We will likely see jobs that • have an integration of traditional skill sets combined with ICT capabilities such as audio, artistry and acting.... Avatar, which grossed millions in three weeks, is a success story of a combination of talent in artistry, acting and high technology." New Straits Times I 18 January 2010 Online help Matching skills and experience ■ JobStreet (http://my.jobstreet.cotri ) JobStreet is the longest-serving job portal in Malaysia. Being the first to enter the market, it is one of the best sites for job openings in Malaysia and the region, too. Users or members can search for jobs by specialisation or location. They can also search for positions they want. At Press time, the portal has 1,673 IT jobs in its listing based on software, hardware and network/system categories. ■ JobsDB (jobsdb.com.my ) JobsDB offers an extensive list of job openings in Malaysia and other parts of the region. Users or members can search for jobs based on category, location or even time frame. They can also look for job openings based on level - entry, mid and top. At Press time, the portal has 312 pages of IT jobs or more than 1,000 jobs in its listing. ■ Monster Malaysia (monster.com.my ) Monster Malaysia is the latest local job portal. It uses a simple approach to job searching. Just key in the job you want in the search box based on title, location, skills, industry or company name, and the portal will take you to the relevant jobs, just like a search engine. At Press time, the portal has 216 pages of IT jobs in its database. ■ Jobs Malaysia (jobsmalaysiagov.my) Jobs Malaysia is an automated online job-matching service provided by the Human Resources Ministry. The services provided are free and available through the Ministry's facilities. The system aims to improve the mobilisation of the nation's human resources. It also ensures that manpower utilisation is optimised through systematic matching of job seekers to vacancies. ■ Job.com.my (job.com.my) Job.com.my is a new online career portal, with effective solutions to match job seekers with recruiters. It offers a competitive service to facilitate the recruiting process. At Press time, the portal has 127 pages of IT jobs in its database. Top 10 jobs based on Pikom's Train and Place Programme 1) Help desk analyst 2) Customer service officer - in-bound communication 3) System engineer and software engineer 4) Telemarketer 5) Analyst programmer and system analyst 6) Business development/account manager 7) Senior customer officer 8) Project manager 9) SAP consultant 10) Network administrator WITH the anticipated recovery this year, all companies will face an immediate "rush" to hire skilled ICT resources. While there will be a continued supply of graduates from local and foreign universities, getting experienced resources may be a major challenge, especially for smaller companies that may not be able to offer competitive remuneration. Also, most people who had put off a job change last year are likely to consider the move this year, says KPMG Business Advisory Malaysia's executive director and head of business performance services Woon Tai Hai. "In line with a drive for creativity and innovation, we will likely see jobs that have an integration of traditional skill sets combined with ICT capabilities such as audio, artistry and acting. "For instance, the global RM760 billion creative multimedia sector is one of the key proponents that requires ICT competencies combined with creative abilities to drive the sector forward. The partially animated movie Avatar, which grossed millions in three weeks, is a typical success story of a combination of talent in artistry, acting and high technology." Tough competition operating vendor-based platforms such as IT Infrastructure Library, Capability Maturity But Woon, who is also deputy chairman of SAP, Cisco and Microsoft," he says. Model Integration, Java EE, SQL and C++/C# the National ICT Association (Pikom) for IT Soft skills and perceived good attitude programming. "These will still remain desirable and multimedia, believes that employers will coupled with excellent academic results will over the next few years," he highlights. still be selective in the ICT job market. be key differentiators for fresh graduates, he Aside from technical knowledge, Woon says "There will be obvious competition to land points out. innovation is an invaluable skill set as it drives the best jobs in the sector. Graduates, in As for pay cheques, salary increases are the future of the ICT industry. particular, may face a tougher time landing expected to continue, but not as aggressively. "With technologies improving rapidly, ICT good jobs compared to the pre-financial crisis A survey by the Malaysian Employers professionals need to have a combination period. They would not only have to possess Federation showed that salaries of those in of flexibility to change and the motivation excellent communication and soft skills to IT or communication positions were not cut to improve at all times. They cannot rely be marketable, but require some internship last year, despite the economic crisis. In fact, solely on past experiences to drive future experience to strengthen their employability over 75 per cent of those polled recorded successes." as well. an increase in salary for executives. But the Companies should also seek to train ICT "Besides the creative multimedia quantum of salary increase was below that personnel. industry, graduates should align themselves in 2008. It was the first drop in quantum of "Reskilling is a perpetual need for these to desirable skill sets in fields such as salary increase over the past two years. professionals if they are to remain at the networking technology, systems integration cutting edge to provide ICT advice, service and database administration. They should Reskilling or support. ICT professionals should also not also venture into areas where there is a To stay relevant, Woon says it pays to just wait for their employers to act, but be recognised global shortage of professionals, have accredited credentials and qualified proactive to suggest courses that will help in and that includes knowledge of designing and certifications from Microsoft, Red Hat Linux, their personal development," Woon says. Job position 2009 201r" Salary Increase Average Monthly Gross Salary (RM) Salary Increase Average Monthly Gross Salary (RM) 11,069 Senior IT manager 4.86% 12,191 5.48% IT manager 5.43% 7,367 6.05% 7,748 Assistant IT manager 5.21% 5,599 6.11% 5,460 Senior IT executive/system analyst 5.00% 4,756 N/A N/A System analyst 6.09% 3,840 6.47% 3,849 Network/infra/software/system support executive/engineer 5.18% 4,326 4.99%-6.27% 3,819-3,993 IT executive 5.82% 3,114 6.55% 3,081 Analyst programmer 5.44% 4,047 — Source: Malaysian N/A .. Employers Federation N/A . ,....,,,.,,.... _ Salary Survey for Executive: