Four broad industries – semiconductor and wafer fabrication, electrical and electronics (E&E), computer and IT (software), and transportation and logistics – have recovered to pre-pandemic levels or even higher, said JobStreet an established job search application platform here in Malaysia.
According to its Job Outlook Report 2022, even the industries hardest hit by Covid-19 have shown signs of recovery in the number of job opportunities posted and applications received on the platform.
“The study details the supply and demand of jobs in Malaysia to give employers a clear view for future hiring plans,” said operations director Ashwin Jeyapalasingam.
“It is also aimed at helping employers allocate hiring resources more effectively, better understand the job market sentiment while enabling them to draw out more optimised remuneration schemes.”
Ashwin said that these four broad industries experienced strong recovery and growth primarily due to digital transformation initiatives which increased productivity and operational efficiencies.
The study said that demand for semiconductors rose strongly last year due to digital transformation brought by the pandemic and shortages in the automotive industry. Around 70% of job ads for the semiconductor and wafer fabrication industry were for engineering and manufacturing specialisations, with a majority from Penang (55% of job ads).
Meanwhile, the E&E industry remained resilient in driving growth of the healthcare, automotive and retail sectors. Engineering-related posts contributed the most industry job ads at 35.8%, with Penang once again accounting for 50% of job ads, followed by Selangor at 23%.
The growth in the number of job postings and applications in the computer and IT (software) industry reflected the global shortage of IT talents, indicating that employers need to attract workers with better compensation, benefits, and work arrangements. Selangor was the most advertised location in 2021 (41% of job ads) with engineering (9.4%) and sales (9.3%) specialisations being in demand.
The rise of online shopping has created a myriad of job opportunities in logistic companies and third-party logistics sectors. Job ads for logistics and supply chain management specialisations increased by 48%, or 30% of job ads posted. Positions situated in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur accounted for 77% of job ads.
Other industries showing gradual and steady recovery include healthcare and medical, manufacturing and production, food and beverages, retail and merchandise, building, construction, and engineering, as well as banking and finance.
The report also noted that hiring activities increased with more people having been fully vaccinated, coupled with easing of movement restrictions. Most industries (55 out of 60) saw increases in job ad postings in Q4 2021.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chief digital industry officer Gopi Ganesalingam commended JobStreet adding “At MDEC, we are continuously elevating Malaysia’s digital ecosystem to be of global standards, while covering stakeholders from the government (public) industry (private) and global ecosystems,” said Gopi.
“Areas covered include community engagements with entrepreneurs, accelerators, venture builders, funders/investors, policymakers – from start-up disruptors to scaling them to be unicorns – and creating gainful employment for Malaysians.”
JobStreet is part of SEEK, the global leader in online employment marketplaces. The study forms part of its commitment to nation-building, its clients and jobseekers as well as the industries it serves.
