Working in Malaysia

Although many foreign professionals view Malaysia as an ideal retirement destination, there are also plenty of job opportunities available here. With its proximity to Singapore and lower cost of living, Kuala Lumpur is an ideal city for doing business and raising a family.

Job market in Malaysia

The job market in Malaysia is diverse and full of opportunities, especially in sectors that are experiencing growth due to technological advancements and the post-pandemic recovery. There are plenty of IT jobs, particularly in cybersecurity, software development, and data analytics.

You'll also find many roles in healthcare, e-commerce, logistics, and engineering, especially in civil and mechanical disciplines. Malaysia also remains a hub for banking, finance, and accounting roles, especially those related to risk management and compliance.

The ability to speak a high level of English is highly valued in the Malaysian job market. If you can speak another language, such as Malay, Cantonese, or Mandarin, you will have a distinct advantage, particularly in customer service and international business sectors.

Living in Kuala Lumpur

Finding a job in Malaysia

Most foreign professionals move to Malaysia with a firm job offer and contract already in place, often as part of an intercompany transfer. This is the easiest route since it helps you avoid much of the bureaucracy involved in job hunting locally.

Securing the appropriate work permits is essential, as Malaysian laws are strict about illegal work and tax compliance. You need to make sure that you have the appropriate visa and work permit before you start working in Malaysia. Typically, the hiring company will help facilitate the process, which can frequently be lengthy and complicated due to various mandatory health, security, and qualification checks.

Malaysian companies face restrictions on the number of foreign employees they can hire, with an emphasis on prioritising local talent. This regulation can be one of the more challenging hurdles to overcome. However, if a company can prove that no better-qualified Malaysians are available and that your role is essential to their operations, the visa process will usually proceed smoothly.

Work Permits in Malaysia and Visas in Malaysia

Useful links

• JobStreet Malaysia
• LinkedIn Jobs Malaysia
• Indeed Malaysia
• MyCareerFuture
• Maukerja

Work culture in Malaysia

The etiquette and behaviour for doing business in Malaysia are similar to what you might expect in many Western countries, but you should keep in mind that Malaysia is an ethnically diverse country. You'll find yourself working alongside Malays, Chinese, Indians, and many other groups.

Respect for hierarchy is significant in most Malaysian workplaces, and it's common to address senior colleagues formally. The emphasis on hierarchy is often coupled with a focus on building good personal relationships, which can be as important as formal qualifications or experience.

In Malaysia, the standard working hours are about 48 hours per week, typically spread over five days, with normal business hours running from 9am to 5pm. Annual leave entitlements depend on how long you've been with a company. For instance, if you've been employed for less than two years, you are entitled to at least eight days of annual leave, which increases with longer tenure.

In addition to annual leave, Malaysia also has 11 public holidays per year, reflecting the variety of cultures and religions represented here.

Business Etiquette in Malaysia
Public Holidays in Malaysia