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I bet you always talked to your friends about how you want to get rich together and be in high-paid job positions.
I believe many SPM graduates fret over college majors and future income prospects in today’s fast-evolving job landscape, especially with the rise of technology and AI.
However, Malaysia’s job market still offers profitable opportunities in various skill-demanding fields.
Here’s a list of the high-paying jobs in 2024, offering ample opportunities for SPM graduates to pursue relevant majors or consider career shifts.
Let’s Dive into The 7 Highest-Paying Jobs in Malaysia!
1. Banking, Accounting and Finance Field
In Malaysia, the banking, accounting, and finance field has always been very popular, and many university students choose to study related majors.
This is because:
Economic Development: As a fast-growing country in Southeast Asia, it’s prompt growth in banking, accounting, and finance sectors, creating a sustained need for talent.
Salary and Benefits: Compared to other professions, the salary and benefits in these industries are relatively high, especially for employees in foreign banks and financial institutions, who may earn over RM10,000 per month. They offer competitive compensation and benefits packages.
Career Development: In these industries, there are straightforward paths for career growth. If you’re keen to learn, stay competitive, and gain experience, you’ll find opportunities for advancing to higher positions. Plus, they offer continuous learning and development, setting the stage for great career progress.
Social Recognition: The banking, accounting, and finance industries are considered traditional white-collar professions, and they are generally viewed by the public as jobs held by professionals.
So, what are some high-paying positions in these three industries?
Bank Executives
Proficient in risk management and financial planning, with annual incomes reaching up to RM200,000 (depending on experience).
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Responsible for the financial operations of the company, providing financial statements, investment choices, and controlling all budgets of the company, with an average annual income of RM150,000.
Accountant
Besides handling a company’s accounts, dealing with taxes, and recording and organizing its transactions, accountants also analyze financial data and provide strategic financial insights. They are the foundation of a company’s financial organization, with an annual income of approximately up to RM70,000.
If I want to work in these industries, what majors should I study?
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Accounting and Finance
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Finance
- Bachelor of Banking and Finance
- Bachelor of Business and Commerce
- Bachelor of International Business
2. Healthcare Field
The healthcare field is always in demand due to factors like the aging population and increasing health awareness. There’s a constant need for professionals like doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Malaysian government clinics often lack enough staff, so there’s an urgent need for more healthcare workers.
Becoming a doctor involves a longer educational journey and ongoing learning, which can be seen as challenging by some.
But, did you know that the income of professionals in the healthcare field is very fruitful? Here are some examples:
Medical Director
Individuals who reach this position have extensive medical experience. As executives in hospitals, they need to formulate the hospital’s strategic direction. So, their annual income can typically reach up to RM500,000.
Surgeon
Surgeons are responsible for complex surgeries and providing meticulous treatment to patients. They are skilled medical experts, and as such, their annual income can reach up to RM300,000.
Physician
Physicians do not perform surgeries. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases and providing preventive care and health counseling to patients. Therefore, their annual income is somewhat lower than surgeons, ranging from around RM150,000 to RM250,000 (depending on experience and specialization).
Nurse
Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. They are in charge of assessing and monitoring patients’ health conditions, developing and implementing care plans, helping doctors, and more. The average annual income for nurses is around RM60,000 (depending on their experience and position).
If you are interested in healthcare, you can take the following subjects in college:
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Medical Science
- Bachelor of Human Nutrition
3. Sales Field
With rising economic growth and increased spending power, people are investing in improving their quality of life, leading to more job openings in sales. Additionally, Malaysian government policies supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are motivating young entrepreneurs.
These factors have boosted interest in the field, attracting individuals keen on entrepreneurship as well as sales roles, notably in real estate, which has become a coveted career choice for the youth.
Real estate agents enjoy flexible hours, independence, and ongoing learning, plus great commission and bonuses. This career path can fast-track financial independence for young people. Just remember, the more you hustle and close deals, the bigger your paycheck.
Taking real estate agents as an example, previous data shows that the average annual income for real estate agents in Malaysia can reach up to RM84,000.
If you also want to join the ranks of real estate agents, although the minimum requirement is only an SPM diploma, if you aim for more advancement opportunities in your career, you may consider these majors:
- Bachelor of Real Estate Management
- Bachelor of Real Estate
4. Software development and IT field
Don’t ever think that software development and the IT field are limited to just technology and internet companies!
In today’s tech-driven world, everything is going digital. The surge of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud computing is accelerating IT’s growth.
From coffee shop apps to restaurant QR ordering systems, IT professionals are behind the scenes, shaping industries. This demand is skyrocketing job opportunities and salaries in software development and IT across various enterprises.
The IT field covers a wide range of technologies, and salaries vary depending on different skills and experience levels. It’s like:
Software Engineer
Responsible for developing secure and efficient software systems, including writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining program code. The more experienced and higher the position, the higher the salary, with an average annual income ranging from over RM100,000 to RM300,000.
Network Engineer
Responsible for planning, designing, implementing, maintaining, and managing network systems within an enterprise, as well as installing and debugging network equipment hardware and software. Expected annual income can range from RM60,000 to RM120,000 (depending on expertise and experience).
Cybersecurity Specialist
Plans and implements security measures to protect a company’s networks and systems, while also monitoring network security vulnerabilities to ensure the operation of the company’s computers and networks in a secure environment. Expected annual income can range from RM60,000 to RM120,000 (depending on expertise and experience).
Data Analyst
Helps companies collect, analyze, extract, and refine messy data to turn it into useful information for the company to take appropriate actions. The annual income for this role can also range from RM60,000 to RM120,000 (depending on expertise and experience).
As the IT field rapidly develops and triggers a talent frenzy in the industry, if you are also passionate about networking, when enrolling in college, you can choose these majors:
- Bachelor of Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Data Science
- Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
5. Digital Marketing Field
With the increasing prevalence of the internet and people spending more time on social media, it has brought various business opportunities for marketers, thus promoting the development of digital marketing.
Compared to traditional marketing activities, digital marketing is more interactive, dynamic, and sustainable. It also allows companies to understand customer website visits, thereby improving customer retention rates.
In order to achieve the best promotional results for their products and retain as many customers as possible, companies will establish their own digital marketing teams or seek the assistance of third-party marketing teams.
Therefore, digital marketing experts who are creative, innovative, sensitive to social media trends, and understand social media algorithms and language are highly sought after in the industry.
In order to attract these talents, the industry also offers quite high salaries. The average annual salary for digital marketing experts may start from RM70,000 and could potentially reach RM100,000 as their experience accumulates.
At the same time, there are forecasts indicating that digital marketing will continue to grow, and the career outlook is promising. If you are passionate about social media, you may consider the following college majors:
- Bachelor of Business/ Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Communication
- Bachelor of Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Advertising
6. Data Science Field
In today’s data-driven world, information is king. It’s the backbone of every industry, guiding strategic decisions and keeping businesses on track with market trends.
But let’s face it, not everyone’s equipped to wrangle with those massive data sets. That’s where data science steps in.
Data scientists are the wizards who make sense of it all. Armed with programming chops and analytical skills, they turn raw data into actionable insights that companies can actually use.
And with demand skyrocketing across industries, data science isn’t just a job—it’s a golden ticket to lucrative careers and fat paychecks.
Just like fresh graduates, their starting salary is typically around RM6,000 per month, which is higher than the average monthly salary for graduates.
As work experience increases and one acquires more skills, becoming more proficient, salaries also increase. Monthly incomes could range from RM12,000 to RM15,000.
If you are highly interested in numbers, then these college majors are highly suitable for you:
- Bachelor of Data Science
- Bachelor of Statistics
- Bachelor of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Computer Science
7. Civil Engineering Field
From constructing towering skyscrapers to connecting communities and cities with bridges and roads, civil engineers create the “masterpieces” that shape Malaysia.
As Malaysia’s cities boom and urban populations swell, the need for housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure is on the rise, fueling the growth of civil engineering.
Government initiatives to strengthen housing, develop states, and attract foreign investment are further turbocharging this growth, powering both the economy and the civil engineering sector.
From this perspective, the employment prospects and salaries for civil engineers are very promising. The starting salary for fresh graduates is typically around RM5,000 per month.
As experience increases, salaries can reach between RM8,000 to RM10,000 per month. If one reaches positions like director or project manager, annual salaries could potentially exceed RM200,000.
Of course, to contribute to shaping Malaysia’s skyline, a solid academic background and skills are indispensable. Therefore, the following majors will help you fulfill your great aspirations:
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Architecture
As technology advances and the economy flourishes, numerous fields have surged in popularity and rapid development. Take sales, for instance—once overlooked, it’s now among the most sought-after professions, particularly among young people.
Although the seven professions mentioned above require higher education for good employment prospects and salaries, if you plan to work with an SPM diploma and still want to have a decent income, consider joining IQI as a real estate agent!
IQI utilizes technology to aid real estate agents, offering training for ongoing learning and business improvement. Join IQI today!
