Malaysia is the ideal place for graduates who are looking to work abroad because of its emphasis on business, banking, medicine, and biotechnology. The country’s inexpensive cost of living is an added benefit.
It is true that finding a job in Malaysia is difficult, despite the country being a popular destination with an increasing number of highly qualified domestic graduates. However, if you focus on industries where there is a skills gap, you ought to discover that there are chances.
Although most people speak English there, it will benefit you to know a little bit of Malay, which is the official language of the nation, before you travel there.
You may explore your new surroundings and enjoy the sandy beaches, big cities like Kuala Lumpur, and lush rainforests when you’re not working. Additionally, you can benefit from Malaysia’s renowned cuisine and taste a fusion of Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian cuisine.
Employment in Malaysia
Over the past few years, Malaysia’s economy has expanded significantly, moving from being a producer of raw materials to a large, multi-industry, and innovation-driven economy.
Nonetheless, there are limitations on the amount of foreign workers that Malaysian businesses may hire, and corporations are only allowed to hire foreign workers in the event that no competent Malaysians are available for the position. Each year, a large number of competent citizens graduate, making the employment market extremely competitive.
The profitable oil, gas, and biotechnology sectors employ a sizable portion of Malaysian workers, while the tertiary, or services, sector employs more than half of the nation’s labour force.
Malaysia’s principal sectors comprise:
- farming
- automobile
- building
- electronics
- monetary services
- medical technology
- travel
Skills shortages
A key occupations list (COL) for Malaysia identifies 42 jobs where there is a skills gap. The following ten are in order of preference:
- Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
- manager of finances
- Manager of Human Resources
- manager of planning and policy
- manager of business services
- manager of sales and marketing
- manager of public relations and advertising
- Technology for information and communications (ICT)
- supervisor
- chemist
- statistist, actuary, and mathematician.
How can I find work in Malaysia?
Graduates from the UK will require a work permit in order to find employment, as well as an employer prepared to sponsor them and submit an application on their behalf.
Finding a job in your home country at an international firm and then being relocated to its Malaysian operations is the simplest approach to gain employment. You’ll need to apply for jobs from your native country if this isn’t an option.
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Large corporations typically use online application forms to hire new employees, but smaller businesses typically ask for a cover letter and CV. The format of these documents is the same as it is in the UK, where a resume should not exceed two pages.
Recognise that it will be quite difficult to get employment when you get there. If you’re hoping to work once in Malaysia after arriving on a tourist visa, you won’t usually be successful unless you have years of expertise and highly sought-after talents.
Summer jobs
Seasonal workers can find employment in hotels, bars, restaurants, and even with guided excursion companies because to Malaysia’s burgeoning tourism industry. You could also be able to find seasonal employment as an au pair if you have prior experience working with children.
Participating in volunteer work is a fantastic method to build your resume and acquire experience for the workplace. In Malaysia, there are a tonne of volunteer options available, many of which allow you to assist with community service, teaching, or conservation.
Teaching jobs
Although there aren’t as many teaching positions as in China or Japan, there is still a consistent need for English teachers in Malaysia.
In addition to teaching privately, you can get employment in international schools, private language academies, and public schools.
Unlike when looking for other professions, businesses like to interview teaching candidates in-person, so if you wish to get hired, you’ll need to be in Malaysia already. Since not all positions teaching English are posted, make a list of all the schools, colleges, and language centres you’ll be visiting when you arrive, then apply on a whim.
A certified TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate, a first degree, and at least two years of classroom experience are prerequisites for the majority of English teaching positions.
Language specifications
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, which is also spoken in Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, its neighbours.
Despite this, as English is a required subject in every school, the majority of people speak it as a second language. You won’t always need to be fluent in Malay to land a job, as the majority of Malaysians can converse in English. Nonetheless, speaking the native tongue might make you stand out in the crowded job market, and learning a second language enhances the appearance of your resume.
To find out more about the language needs, make sure you review the precise requirements listed for the position you’re interested in.
The Work Environment in Malaysia
Offices are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. standard business hours. Five days a week, you will normally work eight hours a day; however, some companies may open their offices on Saturdays for a half-day. You are limited to 48 hours of work in a typical workweek.
Given Malaysia’s high degree of ethnic diversity, you should be ready to interact with people from many countries, such as China and India.
If they have worked for one to two years, Malaysian employees are entitled to a minimum of eight days of paid holidays annually. After working for two to five years, this increases to 12 days, and for those who have worked for more than five years, it increases to 16 days. Although this may seem insignificant, there are eleven official public holidays in a year.
According to Malaysian tax legislation, if you intend to stay in the country for more than 182 days year, you would be regarded as a resident. This implies that you will have to make tax payments. Visit the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board to apply for a tax number and make an online tax payment (LHDN).