Prominent Sectors for Part-time and Full-Time Jobs in Malaysia for Expats

To work in a vibrant economy with a low cost of living, Malaysia is one of the best places to stay and work among the Asian countries. While there are many avenues of employment in the country for the locals, things are not so easy for the expats. Foreign nationals may find getting full-time jobs as a challenge as the competition is very high here. The economy is a growing economy and has over the years transformed itself into a vast, multi-industry and innovation-based economy. So, the best way to work is to get part time jobs in Malaysia. Employment prospects are high for skilled and experienced candidates. So if you are an expat and plan to stay in Malaysia, then look for part-time job openings.

Some important things to consider

• Required skill, qualification and experience as per the job
• English is widely spoken but learning the official language, that is Malay, can be of great help
• Work permit from the employer
• Residents’ proof. If you stay in Malaysia for more than 182 days in a year, you are a resident of the country under Malaysian tax law.
• Normal working hours is 8 hours, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• Half working day is followed on Saturdays by some companies
• For part-time jobs in Malaysia, you can work from home or at the company’s office for few hours depending on the project undertaken.
• When you work in Malaysia, you should be prepared to deal with ethnically-diverse people from various nations.

It is to be noted that Malaysian companies more or less prefer local candidates and recruit foreign candidates only if there are no suitable Malaysians to fill in the job position. So, with many qualified nationals in the country, things become tough for international candidates. Hence, part-time jobs in Malaysia have become very sought-after for foreign candidates.

Major sectors for jobs in Malaysia

Tertiary or the service sector is the major sector providing employment to half of Malaysia’s workforce. This is followed by the industrial sector. The most notable industrial sector is the oil and gas industry. Other key industries include industries manufacturing electronics and semi-conductors, medical technology, medical devices, energy, light manufacturing, palm oil, rubber and timber.

The best know companies offering both full time and part time jobs in Malaysia are Axiata, Maxis, CIMB, Maybank, Sime Darby, PBBank etc. For various jobs in Malaysia, other prominent sectors include aerospace, biotechnology, financial services, petrochemicals, telecommunications and multimedia etc. You can look for part-time jobs openings in sectors like as education, information and communications technology and other professional services. There are part-time job openings or seasonal jobs in Malaysia's booming tourism industry. Summer work placements or internships for students are available in teaching, child care services, online marketing, customer care, and so on.

How to apply for jobs in Malaysia?

• One of the best ways to get jobs, whether full time or part-time jobs in Malaysia is to find a suitable vacancy within an MNC in your home country, having its offices in Malaysia. Then, you can request for transfer to its Malaysian offices.
• If you are on a tourist visa, then you can apply for jobs by staying in the country but once your visa gets expired, you have to return back to your home country, whether you get the job or not. If you get the job, it is your new employer who will do the needful to get your work permit.
• It is advisable to look for full-time or part-time jobs openings on a tourist visa only if you are confident, have years of experience and highly-sought after skills.
• If the above options are not possible for you, you can apply for jobs in Malaysia from your home country.
• Major employers recruit candidates through online application forms or through virtual interview if you are not in Malaysia.
• Smaller or new companies prefer to receive job applications through a CV and a cover letter.