66 Critical Jobs in Malaysia (2026): Full MyCOL List by TalentCorp

Malaysia's workforce is changing, and many employers are finding it harder to hire skilled employees.

To help businesses, job seekers, education providers, and policymakers better understand the country's workforce needs, TalentCorp publishes the MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL).

The latest MyCOL 2024/2025 identifies 66 critical jobs across 18 industries, an increase from 37 jobs in the previous edition. These are jobs that employers consistently struggle to fill because there are not enough qualified candidates to meet current demand.

The report is more than just a list of jobs. It provides evidence-based insights into Malaysia's labour market and helps different stakeholders make better decisions about hiring, workforce planning, education, and talent development.

Whether you're hiring employees, planning your career, or deciding which skills to develop, the MyCOL report provides valuable insights into where Malaysia needs talent the most.

What Is the MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL)?

The MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL) is a report published by TalentCorp that identifies jobs facing long-term talent shortages in Malaysia.

The report is developed using labour market data, employer surveys, industry feedback, and input from government agencies and industry experts.

Its purpose is to identify jobs that are difficult to fill and provide a clearer picture of Malaysia's current and future workforce needs.

MyCOL helps different groups make informed decisions, including:

Employers

Employers can use the report to:

Identify jobs that are becoming harder to hire.
Plan future recruitment strategies.
Improve workforce planning.
Invest in employee upskilling and reskilling.

Job Seekers

Job seekers can use the report to:

Understand which careers are currently in demand.
Explore industries with strong long-term growth.
Identify skills that employers are looking for.
Make better career and learning decisions.

Universities and Training Providers

Education providers can use MyCOL to align their courses and training programmes with industry needs, helping graduates become more job-ready.

Government and Policymakers

Government agencies can use the report to support workforce planning, improve education policies, and develop programmes that address Malaysia's talent shortages.

What Makes a Job "Critical"?

Not every job is included in the MyCOL report.

TalentCorp only classifies a job as "critical" if it meets three important criteria.

Skilled

The job requires specialised knowledge, technical expertise, or professional qualifications.

These jobs fall under the Malaysian Standard Classification of Occupations (MASCO) and usually require higher-level skills or technical training.

For example, Software Developers, Civil Engineers, and Accountants require specialised knowledge that cannot be easily replaced.

Sought-After

There are more job openings than qualified candidates available.

Even after employers advertise these jobs, many positions remain vacant because there are not enough people with the required skills or experience.

Strategic

The job supports Malaysia's long-term economic growth and national development goals.

Many of these jobs are important for industries such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare, finance, engineering, and the digital economy.

Only jobs that meet all three criteria are included in the MyCOL report.

Why Did the Number of Critical Jobs Increase from 37 to 66?

One of the biggest changes in the latest MyCOL report is the increase from 37 critical jobs to 66 critical jobs.

This does not necessarily mean Malaysia suddenly has more talent shortages.

Instead, TalentCorp expanded the report to provide a more complete picture of Malaysia's labour market.

Compared to previous editions, MyCOL 2024/2025:

Covers 18 economic industries.
Includes more professional, technical, management, and skilled trade jobs.
Analyses hiring demand across six regions in Malaysia instead of focusing only on individual states.
Provides better evidence to support workforce planning and talent development.

The expanded report helps employers better understand hiring challenges while giving job seekers clearer information about careers that are expected to remain in demand.

Full List of the 66 Critical Jobs in Malaysia

The MyCOL 2024/2025 covers a wide range of industries, showing that talent shortages are not limited to one sector.

Below is the full list of the 66 critical jobs grouped by industry.

Management & Business

Managing Directors and Chief Executives
Finance Managers
Human Resource Managers
Policy and Planning Managers
Business Services Managers
Quality Managers
Sales and Marketing Managers
Agricultural, Forestry and Livestock Production Managers
Manufacturing Managers
Supply, Distribution and Related Managers
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Managers

These leadership roles help businesses manage operations, people, finance, quality, and business growth.

Science & Engineering

Chemists
Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians
Industrial and Production Engineers
Civil Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Chemical Engineers
Mining Engineers, Metallurgists and Related Professionals
Engineering Professionals (excluding Electrotechnology)
Electrical Engineers
Electronic Engineers
Ship Engineers
Manufacturing Professionals

Engineering continues to be one of Malaysia's most important industries, supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, construction, energy, and industrial development.

Healthcare

Specialist Medical Practitioners
Nursing Professionals
Pharmacists
Environmental and Occupational Health and Hygiene Professionals
Physiotherapists
University and Higher Education Teaching Professionals

For the first time, Pharmacists and Physiotherapists have been included in the MyCOL list, reflecting growing demand for healthcare professionals.

Finance & Professional Services

Accountants and Auditors
Financial and Investment Advisers
Financial Analysts
Research and Development Professionals
Advertising and Marketing Professionals

As businesses continue to adopt digital technologies and respond to changing regulations, professionals with financial, research, and marketing expertise remain highly sought after.

Technology & Digital

Computer Systems Analysts
Software Developers
Application Programmers
Software and Application Developers and Analysts
Database Designers and Administrators
Information Technology System Administrators
Computer Network Professionals
Data Professionals
Cyber Security Professionals

Digital transformation continues to increase demand for technology professionals across almost every industry in Malaysia.

Creative Industries

Malaysia's creative economy is growing, creating more demand for professionals with digital and creative skills.

The critical jobs in this sector include:

Graphic and Multimedia Designers
Animation and Visual Effects Professionals
Digital Games and E-Sport Professionals
Creative Content Designer Professionals

The inclusion of these jobs reflects the continued growth of Malaysia's animation, gaming, digital media, and creative technology industries.

Technical & Skilled Jobs

The MyCOL report also highlights the importance of skilled technical workers who support manufacturing, logistics, construction, engineering, and industrial operations.

These jobs include:

Chemical and Physical Science Technicians
Civil Engineering Technicians
Electrical Engineering Technicians
Electronics Engineering Technicians
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Draughtspersons and Surveying Technicians
Industrial and Production Technicians
Manufacturing Supervisors
Aircraft Technicians
Welders and Flame Cutters
Motor Vehicle Mechanics and Repairers
Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Repairers
Electrical Mechanics and Fitters
Rubber Products Machine Operators
Steam Engine and Boiler Operators
Stationary Plant and Machine Operators
Heavy Truck and Lorry Drivers
Mobile Farm and Forestry Plant Operators
Crane, Hoist and Related Plant Operators

These roles play an important part in keeping Malaysia's industries running efficiently and supporting the country's economic growth.

Which Types of Jobs Are Most in Demand?

The MyCOL report shows that Professional jobs make up the largest group of critical jobs in Malaysia.

They account for 31% of all jobs on the list, followed by:

Technicians and Associate Professionals (17%)
Managers (14%)

This shows that Malaysia is not only looking for experienced professionals but also skilled technicians, technical specialists, and business leaders who can support the country's growing industries.

In the next section, we'll look at the industries facing the biggest talent shortages, why employers are struggling to hire, and which regions in Malaysia have the highest demand for skilled workers.

Industries Facing the Biggest Talent Shortages in Malaysia

The MyCOL report shows that talent shortages are affecting many industries across Malaysia. While every industry has different hiring needs, several sectors continue to face greater challenges because of changing technology, economic growth, and increasing demand for specialised skills.

Below are the industries with some of the biggest talent shortages and the reasons behind them.

Engineering & Manufacturing

Engineering and manufacturing continue to be among Malaysia's most important industries. As the country invests in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, automation, and smart factories, employers are looking for more skilled engineers and technical professionals.

Some of the critical jobs in this sector include:

Civil Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Electronic Engineers
Chemical Engineers
Industrial and Production Engineers
Manufacturing Professionals
Engineering Technicians
Manufacturing Supervisors
Draughtspersons and Surveying Technicians

Many employers report that these roles are difficult to fill because they require specialised technical knowledge and practical industry experience.

The demand for engineering talent is expected to remain strong as Malaysia continues to modernise its manufacturing and industrial sectors.

Technology & Digital

Technology is one of the fastest-changing industries in Malaysia, and employers continue to compete for experienced digital talent.

The MyCOL report identifies several technology jobs that remain difficult to hire for, including:

Software Developers
Application Programmers
Computer Systems Analysts
Database Designers and Administrators
Information Technology System Administrators
Computer Network Professionals
Data Professionals
Cyber Security Professionals
ICT Managers

As more businesses adopt artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity solutions, automation, and data analytics, the demand for skilled technology professionals continues to grow.

At the same time, experienced digital talent is highly competitive, making recruitment more challenging for many employers.

Healthcare

Healthcare remains one of the sectors facing long-term talent shortages.

Malaysia's ageing population, growing healthcare needs, and increased awareness of health and wellness continue to drive demand for qualified healthcare professionals.

Some of the critical healthcare jobs include:

Specialist Medical Practitioners
Nursing Professionals
Pharmacists
Physiotherapists
Environmental and Occupational Health and Hygiene Professionals

The latest MyCOL report also includes Pharmacists and Physiotherapists for the first time, reflecting the increasing need for these professionals.

Finance & Professional Services

Financial professionals continue to play an important role in supporting business growth and economic development.

Some of the critical jobs in this sector include:

Finance Managers
Accountants and Auditors
Financial Analysts
Financial and Investment Advisers
Mathematicians, Actuaries and Statisticians

As businesses adapt to changing regulations, digital finance, sustainability reporting, and data-driven decision-making, employers continue to look for professionals with specialised knowledge and relevant industry experience.

Creative Industries

Malaysia's creative economy is expanding, creating more opportunities for professionals with digital and creative skills.

The MyCOL report identifies several creative jobs that are becoming increasingly important, including:

Graphic and Multimedia Designers
Animation and Visual Effects Professionals
Digital Games and E-Sport Professionals
Creative Content Designer Professionals

These roles support Malaysia's growing animation, gaming, digital media, and creative technology industries.

Download the full MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL) 2024/2025 report.

Why Are Employers Still Struggling to Hire?

Although many Malaysians are actively looking for jobs, employers still face difficulties hiring qualified candidates for many of the jobs listed in MyCOL.

According to the report, some of the common challenges include:

Skills Mismatch

Some candidates have qualifications, but their skills do not match what employers need.

As industries continue to adopt new technologies and digital tools, employers are looking for candidates with practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Limited Relevant Experience

Many employers report that candidates do not have enough industry experience for specialised or senior-level positions.

For technical and professional jobs, employers often require hands-on experience in addition to academic qualifications.

Not Enough Qualified Candidates

For certain industries, there are simply not enough qualified professionals available to meet hiring demand.

This is especially common in highly specialised fields such as engineering, healthcare, cybersecurity, actuarial science, and advanced manufacturing.

Salary Expectations

Some employers also report that candidates expect salaries that are higher than what businesses are able to offer, making recruitment more challenging.

Competition for Talent

Many experienced professionals receive multiple job offers or choose to work overseas, creating additional competition for employers hiring in Malaysia.

Hiring Trends Across Malaysia

To better understand workforce demand, TalentCorp grouped Malaysia into six regions instead of analysing each state individually.

This approach provides a clearer picture of hiring trends because some states have smaller sample sizes, making regional analysis more reliable.

Northern Region

States: Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Perak

Manufacturing is the largest industry in this region.

Employers are mainly looking for:

Engineers
Technicians
Plant and Machine Operators
Manufacturing professionals

Central Region

States: Selangor, W.P. Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka

The Central Region records the highest demand for professionals among all regions.

Besides manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade also contribute significantly to hiring demand.

Employers are actively hiring:

Managers
Engineers
ICT professionals
Finance professionals
Technical specialists

Eastern Region

States: Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang

Manufacturing remains the largest industry, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

Besides technical professionals, employers are also looking for candidates with leadership and operational management skills.

Southern Region

State: Johor

Johor continues to be one of Malaysia's strongest manufacturing hubs.

Besides engineers and managers, employers are actively hiring:

Skilled trades workers
Manufacturing technicians
Machine operators
Logistics professionals

Sabah Region

States: Sabah and Labuan

Manufacturing and agriculture remain important industries in Sabah.

The report also highlights demand for:

Managers
Manufacturing professionals
Operational leaders
Technical professionals

Sarawak Region

Manufacturing and agriculture continue to support Sarawak's economy.

Employers are looking for professionals with specialised technical expertise, leadership experience, and engineering knowledge to support industrial growth.

What These Hiring Trends Mean for Employers

The MyCOL report provides useful insights that employers can use to strengthen their hiring strategy.

If your business is recruiting for one of the critical jobs listed in the report, you may face stronger competition when attracting qualified candidates.

To stay competitive, employers should consider:

Planning recruitment earlier.
Offering competitive salaries and employee benefits.
Investing in employee training and upskilling.
Building internship and graduate programmes.
Working with universities and training providers to develop future talent.

Taking a proactive approach can help businesses reduce hiring delays and build a stronger workforce for the future.

What Does the MyCOL Report Mean for Employers?

Hiring the right employees has become more challenging, especially for jobs that require specialised skills and experience.

The MyCOL report gives employers a clearer picture of Malaysia's current labour market, helping them make better hiring and workforce planning decisions.

If your business is hiring for one of the 66 critical jobs, you may need to adjust your recruitment strategy to stay competitive.

Here are some ways employers can use the report.

Plan Your Hiring Earlier

Many of the jobs listed in MyCOL are in high demand, which means qualified candidates may receive multiple job offers.

Instead of waiting until a position becomes vacant, employers should plan recruitment earlier and build a pipeline of potential candidates.

Review Your Salary and Benefits

When competition for talent increases, salary is no longer the only deciding factor.

Many candidates also look at:

Career development opportunities
Flexible working arrangements
Employee benefits
Company culture
Learning and training opportunities

Reviewing your overall employee value proposition (EVP) can help your business attract and retain skilled employees.

Invest in Upskilling and Reskilling

Not every candidate will have every skill you need.

Providing training programmes, professional certifications, and career development opportunities can help employees build the skills needed for future business growth.

This approach can also reduce long-term hiring costs.

Build Stronger Talent Pipelines

Working closely with universities, TVET institutions, and training providers allows employers to identify future talent earlier.

Internships, graduate programmes, apprenticeships, and industrial training can also help businesses develop skilled employees before they enter the workforce.

Improve Employee Retention

Finding skilled employees is only part of the challenge.

Keeping experienced employees is just as important.

Employers should regularly review employee engagement, career progression, learning opportunities, and workplace culture to reduce turnover and retain valuable talent.

What Does the MyCOL Report Mean for Job Seekers?

The MyCOL report is also useful for anyone planning their career.

If your job appears on the list, it suggests that employers continue to need people with your skills.

While this does not guarantee employment, it may indicate stronger career opportunities and long-term demand.

Here are some ways job seekers can use the report.

Choose Careers with Strong Demand

Students, fresh graduates, and professionals can use the report to identify industries where employers continue to hire.

This can help when deciding what to study, which career path to choose, or whether to switch industries.

Continue Learning New Skills

Many of the critical jobs require specialised knowledge and technical skills.

Developing new skills through training, certifications, or professional courses can improve employability and career growth.

Build Practical Experience

Besides academic qualifications, many employers also value practical experience.

Internships, industrial training, freelance work, and professional projects can help job seekers become more competitive.

Explore TalentCorp Career Platforms

TalentCorp also provides MyNext, a career platform that helps Malaysians explore career opportunities based on their interests, education, and skills.

Malaysian professionals working overseas may also explore programmes such as the Returning Expert Programme (REP) if they are considering returning to work in Malaysia.

FAQs

What is the MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL)?

MyCOL is a report published by TalentCorp that identifies jobs facing long-term talent shortages in Malaysia. It helps employers, job seekers, education providers, and policymakers better understand the country's workforce needs.

How many critical jobs are listed in MyCOL?

The latest MyCOL 2024/2025 identifies 66 critical jobs across 18 industries, compared to 37 jobs in the previous edition.

How are critical jobs selected?

TalentCorp evaluates jobs based on three criteria:

Skilled
Sought-after
Strategic

Only jobs that meet all three criteria are included in the report.

Which industries have the biggest talent shortages?

Some of the industries with the highest demand include:

Engineering
Manufacturing
Technology
Healthcare
Finance
Business Management
Creative Industries

Why are employers struggling to hire?

Some of the common reasons include:

Skills mismatch
Lack of relevant work experience
Too few qualified candidates
Higher salary expectations
Growing demand for specialised skills

Is MyCOL only for employers?

No.

The report is useful for employers, job seekers, universities, training providers, and government agencies involved in workforce planning.

How often is MyCOL updated?

TalentCorp updates the report periodically to reflect changes in Malaysia's labour market and workforce demand.

Where can I read the full MyCOL report?

You can download the latest MyCOL report from TalentCorp's official website.

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