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Vibrant outlook for tech jobs [New Straits Time (Malaysia)](New Straits Time (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) THE information and communications technology (ICT) segment remains one of the top paying industries in the country. Based on the ICT Job Market Outlook 2014 report, jointly conducted by the Association of Computer and Multimedia Industry Malaysia (Pikom) and JobStreet.com, salary growth in the industry is expected to increase 8.7 per cent by the end of this year. Pikom chairman Cheah Kok Hoong says the positive growth momentum has been continuing over the past eight years. For example, in 2013, the average salary of ICT professionals netted an increase of 7.2 per cent to RM7,152 from RM6,673 in 2012, he says. "This augurs well for the industry as it is above the country's recently reported Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and inflation rate of 5.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent respectively," said Cheah. Oil and gas continues to emerge as the highest paying sector for ICT professionals in 2013, averaging RM8,324, albeit a flat growth from 2012. But a significant 51 per cent salary hike was noted in the IT call centre/IT-enabled services industry for 2013. Other lucrative paying sectors for ICT professionals include science and technology, aerospace, bio-technology, transport, storage, freight, shipping, automotive, heavy industry, machinery and services. In terms of pay rise, senior managers registered the highest pay rise of 9.6 per cent, followed by senior executives at 7.5 per cent. Junior executives and managers enjoyed a 7.3 per cent and 7.2 per cent increase respectively, while fresh graduates received a 4.6 per cent rise with an average salary of RM2,451 in 2013. Those in ICT project management jobs earn significantly higher salaries, with an average of RM8,947 than other technical or engineering fields. In terms of skills, Java, C#, C++, dot Net, SharePoint and Web applications are very much sought after, as well as IT security analysis and big data analytics. The place where one works plays a crucial factor too. ICT professionals in Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya are paid 1.75 times higher than those who work in smaller cities and towns. Compared to 70 cities around the world, KL is ranked 53rd in terms of remuneration scale. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |