There will be a noticeable shift towards high-skilled jobs, particularly in sectors such as AI, data analytics and digital services. As businesses increasingly adopt advanced technologies, the demand for skilled workers, particularly those with critical skills, will outpace supply. This situation will prompt talent to upskill for more opportunities.

In our survey, 41% of employers indicated that they anticipate the highest level of hiring activity to happen in technology next year. This is followed by 36% of respondents who expect to see significant growth in hiring within the sales and business development fields.

While the technology and manufacturing industries offer a more direct growth outlook, the prospects for the energy sector are more complex as the transition from traditional energy sources poses challenges for government, companies, and talent.

Malaysia aims to increase its renewable energy share to 20% by 2025 and 31% by 2035. However, achieving these targets requires substantial investments in alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower. The initial costs associated with grid infrastructure integration, storage solutions and land acquisition remain significant barriers for companies looking to pivot towards renewable energy.

impact of automation and digitalisation on jobs

Automation and digital transformation will significantly reshape job roles across almost all sectors in Malaysia.

According to our 2024 Employer Brand Research, 45% of respondents in Malaysia said that AI has already impacted their jobs at some levels. Of these respondents, only 6% feel negatively about the impact of AI on job satisfaction.

However, our research also found that 34% of Malaysians have never used AI at work. Without early exposure to AI, the current workforce may not be adequately equipped or confident enough to meet different expectations in the future. A report by MDEC indicated that 70% of new job openings in 2024 will require digital skills, yet only 30% of the current workforce is equipped with these competencies.

category

tags