Software engineering in Malaysia has potential for vast growths

By Dr. Raja Jamilah Raja Yusof

In Malaysia, the term “Rekayasa Perangkat Lunak” might sound like it belongs to Indonesian, but it is actually an official term found in the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Dictionary. However, in Malaysia, we more commonly use the term “Kejuruteraan Perisian” to refer to “Software Engineering” in English.

Globally, careers in Software Engineering offer vast opportunities with competitive salaries. For instance, entry-level positions like Software Engineer at Google or Facebook offer a base salary between $120,000 to $150,000 per year, with total compensation exceeding $200,000 including bonuses and stock options. In the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), positions like Machine Learning Engineer also have similar salary ranges, but roles like AI Researcher typically require higher qualifications and are not offered at entry-level. In Information Systems (IS), roles such as System Analyst offer salaries between $70,000 to $100,000, while in Multimedia (MM), UX/UI Designer roles also have similar salary ranges, focusing on design that enhances software usability. Network Engineers, on the other hand, typically start with a salary between $80,000 to $110,000.

In Malaysia, Software Engineering offers starting salaries between RM3,500 to RM6,000 per month for roles like Software Engineer, with the potential to increase up to RM8,000 to RM12,000 for Senior Software Engineer. In Artificial Intelligence (AI), positions like Machine Learning Engineer and Data Scientist enjoy higher starting salaries, between RM5,000 to RM8,000, and can reach RM10,000 to RM15,000 per month with experience. Information Systems (IS) offers starting salaries between RM3,500 to RM6,500 for System Analyst and IT Consultant roles, with the potential to increase up to RM7,000 to RM10,000. In Multimedia (MM), UX/UI Designer and Multimedia Designer typically start with salaries of RM3,000 to RM5,500, with the potential to reach RM6,000 to RM9,000 for experienced designers. For Networking, Network Engineers receive starting salaries around RM3,500 to RM6,000 per month, and with additional experience and qualifications, salaries can increase to RM7,000 to RM10,000.

Prospects for starting a software company

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a software company in Malaysia offers significant growth opportunities. The software market in Malaysia is rapidly expanding, especially with increasing demand for technological solutions in sectors like finance, education, healthcare, and e-commerce. With lower operating costs compared to developed countries and government support through various initiatives and incentives, Malaysia is a strategic location for starting a business in the software industry. According to reports from the PIKOM ICT Strategic Review and MDEC, software companies in Malaysia have the potential to grow rapidly with strong support from the digital industry. Starting a software company requires skills in software development, an understanding of market needs, and the ability to innovate.

Software companies in Malaysia can generate significant revenue depending on the size and scope of their projects. Small companies focusing on mobile app development or specialized IT services can generate annual revenue between RM500,000 to RM2 million, while larger companies offering custom software development services can achieve revenues of RM10 million or more. According to the Hays Malaysia Salary Guide, salaries and incomes in this industry are competitive and aligned with the rapid growth of the technology sector in Malaysia. Success in starting a software company not only opens the door to high income but also opportunities for global expansion, given the accessibility of software from anywhere in the world.

Overall, Software Engineering is a highly important field in the rapidly growing world of technology. It involves not only coding but also ensuring that the software produced meets high standards of usability, security, and reliability. Additionally, this field often interacts with other disciplines such as AI, Information Systems, Multimedia, and Networking, all of which contribute to the development of comprehensive and effective technology.

For those interested in pursuing this field, the career opportunities are vast and offer lucrative rewards, with significant growth potential in the future.

The author is a senior lecturer at Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at rjryum@edu.my