In 2024, Malaysia saw a significant increase in IPOs with a total of 55 listings and market analysts project this momentum to likely continue through 2025. This growth in IPOs is strengthening Malaysia’s competitive position in the global talent landscape, driving demand for professionals with international experience and giving them opportunities to enhance international business competencies. Other than IPO-driven growth, private companies are recognising the country’s strategic advantage as a hub for skilled professionals capable of thriving in high-value regional and global functions.

Technological advancements, mostly in AI and automation, are driving companies and governments to invest in reskilling and upskilling programs. There’s no doubt that technology is enhancing work efficiency today. However, there are also growing concerns about job security in relation to these innovations. As a result, more and more professionals are embracing reskilling and upskilling opportunities to stay competitive in the evolving job market. Success in reskilling and upskilling goes beyond learning new; skills, it also involves staying informed of evolving demands and enhancing transferrable skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability.

Aligned with the need to reskill and upskill, addressing the growing impact of AI on how we do business and how we work is a big factor that can impact Malaysia’s level of competitiveness in the global talent market. There is strong momentum in terms of Malaysia’s workforce drive to accelerate AI. According to an Oxford Insight report for 2023, Malaysia ranked 2nd and 23rd globally in terms of AI readiness. These findings highlight Malaysia’s growing AI-ecosystem. More and more professionals are now learning how they can utilise AI in their respective functions.

In addition to the factors mentioned, Malaysia is home to one of the most diverse and bilingual/multilingual workforces, not only in Southeast Asia but across all of Asia. While Bahasa Malaysia is the official language of Malaysia, the country is also one of the most English-proficient nations in the region, and Mandarin, one of the world’s most dominant languages, is prevalent as well. Mandarin, which is also one of the dominant languages in the world, is also widely spoken in Malaysia. Other languages widely spoken in Malaysia are Cantonese, Hokkien, and Tamil, reflecting the country’s diversity. With these linguistic strengths, Malaysia is ideal for companies serving diverse markets.

Educational institutions are increasingly partnering with international universities, companies, and organisations to provide students with valuable insights, training, and resources to prepare for the professional world. These programs and initiatives not only prepare students, but also help them navigate their career paths and stay informed about the evolving job market. Offerings include industry talks with experts, specialised training programs, networking events, career fairs, internships and fellowships, as well as in-depth workshops.

Malaysia’s position in the global talent market is strengthened by other factors beyond the ones mentioned above, such as digital infrastructure, cost-effective offerings, and its strategic location within ASEAN.

With these advantages, there are strong signs that Malaysia can continue to grow more competitive in 2025 and beyond.