We will likely see jobs that• have an integration of

traditional skill sets combinedwith ICT capabilities such asaudio, artistry and acting....Avatar, which grossedmillions in three weeks,is a success story ofa combination oftalent in artistry,acting and hightechnology."

New Straits Times I 18 January 2010

Online help Matching skills and experience■ JobStreet (http://my.jobstreet.cotri)

JobStreet is the longest-serving jobportal in Malaysia. Being the first to enterthe market, it is one of the best sites forjob openings in Malaysia and the region,too.

Users or members can search for jobsby specialisation or location. They canalso search for positions they want. AtPress time, the portal has 1,673 IT jobsin its listing based on software, hardwareand network/system categories.

■ JobsDB (jobsdb.com.my )JobsDB offers an extensive list of job

openings in Malaysia and other parts ofthe region. Users or members can searchfor jobs based on category, location oreven time frame. They can also look forjob openings based on level - entry, midand top.

At Press time, the portal has 312 pagesof IT jobs or more than 1,000 jobs in itslisting.

■ Monster Malaysia (monster.com.my )Monster Malaysia is the latest local job

portal. It uses a simple approach to jobsearching. Just key in the job you wantin the search box based on title, location,skills, industry or company name, and theportal will take you to the relevant jobs,just like a search engine.

At Press time, the portal has 216 pagesof IT jobs in its database.

■ Jobs Malaysia (jobsmalaysiagov.my)Jobs Malaysia is an automated online

job-matching service provided by theHuman Resources Ministry. The servicesprovided are free and available throughthe Ministry's facilities.

The system aims to improve themobilisation of the nation's humanresources. It also ensures that manpowerutilisation is optimised through systematicmatching of job seekers to vacancies.

■ Job.com.my (job.com.my)Job.com.my is a new online career

portal, with effective solutions to matchjob seekers with recruiters. It offersa competitive service to facilitate therecruiting process.

At Press time, the portal has 127 pagesof IT jobs in its database.

Top 10 jobs based on Pikom'sTrain and Place Programme

1) Help desk analyst2) Customer service officer

- in-bound communication3) System engineer and software

engineer4) Telemarketer5) Analyst programmer

and system analyst6) Business development/account

manager7) Senior customer officer8) Project manager9) SAP consultant10) Network administrator

WITH the anticipated recovery this year, allcompanies will face an immediate "rush" tohire skilled ICT resources. While there will bea continued supply of graduates from localand foreign universities, getting experiencedresources may be a major challenge,especially for smaller companies that may notbe able to offer competitive remuneration.

Also, most people who had put off ajob change last year are likely to considerthe move this year, says KPMG BusinessAdvisory Malaysia's executive director andhead of business performance services WoonTai Hai.

"In line with a drive for creativity andinnovation, we will likely see jobs that have anintegration of traditional skill sets combinedwith ICT capabilities such as audio, artistryand acting.

"For instance, the global RM760 billioncreative multimedia sector is one of the keyproponents that requires ICT competenciescombined with creative abilities to drive thesector forward. The partially animated movieAvatar, which grossed millions in three weeks,is a typical success story of a combination oftalent in artistry, acting and high technology."

Tough competition operating vendor-based platforms such as

IT Infrastructure Library, Capability MaturityBut 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 drivesthe 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, ICTgood jobs compared to the pre-financial crisis A survey by the Malaysian Employers

professionals need to have a combinationperiod. They would not only have to possess

Federation showed that salaries of those in

of flexibility to change and the motivationexcellent 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 futureexperience 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 theseto desirable skill sets in fields such as salary increase over the past two years. professionals if they are to remain at thenetworking technology, systems integration cutting edge to provide ICT advice, serviceand 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 berecognised 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"SalaryIncrease

Average MonthlyGross Salary (RM)

SalaryIncrease

Average MonthlyGross Salary (RM)

11,069Senior 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/systemsupport 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: