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Malaysia has identified 66 occupations as critical to the country's economic transformation, a notable jump from 37 last year
According to TalentCorp's MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL) 2024/2025, these roles reflect growing demand and persistent skills shortages across the nation's knowledge-based economy.
These roles span a wide range of sectors, from engineering and ICT to healthcare, finance, and creative industries, reflecting where skills shortages are most acute.
A conceptual diagram illustrating the three fundamental criteria for a role to be considered critical: Skilled (MASCO groups 1–8), Sought-after (demand exceeds supply), and Strategic (central to economic development).
Image via TalentCorpKey sectors and highlights
Management & Business: Vital roles include Managing Directors, Chief Executives, and Managers in Finance, HR, and Quality Control.
Engineering & Manufacturing: This sector remains a primary driver, requiring Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineers, alongside new additions like Draughtspersons and Surveying Technicians.
Information & Communications Technology (ICT): Essential for digital transformation, the list includes Software Developers, Cybersecurity Professionals, and Data Professionals.
Healthcare: For the first time, Pharmacists and Physiotherapists join Specialist Medical Practitioners and Nurses as critical roles.
Creative & Digital Industries: Professionals in Animation, Visual Effects, and Digital Games/Esports are vital to the creative economy.
Science, Research & Skilled Trades: Chemists, Actuaries, and R&D Professionals support innovation, while hands-on roles like Welders and Aircraft Technicians underpin infrastructure development.
Beyond identifying critical roles, TalentCorp's report also sheds light on where these shortages are most acute
The MyCOL 2024/2025 is designed to guide industries, educators, and policymakers in understanding regional workforce gaps and directing talent development efforts accordingly.
However, the report notes that analysing data at the individual state level presents challenges, including small sample sizes and uneven data reliability across regions.
A map of Malaysia showing the percentage of firms that responded to the survey across every state. Perak (9.6%) and Sarawak (9.2%) had the highest response rates.
Image via TalentCorpTo address this, TalentCorp groups demand patterns into six national regions, allowing for a more accurate and meaningful assessment of labour shortages.
Each region reflects distinct economic strengths and industrial profiles, with corresponding clusters of critical occupations tied to its dominant sectors.
A breakdown showing that Professionals (31%) are the most nominated category, followed by Technicians (17%) and Managers (14%).
Image via TalentCorpBelow is a breakdown of the six regions analysed in the report, along with their key industries and priority occupation categories:
1.
Northern Region (Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak):
Dominant Sector: Manufacturing leads significantly, accounting for 44.2% of responding firms in the region.
Most Needed Professionals: Professionals (MASCO 2) make up 29% of nominations, followed by Technicians and Associate Professionals.
Specific Roles: There is a high demand for Technical and Operational roles, particularly Plant and Machine Operators.
2.
Central Region (Selangor, W.P. Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka):
Dominant Sector: Manufacturing remains the largest at 39.8%, followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade.
Most Needed Professionals: This region shows the highest demand for Professionals (MASCO 2) at 37.0% of all nominations.
Key Gaps: There is a significant need for skilled leadership (Managers) and specialised technical roles.
3.
Eastern Region (Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang):
Dominant Sector: Manufacturing is the top sector at 33.8%, followed by Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing at 14.2%.
Most Needed Professionals: Professionals (MASCO 2) lead with 30% of all regional nominations.
Focus Area: There is a unique emphasis here on leadership and operational management.
4.
Southern Region (Johor):
Dominant Sector: Manufacturing is dominant at 43.3%, followed by Agriculture (14.9%) and Transportation and Storage (11.0%).
Most Needed Professionals: Professionals lead with 23% of nominations, closely followed by Technicians at 19%.
Specific Roles: High demand for Craft and Related Trades Workers and Machine Operators.
5.
Sabah Region (Sabah and Labuan):
Dominant Sector: Manufacturing is the largest sector at 33.5%, with Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing following at 14.6%.
Most Needed Professionals: Professionals lead nominations at 23%, with Managers following at 20%.
Specific Gaps: There is a high requirement for leadership roles and operational roles in manufacturing.
6.
Sarawak Region:
Dominant Sector: Manufacturing accounts for 40.9% of firms, while Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing account for 16.6%.
Most Needed Professionals: Professionals (MASCO 2) represent the largest share at 32.0%.
Key Insight: There is a notable demand for specialised expertise, reflecting a need for leadership and technical skills across regional industries.
Why the list matters
The MyCOL 2024/2025 acts as actionable intelligence for the government, helping design targeted interventions such as reskilling programs and education pathways.
As outgoing TalentCorp Group CEO Thomas Mathew noted in the report, MyCOL provides evidence-based insights to address workforce readiness, strengthening Malaysia's overall talent ecosystem.
"MyCOL helps answer the concern of workforce readiness with focus and evidence. It enables sharper conversations, better alignment, and ultimately, stronger outcomes for Malaysia's talent ecosystem."
For Malaysians at home and abroad, the list serves as a roadmap for high-impact careers.
TalentCorp's platforms, including MyNext, help individuals identify suitable careers aligned with these critical roles.
