Malaysia’s recruitment market is set to see a severe shortage of software development talent as nearly all industries speed up their efforts in launching mobile applications to serve their clients, according to recruiting experts Hays in Malaysia.
This is one key finding from the latest Hays Quarterly Report, for the October to December quarter, which analyses trends of the job market in the country.
Tom Osborne, Regional Director of Hays in Malaysia, said: “Candidates skilful in iOS and Android development are a rare asset in Malaysia. The strong demand for experienced professionals won’t be met in the near future.”
“Companies are aware of the rising popularity of mobile applications and have started to explore mobile technologies, driving demand for developers in the candidate-short market. This trend will continue for a certain period of time.”
Findings also state that qualified mobile developers prefer to work as freelancers such that they can rake in more income by taking several projects at the same time.
“Information technology professionals are highly sought after due to the fast expansion of IT industry worldwide,” says Tom. “We also see increasing demand for IT security professionals and those who are quicker to learn new technologies always stand out”.
According to the Hays Quarterly Report for October to December, demand is highest for the following skilled professionals:
Tax Managers – Organisations are starting to create new tax positions with candidates specialising in direct tax, indirect tax and transfer pricing all in high demand.
Financial Planning & Analysis Managers – Financial planning & analysis managers are in high demand, particularly in the heavy manufacturing industries.
Commercial Finance Analysts – Companies need more accurate analysis on how the market is performing.
Relationship Managers – Candidates with experience of cross-selling products are preferred by employers.
Credit Appraisers & Credit Structuring –Candidates with credit assessment skills will be highly sought after.
Internal Auditors – Banks need more internal auditors to ensure their operations are in check.
See: Tech Talent Gap Growing Larger in Malaysia despite Slow Economy
Cyber Security professionals – A surge in demand for cyber security professionals is expected after the number of security incidents have increased.
Business Intelligence/Data Warehouse Engineers – Those with project management skills are in high demand.
Talent Management professionals – They are much sought after to help boost talent retention.
Human Resource Business Partners – Business partners are still in demand to develop people within the organisation.
Software Developers – They are much needed to help companies develop more mobile applications.
IT/Cyber Security professionals – Organisations need security professionals to ensure smooth running of their system.
Branch Managers – Fresh demand arises due to the expansion of network.
Financial Risk and Insurance Risk Managers – Those who can manage stringent mandates and guidelines vetted by regulators are in high demand.
Executive Assistants – Candidates with high level of upper management skills are highly sought after.
HR Executives professionals – Office professionals who can take over HR executive roles and assist HR departments on HR administration activities are in high demand.
After-sales Team Leaders – Organisations have realised the importance of maintaining a loyal customer base.
Parts and Accessories Managers – who are able to develop business strategies, can design pricing structures and plan and maintain budgets, are in high demand.
Supply Chain Directors – Companies are seeking to enhance all current business processes as well as trying to align their business goals and vision.
Demand Planner Managers – It’s a highly niche area requiring extensive analysis ability and number crunching.
Procurement Managers – Companies are looking for high-skilled managers who can lead independently.
In commercial sectors, software developers are also in short supply with competition for qualified talent becoming cut-throat. Meanwhile, human resources managers are expecting a busy time ahead as they will have to quicken the process of developing talent in line with companies’ growth strategies.
“Talent management aimed at bolstering talent retention is also an important function now. Candidates with skills needed by employers will easily receive multiple offers in this quarter.”
Also read: Global Recruitment Partnership to Help Malaysian Businesses Hire Right in the Digital Age
Image credit: hays.com.my
