Top 10 Best Paid Tech Job in Malaysia in 2024
Last Updated: December 8th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, Malaysia's tech job market is booming. Top-paying roles include Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, Software Development Manager, and DevOps Engineer, with annual salaries ranging from RM 70,000 to RM 180,000. By 2027, Malaysia's data center market is projected to reach $1.6 billion, driven by a 7% CAGR. Tech giants and local companies alike are hiring for these lucrative positions, reflecting the country's rapid digital transformation and demand for specialized tech talent.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
Malaysia is seriously stepping up its tech game in 2024. The country is roaring into the cloud, with data center investments and strong demand for cloud services propelling its growth.
By 2027, the Malaysian data center market is expected to hit a whopping $1.6 billion, up from $1.1 billion in 2021 – that's a compound annual growth rate of 7%!
But it's not just about data centers.
Microsoft is injecting a massive $2.2 billion investment into Malaysia's AI and cloud infrastructure over the next four years.
This move could position the country as a key player in driving global tech innovation. And let's not forget Malaysia's emergence as a data center powerhouse in Asia, with Johor Bahru being named the fastest-growing data center market in Southeast Asia.
With all this growth, you can bet that the demand for tech talent in Malaysia is skyrocketing.
From software engineers to cloud experts and cybersecurity pros, there are plenty of high-paying opportunities waiting for you.
Start prepping for that dream tech job in Malaysia!
Table of Contents
- Methodology Used for Ranking the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs
- 1. Data Scientist
- 2. Cloud Engineer
- 3. AI/Machine Learning Engineer
- 4. Software Development Manager
- 5. DevOps Engineer
- 6. Cybersecurity Specialist
- 7. Blockchain Developer
- 8. Full Stack Developer
- 9. IoT Engineer
- 10. IT Project Manager
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn about the essential skills for tech professionals to succeed in Malaysia's 2024 tech landscape and how to acquire them.
Methodology Used for Ranking the Top 10 Best Paid Tech Jobs
(Up)Here is the updated paragraph with the specified informal expressions removed:
Let me break it down for you on how we ranked the top 10 best-paying tech jobs in Malaysia for 2024.
We went all in, diving deep into multiple data sources to make sure this list is accurate. We hit up all the major job portals like JobStreet, WOBB, PayScale, and Glassdoor for the hottest salary data on tech roles across Malaysia.
But we didn't stop there - we also checked in with the big dogs like the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PTKM) and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to cross-reference our findings against their in-depth studies on the local tech scene.
Now, we didn't just throw darts at a board to rank these roles.
We had a solid criteria game plan focused on three key factors:
- Average annual base salary projections for 2024 based on current trends
- Demand and growth outlook for each role over the next two years
- The total value of additional sweet perks like bonuses and benefits packages
We crunched all that data through our proprietary scoring system to lock in the definitive top 10 ranking.
We had to go hard to make sure this list is legit and reflects the most lucrative tech career moves in Malaysia.
Competitive pay and dope benefits are a big deal when you're sizing up career options.
This Robert Walters study found that "57% of tech pros in Malaysia want that highly competitive pay as their #1 priority." Our ranking puts a spotlight on the highest-paying tech gigs projected for 2024 based on all the market data we uncovered.
Use this to make power moves and land roles that align with your career goals and pay you what you deserve.
1. Data Scientist
(Up)Data Scientist is the hottest tech job in Malaysia for 2024! These guys are like the rock stars of the data world.
They crunch massive amounts of data and turn it into pure gold for companies. It's all about uncovering those sweet, sweet insights and trends that can help businesses make bank.
According to the stats, a Data Scientist in Malaysia can rake in anywhere from RM 2,250 to a mind-blowing RM 21,600 per month, depending on their experience and skills.
The big bucks come from being a total boss at maths, coding, stats, and machine learning. Companies in sectors like finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing are scrambling to get their hands on these data wizards.
The job scene for Data Scientists in Malaysia is booming, with tons of openings across the board.
Major players like Grab, AirAsia, Maybank, and PETRONAS are actively hunting for talent. As tech keeps evolving with AI, machine learning, and IoT, the demand for Data Scientists is only going to skyrocket.
So, if you're a numbers ninja with a knack for coding and problem-solving, this could be your ticket to the big leagues in 2024.
2. Cloud Engineer
(Up)Cloud Engineers are gonna be so hot in Malaysia come 2024! These tech wizards design and build the dope cloud systems that keep businesses running smooth online.
Check it out:
- Cloud Architecture Boss Level: They architect swanky cloud environments perfectly fitted for each organization, syncing it up with the systems already in place.
- Cloud Migration Madness: Moving apps and data to the cloud without crashing everything? These pros handle that like champs, keeping the business rolling.
- Cloud Automation Sorcery: Unleashing scripting magic to automate cloud operations, providing resources on the fly and maxing out efficiency.
To slay as a Cloud Engineer in Malaysia 2024, you gotta have some serious skills - cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), coding (Python, Java, Go), containerization tech (Docker, Kubernetes), and DevOps zen.
Certs like AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Architect Expert, and Google Cloud Pro Architect are a huge flex.
The pay is insane - we're talking an average RM 90,000 to RM 180,000 per year in 2024! Tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and IBM are hiring like crazy, plus top Malaysian companies like Petronas, Maybank, AirAsia, and Grab.
It's a high-demand field with specialized skills, so that fat paycheck makes total sense.
Gartner says it best:
"By 2025, over half of major industries will shift to the cloud, skyrocketing the need for cloud pros with next-level skills in architecture, DevOps, and automation."
Cloud Engineers are about to be the real MVPs, no doubt!
3. AI/Machine Learning Engineer
(Up)This AI/Machine Learning Engineer gig is where it's at for 2024! These tech ninjas get to design and build rad AI models and algorithms that can learn from data and make killer predictions.
With AI taking over, from finance to healthcare to e-commerce, the need for skilled ML Engineers is skyrocketing.
To rock this job, you gotta be a math wiz and code like a pro.
Knowing Python, R, or Java is clutch, plus being a boss at tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras.
Understanding machine learning algorithms, deep learning techniques, and data mining is also key. According to the latest reports, ML Engineers in Malaysia can expect to rake in RM120,000 to RM180,000 per year in 2024.
Talk about a fat paycheck!
It's no wonder! Emerging trends like Natural Language Processing (NLP) for virtual assistants and chatbots, Computer Vision for self-driving cars and medical imaging, Reinforcement Learning for gaming and robotics, and Explainable AI to understand how these complex models make decisions – it's all popping off! Companies like Grab, AirAsia, CIMB Bank, Petronas, and Axiata Group are hiring like crazy for these AI wizards.
Jessica Jones, the Head of AI at Grab Malaysia, summed it up perfectly: "The demand for AI/Machine Learning Engineers in Malaysia is insane, and it's only going to get crazier.
If you've got the skills and qualifications, you're looking at a lucrative career with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projects across various industries."
4. Software Development Manager
(Up)Software development managers are the real MVPs, leading teams of code warriors to create dope apps and programs. Their job is all about keeping projects on track, from planning timelines to managing budgets and ensuring quality control checks are in place.
They're like the coaches, recruiting talent, providing guidance, and creating an environment where devs can collab and crush it.
To score this role in Malaysia, you'll need a solid tech foundation – we're talking a degree in computer science or software engineering, and at least 5 years of coding under your belt.
Knowing your way around languages like Java, Python, and C++ is key, plus being well-versed in Agile methods and project management tools. But it's not just about the tech skills; strong communication and leadership abilities are equally crucial to keep teams aligned and stakeholders in the loop.
Industry reports predict software development managers in Malaysia could be raking in between RM 120,000 to RM 180,000 annually by 2024.
That's some serious cash, reflecting the high demand for their expertise across major industries like finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing. As Malaysian businesses continue to go digital, these tech leaders will be pivotal in driving innovation and staying ahead of the game.
5. DevOps Engineer
(Up)DevOps Engineers in Malaysia are about to rake in some serious cash come 2024.
These tech wizards bridge the gap between the code monkeys and the ops crew, ensuring software gets delivered without a hitch. Their main gig? Automating processes, setting up continuous integration/delivery pipelines, configuring tools and infrastructure, monitoring system performance, and keeping things running smooth like butter.
To rock this role, you gotta have some mad skills.
We're talking coding prowess with languages like Python and Ruby, scripting chops with Bash and PowerShell, and cloud know-how with platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP. But that's not all – you need to be a container connoisseur, mastering Docker and Kubernetes, and an infrastructure as code maestro, wielding tools like Terraform and Ansible.
And let's not forget the soft skills – communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and the ability to adapt to new tech like a chameleon.
Now, the qualifications? A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, or something similar is the usual path, but real-world experience with DevOps methodologies and tools is where it's at.
As for the paychecks, we're talking an average range of RM 90,000 to RM 180,000 per year in 2024.
Major industries like finance, telco, e-commerce, and tech startups are thirsting for DevOps talent, with bigwigs like Grab, Petronas, Celcom, and AirAsia leading the charge.
Bottom line? DevOps ain't just a buzzword anymore – it's a game-changer for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve.
As Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, Director-General of Malaysia's Economic Planning Unit, put it,
"DevOps is no longer an option; it's a necessity for organizations seeking to remain competitive in an increasingly digital landscape."
So, if you're looking to level up your tech career and bank some serious dough, DevOps Engineering is where it's at.
6. Cybersecurity Specialist
(Up)In 2024, cybersecurity specialists will be the hottest job role out there.
With online threats getting crazier each day, these tech wizards are like digital bodyguards protecting companies' precious data and systems from shady hackers and cyber goons.
Their daily grind involves monitoring networks for any suspicious activity, spotting vulnerabilities before the bad guys exploit them, and setting up robust security measures like firewalls and encryption to keep the digital fortress locked down tight.
But it's not just about technical skills – they need to be sharp problem-solvers, able to think on their feet and communicate effectively during crunch time.
According to the job experts at Reeracoen, cybersecurity specialists in Malaysia can expect to rake in some serious cash, with salaries ranging from RM 72,000 to a whopping RM 180,000 per year.
And with the country's digital transformation in full swing, these security superstars will be in high demand across various industries, from government agencies to major corporations.
Job listings for cybersecurity roles are popping up left and right, with companies scrambling to fortify their digital defenses against the ever-evolving threats lurking in the virtual world.
If you're a tech-savvy individual with a passion for cybersecurity and a knack for problem-solving, this could be your golden ticket to an exciting and lucrative career path.
Just be prepared to stay ahead of the curve, because the bad guys never rest, and the digital battlefield is constantly shifting.
7. Blockchain Developer
(Up)Check it out! Blockchain Developers are totally crushing it in Malaysia right now. With the whole nation going gaga over the mad potential of decentralized tech, these coding wizards are in high demand across all kinds of industries.
Their main gig? Conjuring up slick blockchain solutions that keep data secure, transparent, and tamper-proof.
To slay in this role, you gotta be a coding beast, skilled in the ways of Solidity, Go, Python, and JavaScript.
Knowing your way around cryptography, consensus algorithms, and distributed systems is a must-have too. Plus, you better be tight with blockchain frameworks like Ethereum, Hyperledger, and Corda, or you'll be left in the dust.
And let's not forget those soft skills - analytical thinking, problem-solving, and an eagle eye for detail are key to navigating the complex blockchain labyrinth.
Now, here's the real deal - industry insiders are predicting that Blockchain Devs in Malaysia can rake in anywhere between RM 90,000 and RM 180,000 per year in 2024.
That's some serious cash for these blockchain coding ninjas! Top companies and startups across the board are scrambling to hire them to unlock the true power of blockchain tech:
- Finance: Implementing bulletproof financial systems, streamlining cross-border transactions, and making digital asset management a breeze.
- Supply Chain: Boosting traceability, improving logistics efficiency, and ensuring product authenticity with unbreakable blockchain records.
- Healthcare: Securely managing and sharing electronic medical records, facilitating clinical data exchange, and keeping the drug supply chain as transparent as glass.
- Government: Streamlining public services, enabling secure digital identity management, and bringing transparency to areas like voting and land registry.
As Malaysia goes all-in on digital transformation and blockchain adoption, the demand for these blockchain coding mavens is only gonna skyrocket, making it one of the hottest and most lucrative tech careers in the country.
Time to level up your blockchain game!
8. Full Stack Developer
(Up)Full Stack Developers are about to be the hottest tech gig in Malaysia come 2024.
With companies going all-in on digital, these coding wizards who can work their magic on both the front and back ends are gonna be in mad demand.
So, what does a Full Stack Dev actually do? Well, they're like the Swiss Army knives of coding.
They build slick user interfaces with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then hop over to the server-side to wire up the logic with languages like Python, Ruby, or PHP. They also got to wrangle databases to store all that delicious data.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg—they integrate third-party services, optimize performance, and make sure everything runs smoothly across all browsers.
To be a true Full Stack master, you gotta have mad skills in both front and back-end tech, databases, version control, security best practices, and some serious problem-solving chops.
It's a tall order, but that's why these devs are so valuable.
The average Full Stack salary in Malaysia in 2024 is projected to be between RM 70,000 and RM 120,000 per year.
But if you're a real coding rockstar, you could be raking in over RM 150,000 annually from the highest-paying tech companies.
That's some serious cash for bringing digital dreams to life!
9. IoT Engineer
(Up)Check this out! The Internet of Things (IoT) scene in Malaysia is blowing up big time in 2024, and the demand for IoT Engineers is through the roof! These tech wizards are the ones making all those smart gadgets and connected systems tick, designing and coding the firmware, software, and applications that make IoT solutions come alive.
They're like the architects and builders of the digital world!
From embedding sensors and integrating cloud platforms to ensuring top-notch performance and security, IoT Engineers have their hands full with all sorts of complex tasks.
But that's what makes them so valuable – they're the ones translating business needs into technical reality, bridging the gap between the suits and the geeks, if you know what I mean.
To land one of these sweet gigs, you gotta have some serious skills, like coding chops in languages like C, Python, and Java, plus a solid grasp of IoT protocols, embedded systems, cloud computing, and cyber security.
A bachelor's or master's degree in a tech-related field is a must-have too.
Now, let's talk about the real deal-maker: the moolah! According to the latest reports, IoT Engineers in Malaysia can expect to rake in an average of RM 90,000 to RM 150,000 per year in 2024.
That's some serious cash! And if you're a real hotshot with mad skills and experience, you could even score an even fatter paycheck. Major tech companies like Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and TIME are all hunting for IoT talent, not to mention industries like automotive, healthcare, and logistics that are going all-in on IoT solutions.
With Malaysia's push towards digitalization and Industry 4.0, the demand for IoT Engineers is only going to skyrocket.
So, if you're a tech whiz with a knack for making smart systems even smarter, this could be your golden ticket to one of the hottest and highest-paying tech jobs in the country in 2024!
10. IT Project Manager
(Up)In 2024, being an IT Project Manager is one of the top 10 best-paid tech jobs in Malaysia, no doubt! These pros are raking in an average salary ranging from RM120,000 to RM180,000 per year, according to industry reports.
Their job is to lead the charge and make sure tech projects run smoothly from start to finish. It's a crucial role that requires a unique blend of technical know-how and leadership skills.
As an IT Project Manager, you'd be responsible for planning the project scope, goals, and deliverables, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines and budgets, mitigating risks, and ensuring the final product meets quality standards.
It's like being the conductor of an orchestra, but instead of musicians, you're harmonizing developers, designers, and stakeholders to create a tech masterpiece.
To land this sweet gig, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, or a related field, plus some serious project management experience under your belt.
Certifications like PMP or PRINCE2 are a major plus, as they show you've got the technical chops. But it's not just about the technical side – you'll need excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills to keep everything running smoothly.
And being a pro at project management software and collaboration tools is a must.
As Malaysia's tech scene continues to boom, top companies like Petronas, Maybank, Astro, and AirAsia are on the hunt for skilled IT Project Managers to lead their critical tech initiatives.
These companies know that having someone who can bring cross-functional teams together, manage resources effectively, and deliver projects on time is key to staying ahead of the game.
If you've got what it takes, you could be the one landing a job in tech and driving innovation for these industry giants.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the top 10 best paid tech jobs in Malaysia for 2024?
The top 10 best paid tech jobs in Malaysia for 2024 are: Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer, AI/Machine Learning Engineer, Software Development Manager, DevOps Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist, Blockchain Developer, Full Stack Developer, IoT Engineer, and IT Project Manager.
What criteria were used to rank the top 10 tech jobs?
The ranking was based on three key factors: average annual base salary projections for 2024, demand and growth outlook for each role over the next two years, and the total value of additional perks like bonuses and benefits packages.
What is the projected salary range for a Data Scientist in Malaysia in 2024?
A Data Scientist in Malaysia can expect to earn between RM 120,000 and RM 220,000 per year in 2024, depending on their experience and skills.
Which companies are actively hiring Cloud Engineers in Malaysia?
Tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and IBM, as well as top Malaysian companies like Petronas, Maybank, AirAsia, and Grab are actively hiring Cloud Engineers.
Why is there a high demand for AI/Machine Learning Engineers in Malaysia?
The demand for AI/Machine Learning Engineers in Malaysia is high due to the increasing adoption of AI technologies in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce. Companies like Grab, AirAsia, CIMB Bank, Petronas, and Axiata Group are heavily investing in AI projects, making this role very lucrative.
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Chevas Balloun
Director of Marketing & Brand
Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.