Image credit: HRM Asia
KUALA LUMPUR: Four broad industries, namely semiconductor and wafer fabrication, electrical and electronics (E&E), computer and information technology (IT) software, transportation and logistics, have recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
According to JobStreet's recently released Job Outlook Report 2022 (Malaysia), industries hit hardest by Covid-19 are showing signs of recovery regarding the number of job openings listed and applications received on the platform.
"The study details the supply and demand of jobs in Malaysia to give employers a clear view for future hiring plans," said JobStreet operations director Ashwin Jeyapalasingam in a statement.
"It is also aimed at helping employers allocate hiring resources more effectively, better understand the job market sentiment while enabling them to draw out more optimised remuneration schemes."
Ashwin said these four broad industries experienced strong recovery and growth primarily due to digital transformation initiatives, which increased productivity and operational efficiencies.
The study said that demand for semiconductors rose strongly last year due to digital transformation brought by the pandemic and shortages in the automotive industry.
Around 70 per cent of job ads for the semiconductor and wafer fabrication industry were for engineering and manufacturing specialisations, with a majority from Penang with 55 per cent of job ads.
Meanwhile, the E&E industry remained resilient in driving the healthcare, automotive and retail growth.
Engineering-related posts contributed the most industry job ads at 35.8 per cent, with Penang again accounting for 50 per cent of job ads, followed by Selangor at 23 per cent.
The growth in job postings and applications in the computer and IT software industry reflected the global shortage of IT talents, indicating that employers need to attract workers with better compensation, benefits and work arrangements.
Selangor was the most advertised location in 2021 with 41 per cent of job ads, with engineering (9.4 per cent) and sales (9.3 per cent) specialisations in demand.
The rise of online shopping has created a myriad of job opportunities in logistic companies and third-party logistics sectors.
Job ads for logistics and supply chain management specialisations increased by 48 per cent, or 30 per cent of job ads posted.
Positions in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur accounted for 77 per cent of job ads.
Other industries showing gradual and steady recovery include healthcare and medical, manufacturing and production, food and beverages, retail and merchandise, building, construction and engineering, banking and finance.
The report also noted that hiring activities increased with more people being fully vaccinated, coupled with easing movement restrictions.
Most industries (55 out of 60) saw increases in job ad postings in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chief digital industry officer Gopi Ganesalingam commended JobStreet for its nation-building efforts and concurred that digital transformation is a strong enabler for jobs and opportunities.
"At MDEC, we are continuously elevating Malaysia's digital ecosystem to be of global standards while covering stakeholders from government, private industries and global ecosystems," said Gopi.
"Areas covered include community engagements with entrepreneurs, accelerators, venture builders, funders and investors, policymakers – from start-up disruptors to scaling them to be unicorns – and creating gainful employment for Malaysians."
JobStreet is part of SEEK, the global leader in online employment marketplaces.
The study forms part of its commitment to nation-building, its clients and job seekers, and the industries it serves.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2022/06/806636/jobstreet-job-prospects-looking-brighter-recovering-pre-pandemic-levels