en
Candidates

Together, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.

Learn more
Services

We understand that no two organisations are the same. Find out more about how we've customised our recruitment offerings to help clients across South East Asia meet their needs.

Read more
About Robert Walters Malaysia

Since our establishment in 2006, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.

Learn more

Work for us

Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters Malaysia.

Learn more

Malaysia to see strong demand for professionals with tech, analytics, ESG skills in 2022

Being in the second year of the pandemic, many businesses in Malaysia realised the Covid-19 pandemic was going to be the norm, and have since adapted to it. Kimberlyn Lu, CEO of Robert Walters South East Asia, shares, “The move towards normalisation has led to a strong rebound of hiring activity in Malaysia. This was seen across all sectors, from financial services and consumer segments to healthcare and manufacturing, where hiring placed on hold the previous year resumed in 2021.”

Read on as Kim shares her expectations about Malaysia’s labour market in 2022.

Tech and transformation, data analytics, ESG to shine in 2022

According to Kim, we will see three key hiring trends in Malaysia in 2022. “First, as more and more companies are going into automation and implementing digital initiatives, we can expect a lot of hiring activity around technology and transformation. Any hiring around tech-focused positions, be it for AI, e-commerce, or digital marketing, will be sustained,” Kim says.

“Additionally, we have seen tremendous demand in analytics. This cuts across all functions, in HR, risk, or finance. In a world where there is a lot of information, companies will be looking to hire professionals who know how to study, digest and interpret data to make sound business decisions,” she adds.

“We will also continue to see the rise of Environmental, Social and Governance. In 2021, we saw an increase in companies looking at ESG practices and how they can be more sustainable and socially responsible to their communities. Many companies are already in the process of incorporating ESG into their businesses. So as the government continues to drive the need for sustainability, we anticipate more hiring around ESG, and this will be prevalent across financial services, commerce, and manufacturing,” Kim reveals.

AI, e-commerce, digital transformation among key skills

In terms of skill sets in demand, Kim highlights, “We expect to see tech roles in AI, e-commerce, and digital transformation to be in highest demand. Similarly, data analytics will be an important skillset for professionals across all sectors and functions, while experience in ESG and sustainability initiatives will be highly sought after.”

“Specific to financial services, we expect there will be high demand for relationship managers skilled in managing the high-net-worth segment.”

Advice on recruiting and retaining employees

In a climate where there is a high demand for talent, hiring managers will need to make prompt decisions to recruit candidates in 2022. Kim elaborates, “Companies will have to accept that remote interviewing will be part and parcel of life and can no longer rely on traditional recruitment and business processes. Many candidates are now receiving multiple counteroffers from companies and hiring managers will need to take that into account and consider offering competitive salaries to stay ahead.”

“Potential candidates are now looking beyond performance bonuses and prioritising salaries with fixed components as well as flexibility in work arrangements. According to a survey we conducted, at least 44% of candidates will decline an offer if there is no flexibility offered,” she observes.

According to a survey we conducted, at least 44% of candidates will decline an offer if there is no flexibility offered.

 

Kim also notes, “Throughout an employee’s time in an organisation, it is important to have open and transparent discussions about career progression and to document them where necessary. We also encourage companies to take a more proactive stance and not wait for employees to resign before making counteroffers to retain them.”

Higher salary increments for job movers in in-demand roles

Kim concludes, “We expect there will be general annual salary reviews across organisations in 2022. For employees staying in their current organisations, they can expect rises of 3 to 5%. Job movers can expect 15 to 20% increases, though certain in-demand positions where candidates have multiple offers can garner increases of up to 30%.”

Find out more

Request access to our Salary Survey to benchmark salaries and find out the latest hiring and talent trends in Malaysia’s job market.

Share this article

Related content

Submit a Vacancy
Salary Survey
Hiring Advice
Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialist recruitment consultants

Related content

View All

Hiring in South East Asia: Guide and Trends in 2024

South East Asia hiring market to be driven by digitalisation, sustainability and ESG in 2024 After an extended period of widespread spending, the South East Asia job market in 2023 was marked by inflation and a slowdown in consumer demand. Even though some consumers have resumed in-store retail expe

Read More

Hiring in Malaysia: Guide and Trends in 2024

In 2023, Malaysia experienced a slightly looser job market that was fraught with uncertainties and cost-cutting measures. Ai Rene Tan, Country Manager at Robert Walters Malaysia, points to concerns arising from escalating costs, local political conditions and geopolitical events as some of the key r

Read More

Hiring in Supply Chain and Procurement: Guide and Trends in 2024

Much of what the Supply Chain & Procurement industry looked forward to in 2023 did not come to fruition. According to Aaron Low, Director at Robert Walters Malaysia, companies have adopted a cautious stance towards production and sales forecasts. While international borders have re-opened, the suppl

Read More

I'm Robert Walters Are you?

Come join our global team of creative thinkers, problem solvers and game changers. We offer accelerated career progression, a dynamic culture and expert training.