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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.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 47% of organisations cite talent pipeline shortages.
• 45% report a lack of industry-relevant experience among candidates.
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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