually?

These articles may change your life! – Top 10 Degree Courses in Malaysia with Highest Starting Salaries or List of Top Ranking Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia