KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 31): Malaysia's burgeoning demand for specialised skills in emerging fields like gaming, cybersecurity, renewable energy (RE) and data analytics is set to boost employment. 

Talent recruitment agency Randstad Malaysia in its 2024 Job Market Outlook and Salary Trends Report forecasts a promising growth trajectory for Malaysia by foreign investments and domestic demand in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, and oil and gas (O&G).

The country director of Randstad Malaysia, Fahad Naeem highlighted the nation’s burgeoning demand for specialised skills in emerging fields like gaming, cybersecurity, renewable energy and data analytics.

“Employers are not only valuing technical expertise and certifications but are also focusing on assessing problem-solving and critical thinking skills during interviews,” he said.

In a statement on Wednesday, Randstad emphasised competitive salaries and the appeal of flexible working arrangements as key factors in attracting top talent.

With the job market being highly competitive, companies are urged to expedite their hiring processes to secure sought-after candidates.

In the energy sector, despite global price volatilities, Malaysia aims to establish itself as a key O&G hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Government incentives are expected to spur growth in both petrochemical and renewable energy sectors, with an increase in engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) projects.

Meanwhile, technology remains a resilient industry amidst a global talent shortage, with the government’s support in the 2024 budget propelling investments in cybersecurity, e-sports and regional delivery centres.

The demand for tech professionals skilled in coding, automation, and digital transformation is on the rise.

At the same time, human resources and legal sectors in Malaysia are also experiencing dynamic growth, driven by the country’s low operational costs and large talent pool.

Expertise in regional and international legal frameworks, cybersecurity and data protection is increasingly valuable.

The focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance is also expected to heighten the demand for legal professionals.