This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily on December 4, 2019 - December 10, 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: The impact of digitalisation on traditional job roles will continue to be a trend observed in Malaysia’s job market next year, with many more expected to have digital knowledge and skillsets, said Hays Malaysia.

The recruitment firm said apart from a high demand for digital professionals in data analytics, cyber security and information technology regulations, professionals in human resources (HR) and marketing will also be increasingly expected to have digital knowledge and skillsets.

It said automation will also impact functions across industries, particularly in HR, supply chain and finance sectors. Hence, positions that involve high levels of simple repetition, such as finance data entry roles are at high risk of becoming redundant, while in HR and supply chain, knowledge of relevant software has become vital.

Underlying this transformation is a demand for senior professionals with experience in directing and implementing change. This includes HRBPs (HR business partners) and CISO (chief information security officers) who will be required to work cross functionally and have strong stakeholder management skills.

“The rapid pace of digital change in Malaysia has laid the way for a new set of challenges and opportunities in 2020,” said Hays Malaysia managing director Tom Osborne.

“However, the country’s movements towards re-industrialisation and a more digital, automated workforce is well in tune with global movements towards the same,” Osborne said in statement.

“The continuous support of the Malaysian government will help sustain and accelerate these industries, bolstered by the country’s healthy economy and favourable market conditions amidst trade tensions,” he added.