Optimism Grows for Malaysia’s Job Market in 2025

The Robert Walters Salary Survey 2025 reveals a positive outlook for Malaysia’s hiring landscape, driven by economic recovery, government initiatives, and evolving workplace dynamics. The annual survey gathered insights from over 500 professionals and organisations, highlighting trends and challenges for mid to senior-level talent in the coming year.

Job market survey Key Findings

Strong Hiring and Job Market Confidence

• 55% of organisations plan to expand hiring in the next 6-12 months.

• 64% of professionals feel optimistic about their career prospects, with 44% actively job hunting despite being employed.

This optimism stems from Malaysia’s economic stability and the introduction of initiatives under the Madani Budget 2025, focusing on high-value industries and digital transformation.

Rising Salary Expectations Amid Competition

• 85% of companies plan to raise salaries in 2025, with 71% offering 1-5% increments.

• Professionals are increasingly ambitious, with 32% seeking salary hikes of 25% or more when switching jobs.

However, 63% of employers struggle to meet these expectations, citing challenges in offering competitive pay and benefits.

Upskilling and Skills-Based Hiring Gain Traction

• 77% of employers are investing in training and development programs to retain and attract talent.

• Organisations value soft skills like problem-solving (69%), resilience (43%), and teamwork (41%) alongside technical competencies.

The rise of AI and industry shifts has pushed companies to prioritise hiring for potential and equipping employees with in-demand skills.

Work Culture and Flexibility Matter to Job Seekers

While salary remains a top priority for 52% of professionals, flexible working hours (77%) and a positive workplace culture (35%) are key factors influencing job decisions. Employees value open leadership and collaborative environments.

Challenges in 2025:

• 47% of organisations cite talent pipeline shortages.

• 45% report a lack of industry-relevant experience among candidates.

Poised for growth

Malaysia’s job market is poised for growth as economic strategies create new opportunities. However, employers must navigate shifting candidate expectations, heightened salary demands, and the need for skills-focused hiring. As professionals seek more meaningful benefits and dynamic workplaces, companies must adopt innovative approaches to attract and retain top talent.

Now in its 26th year, the Robert Walters Salary Survey serves as a critical tool for benchmarking and understanding salary trends across industries.

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