Malaysia’s Top 10 Fields of Study 2025 – High Job Demand & Salary

Ten Types of Courses with Future Most In-Demand Jobs in Malaysia that You Should Consider Studying

• Industrial Revolution (INR) 4.0 – Top Courses that You Should Study in Malaysia to be Ready for it
• The course that you choose should also have a job demand for you after you graduate. Choosing a course that you are passionate about without job demand and you may end up being jobless.
• Having a degree without the right job skills will make you unprepared to perform your job well, hence have less opportunities to advance in your career and continually have low salary.
• When choosing the right course to study in Malaysia, one important criteria that students should look at is the job demand. Choosing to study a course that has future potential high job demand and salary would ensure that you have a higher chance of a successful career that would support your lifestyle goals.

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.

With the evolution of technology, the current job landscape in Malaysia has changed drastically. Technological forces will fundamentally change work and the economic landscape. In many industries and countries, the current in-demand occupations or specialties did not exist 10 or even 5 years ago. The rise of technology has led to a disruption in the way we work and live. The Digital Era has changed the way we work. Therefore, students must cultivate 21st century skills, capabilities and attributes to adapt to the technologically advanced workplace.

As the digital economy grows, Malaysians must be prepared to choose jobs that will be in demand in the future as well as still exist.

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.

Furthermore, the ever-increasing cost of living in Malaysia is making it challenging for fresh graduates and working professionals to support their lifestyle. In light of that, it would be important for students to plan ahead what career that you want to enter into so that you can choose a course that has future job demand and high salary in Malaysia.

By having a view of emerging job trends, it is hoped that students would be inspired to draw up study plans and select career choices and pathways as early as schooling years up to university level that will ensure success in future careers and work environments.

Here at EduSpiral Consultant Services, we do our research on the job demand for the careers in Malaysia, Salary Reports, and universities so that we can advise our students based on facts and evidence. Students need to talk to the right education counsellors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision and choose to study a course that has high job demand & salary.

List of the Ten Best Courses in Malaysia with High Job Demand in the Future

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.

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 has Future High Job Demand?

1. Computing & Technology Courses

The Information and Technology (IT) industry continues to relish tremendous growth since the pandemic started. It is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Malaysian market to date.

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.

Below are the top computing specialisations for you to consider:

1. Cyber Security
2. Data Science
3. Artificial Intelligence (Ai) 
4. Robotics
5. Cloud Computing
6. Internet of Things (IoT)
7. Computer Science
8. Software Engineering or Programming
9. Information Technology (IT) or Information Communications Technology
10. Mobile Computing
11. Network Computing
12. Games Development

2. Accounting & Financial Services Courses

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).There are many areas in the banking and finance sector in Malaysia where each sub-sector requiring specific knowledge and skills.

“Banks and FIs are prioritising automation, digitalisation and
developing data-driven businesses. Many big banks are looking at how they can build sustainable financing into their long-term plans. Digital banks are poised for growth and will require innovative talent to join their workforce.

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.

Accordingly, demand for talent with cross-functional skill sets across finance and tech will rise rapidly as hiring activities increase. The ideal candidate would have experience in the audit, risk, or investment space as well as skills in data analytics and automation.

At the same time, there is also a growing awareness, especially among younger Malaysians, of tech-enabled financial tools such as digital wealth management platforms. As these tools and platforms become more prevalent, banks and financial institutions are progressively moving away from selling structured
products.

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.

1. Accounting
2. Accounting & Finance
3. Actuarial Science
4. Banking & Finance
5. Finance
6. Financial Technology (Fintech)

3. Business Courses

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. Many brick and-mortar stores were able to continue their businesses throughout the lockdowns by taking them online. And with platforms like eBay, even micro, small, and medium businesses have a platform to compete in global markets.

The e-commerce space is revelling positive growth amidst the pandemic. Retail sectors are occupying the e-commerce space while platforms such as Lazada and Shopee are booming. The government understands the merits of e-commerce enterprises. Thus, implementing various initiatives to strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy.

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.

Omnichannel selling, such as in-store, online, and through mobile apps is driven by today’s digital consumer who expects to be able to purchase products anytime, anywhere. Having good data analytics capability will be crucial to accurately track customer behaviour, channel performance as well as sales and market trends to raise efficiency and productivity.

A course that many students overlook is Human Resource Management. 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. HR leaders who “lean into” new technologies, platforms, and ways of working will be strongly positioned to have an impact on business results and employee experience. The importance of the HR function to digitalise the modus operandi of businesses has never been more indisputable.

1. Digital Marketing
2. Marketing
3. Business Analytics
4. eBusiness
5. Human Resource Management (HRM)
6. Logistics Management
7. Supply Chain Management,

4. Engineering Courses

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.

According to the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM), 187,900 engineers officially registered in the country in 2022, while the ratio of engineers to the country’s population was 1:170 compared to 1:100 for developed countries like Germany and France.

In order for the country to become a developed nation, the engineer to population ratio must be 1:100. For Malaysia, with a population of 32 million, the number of engineers should be 300,000. Surprisingly, based on the Education Ministry’s statistics from 1997 to 2020, the average number of engineers produced per year by the local institutions of higher learning, excluding graduates from international universities is about 16,000. The cumulative total of all engineers produced from 1997 to 2020 is estimated to be about 400,000. The number of engineers may be currently surplus for Malaysia.

Unfortunately, the reality is that only 35% of the graduate engineers (GE) registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). BEM is owned by the Malaysian government to administer the registration of PE. Although according to Malaysia’s law through the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Revised 2015), all practising engineers must be registered with the BEM as GE to work as an engineer legally. According to the statistic published by BEM in February 2020, only 10% out of 142,000 registered Graduate Engineer (GE) successfully obtained the certification as Professional Engineer, which is less than 4% of all engineers in Malaysia.

The surge in telecommunications and internet usage skyrocketed. Virtual meetings are the norm. Software such as Zoom and other communication platforms are now necessities. Wireless networks and fibre broadband are a must to keep operations and businesses running amidst this pandemic.

1. Electrical & Electronic Engineering
   • 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)
2. Mechanical Engineering
3. Mechatronic Engineering
4. 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)
5. Telecommunications Engineering
6. Civil Engineering
   • The Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) Circle Line, the final piece to complete Kuala Lumpur’s urban rail network, will be fully operational by 2030.
   • Similar high-impact railway projects include the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3), which will connect two million people between Bandar Utama and Klang by 2024, extending rail connectivity to the Western Corridor of Greater Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley.
   • On the other hand, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project will connect Kota Bharu in Kelantan to Port Klang in Selangor, linking the East and West Coasts of Peninsular Malaysia.
7. Petroleum Engineering
   • Outlined in the 2023 Budget, the government will allocate at least RM10 billion in funding to benefit the oil and gas, services, and equipment (OGSE) industry, with Pengerang given special status and incentives for its chemical and petrochemical activities. This will alleviate businesses’ cost pressures that were created by high inflation and oil price volatility. (2023 Job Market & Salary Trends Malaysia – Randstad)
8. Chemical Engineering
   • ‘Chemicals and chemical products’ is one of the six main new growth areas that the government has identified to accelerate Malaysia’s transformation into a high-income nation. The chemical industry makes up 10.5% of the local manufacturing sector and contributed 2.6% to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, equivalent to RM35.5 billion. (2023 Job Market & Salary Trends Malaysia – Randstad)

5. Humanities Courses

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.

Lawyers are generally classified into four main types and they may specialize in any role such as:

• Civil law
• Criminal law
• Conveyancing lawyer / Real estate law
• Corporate law

1. Law

6. Communication & Social Science Courses

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.

1. Mass Communication
2. Public Relations, Advertising & Brand Management
3. Film, TV, Video or Broadcasting
4. Psychology

7. Built Environment Courses

According to Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), the construction industry currently faces a shortage of 550,000 workers.

1. Architecture
2. Interior Architecture
3. Quantity Survey (QS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Hospitality & Tourism Courses

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.

These statistics provide a clear indication that the tourism industry holds promising prospects for those who intend to venture into this career path. As long as there is interest to explore places, be it physically or virtually, the promise of securing a job in this sector will always be available. Traditional and current, tourism career options range from working in hotels or resorts, cruise ships, adventure sports centers or even as tour guides leading activities and historical trips.

1. Culinary Arts
2. Baking or Patisserie 
3. Events Management
4. Hotel Management

9. Health & Applied Science Courses

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 occured 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.

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.

1. Nursing
2. Physiotherapy
3. Food Science
4. Medical Lab Technology (MLT)
5. Biomedical Science
6. Medical Imaging

10. Design & Creative Content Courses

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 .

Malaysia’s rapidly maturing digital creative industry, which includes animation, movies, and video games, is proving to be a significant growth driver to the nation. There are many types of designers and roles that they do in a job. The demand for designers in Malaysia will depend on which type of design you specialise in.

1. Animation
2. Graphic Design
3. Interior Design
4. Multimedia Design
5. Visual Effects
6. Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR)
7. Game Design

11. Education

The Ministry of Education (MOE) needs a number of teachers for certain subjects, but the supply (of teachers) available for these subjects is very limited. The subjects most affected by the subject-teacher mismatch are English, Bahasa Melayu, Islamic Education, Special Education, Religious Education, and History. The teachers’ starting salary ranges from 2,018 to 3,040 MYR ($485 to $730 US) per month, depending on their qualifications.

Education graduates could also find work at international schools, home schools or at private universities. Pursuing the Masters and PhD will increase your career mobility where you could become a Principal or Professor or Dean.

1. Education
2. Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
3. Early Childhood Education

Look at Job Demand and Trends in Malaysia when Choosing your Course

When choosing a course, it is important for students to look at the job demand to ensure that there would be a job when they graduate. In addition, check out the salary so that you know that the career that you are planning to choose can sustain your future lifestyle.

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. On the other hand, the manufacturing, wholesale and retail, and finance and insurance sectors may have too many workers.

Thanks to disruptive technology and the challenging economy, these industries (which were last year’s top retrenched fields) continue to see an oversupply of workers. There are also too many general practitioners, especially in urban areas.