Work in Malaysia: Employers, Jobs, Salaries, Work Permit

Jobs in Malaysia: Top Roles, Recruiters, Work Permit

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Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Malaysia is known for its welcoming, multicultural environment, and economic growth. The country has become an attractive destination for international students because of the growing job opportunities across business, technology, healthcare & medicine, among others.

On average, graduates in Malaysia can expect to earn a salary of RM 56,000 per year (10.96 lakhs INR). Some of the top employers hiring graduates in Malaysia are, Petronas, Maybank, Accenture, Standard Chartered Bank, CIMB, HSBC, Hong Leong Bank. Know in details about the job availabilities, roles, salary range, work permit and more, below!

Top Job Roles in Malaysia

Malaysia’s economy is highly diverse, with key sectors like banking, information technology, biotechnology, and civil engineering offering numerous job opportunities. While competition can be intense due to the influx of local graduates, students with specific skills or experience have a better chance of securing jobs.

Top Job Roles Salary in RM Salary in INR
Software Engineer 7,000 - 107,000 (Average: 53,067) 1.36 - 20.91 lakhs (Average: INR 10.37 lakhs)
Account Executive 4,000 - 59,000 (Average: 38,817) 78,200 - 11.53 lakhs (Average: 7.58 lakhs)
Project Manager 12,000 - 211,000 (Average: 105,587) 2.34 lakhs - 41.25 lakhs (Average: 20.63 lakhs)
Data Analyst 4,000 - 85,000 (Average: 47,315) 78,200 - 16.61 lakhs (Average: 9.24 lakhs)
Project Engineer 4,000 - 96,000 (Average: 47,477) 78,200 - 18.76 lakhs (Average: 9.27 lakhs)
Operations Manager 20,000 - 183,000 (Average: 83,720) 3.91 - 35.77 (Average: 16.35 lakhs)
Graphic Designer 2,000 - 53,000 (Average: 33,707) 39,100 - 10.36 lakhs (Average: 6.58 lakhs)

High-Demand Skills

Malaysia regularly publishes a Critical Occupations List (COL), which highlights areas with skill shortages. Here are some key roles in demand:

  • Managing director and chief executive
  • Business service manager
  • Quality manager
  • Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
  • ICT managers
  • Industrial and production engineers
  • Environmental and health professionals

By targeting these areas of demand, Indian graduates have better opportunities to secure employment in Malaysia.

Top Recruiters in Malaysia

Several well-established companies in Malaysia are known for hiring international graduates, especially those from countries like India. Below are some of the top recruiters across various sectors:

Top Employers Sector
Petronas Oil and Gas
Maybank Banking and Financial Services
Accenture Consulting and IT Services
CIMB Banking and Financial Services
HSBC Banking and Financial Services
Standard Chartered Bank Banking and Financial Services
Hong Leong Bank Banking and Financial Services

Recruitment Process in Malaysia

Most large companies prefer online applications or hiring through recruitment portals. Many also participate in campus placements, making it easier for international students to secure a job. If you’re studying in Malaysia, leverage internships and networking to increase your chances of landing a job.

Malaysia Work Permit

International graduates need a Malaysia work permit to work legally in the country. The process can be competitive, as companies must prove they were unable to find qualified Malaysian citizens for the position. There are three main types of work permits, each serving different employment scenarios:

Types of Work Permits in Malaysia

  1. Employment Pass (EP): Suitable for professionals in technical and managerial roles with a minimum salary of RM 3,000 per month.
  2. Professional Visit Pass: For foreign workers offering specialized services such as technical support on a short-term contract (up to 12 months).
  3. Temporary Employment Pass: For unskilled or semi-skilled workers, generally valid for up to 2 years.

Employers in Malaysia are responsible for sponsoring and submitting applications for the work permit. Therefore, securing a job offer is essential before applying for a permit.

Malaysia Work Permit Document Requirements

Indian students will need the following documents to obtain a Malaysian work permit:

  • Job offer letter from a Malaysian employer
  • Passport with at least six months of validity
  • Medical report approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Health
  • Filled visa and work permit application forms
  • Academic qualifications and proof of work experience
  • Visa application fee and passport-sized photographs

The approval process can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of permit and the specific job role.

Employment Pass in Malaysia

The Employment Pass is the most common work permit for international professionals. It allows foreign nationals to work in Malaysia for 1-5 years, depending on the contract and job profile.

Categories of Employment Pass:

  1. Category I: For high-level professionals with a minimum salary of RM 10,000 per month. This pass is valid for up to five years.
  2. Category II: For mid-level professionals with a salary between RM 5,000 and RM 9,999. Valid for up to two years.
  3. Category III: For entry-level roles with salaries between RM 3,000 and RM 4,999. This pass is valid for up to one year and can be renewed for a maximum of two years.

Key Points:

  • Your employer needs to apply for your Employment Pass.
  • You can switch jobs in Malaysia, but your new employer must reapply for the pass.
  • Family members can join you under a Dependent Pass, subject to conditions.

Working in Malaysia can be a rewarding experience for Indian graduates, especially in high-demand sectors. While competition for jobs can be tough due to the growing number of local graduates, having the right skills and securing a strong job offer improves your chances significantly. Understanding the work permit process and employment pass options ensures you are well-prepared to start your career in Malaysia.

FAQs

Ques. What are the best industries for Indian graduates to work in Malaysia?

Ans. The top industries for Indian graduates in Malaysia include information technology, banking, oil and gas, biotechnology, and medical technology. These sectors regularly hire international professionals due to a shortage of local talent in specialized roles.

Ques. What is the average salary for software engineers in Malaysia?

Ans. The average salary for software engineers in Malaysia is around RM 53,067 per year, with salaries ranging from RM 7,000 to RM 107,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Ques. Can Indian students work in Malaysia while studying?

Ans. International students in Malaysia on a student visa can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during semester breaks and holidays, but only in certain sectors such as restaurants, petrol stations, mini-markets, and hotels.

Ques. How can Indian students find a job in Malaysia after graduation?

Ans. Indian students should focus on internships, networking events, and attending job fairs during their studies. Applying for jobs online through company websites or job portals is also a good way to secure employment. Additionally, consider gaining skills in high-demand areas such as software engineering, project management, and data analysis.

Ques. How long does the work permit application process take?

Ans. The process for obtaining a work permit in Malaysia can take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on the specific type of permit and the complexity of the job role.

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