KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 3): The impact of digitalisation on traditional job roles across industries and functions will continue to be a trend observed in Malaysia’s job market next year, with many more expected to have digital knowledge and skillsets, says Hays Malaysia.
The recruitment firm said apart from a high demand for digital professionals in the areas of data analytics, cyber security and IT regulations, professionals in human resources (HR) and marketing will also be increasingly expected to have digital knowledge and skillsets.
It said automation will also impact functions across industries, particularly within the HR, supply chain and finance sectors.
Therefore, positions that involve high levels of simple repetition such as finance data entry roles, are at high risk of becoming redundant, while in HR and supply chain, knowledge of relevant software has also become vital, Hays noted.
Underlying this transformation is a demand for senior professionals with experience in directing and implementing change. This includes HRBPs (HR business partners) and CISO (chief information security officers) who will be required to work cross functionally and have strong stakeholder management skills.
“The rapid pace of digital change in Malaysia has laid the way for a new set of challenges and opportunities in 2020,” said Tom Osborne, managing director of Hays in Malaysia.
“However, the country’s movements towards re-industrialisation and a more digital, automated workforce, is well in tune with global movements towards the same,” Osborne said in a statement.
“The continuous support of the Malaysian government will help sustain and accelerate these industries, bolstered by the country’s healthy economy and favourable market conditions, amidst trade tensions,” he added.
Osborne said open-minded organisations who can offer opportunities to develop and train their employees, will find this to be a mutually beneficial practice and an effective way to manage the ongoing talent crunch.
“For candidates, those ready to embrace the impending digitisation of all industries and equip themselves with the change management skills needed to weather transformation, will be best placed for the year ahead,” he said.
Osborne’s statement was issued to highlight Malaysia’s Top Talent Trends For 2020.
The top talent trends as listed by Hays are:
1. Technology governance front lining financial institutions
2. Data Analytics candidates to be in strong demand
3. Automation will eliminate repetitive finance data entry roles
4. Digital banking on the rise
5. Growing demand for demand planners and logistics candidates
6. Automation continuously digitalising the HR function in Malaysia
7. Heavy, chemical and automotive industries will be driving demand for regional sales positions
8. Demand for convenience as a market driver
9. High emphasis placed on IT in the legal space.
10. Marketing candidates expected to have better digital and soft skills.