Key Trends Report Southeast Asia 2025
The Employability Imperative in a Rising Southeast Asia
Foreward
The future of global education and innovation will not be written in the traditional centers of power
It is being authored boldly and unmistakably, in the Global South, with Southeast Asia at its heart.
Asia has long been the heartbeat of global transformation, and within this vast continent, Southeast Asia today stands as one of the most compelling frontiers of growth, talent, and innovation. The story of the global South is not just about demographic advantage or economic momentum. It is about a collective aspiration to reimagine education, industry, and society for the future.
At Acumen, we have witnessed first-hand how Southeast Asia has risen with remarkable pace. From Vietnam’s industrial and digital leap, to Indonesia’s ambitious transformation agenda, to Malaysia’s balance of tradition and modernisation, the region is charting a path that is bold, dynamic, and deeply interconnected with the wider world. What is most impressive is not just the scale of change, but the clarity of vision with which these nations are embracing sustainability, technology, healthcare, and human capital development.
As we look ahead, Southeast Asia is no longer a peripheral participant, but is an architect of the new global order. For global universities, businesses, and partners, the opportunities here are not just about presence, but about genuine partnership in building a more inclusive and innovative future. This is Southeast Asia’s moment, and we are proud to be part of its journey.
Sagar Bahadur Executive Director, Asia & Head of Regional Strategy
Executive Summary
Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, is experiencing rapid economic growth driven by industrial expansion, digital transformation, and healthcare and renewable energy advancements.
As these economies continue to develop, they face common challenges in aligning labour market supply with industry demand, particularly in hightech and specialised sectors. We aim to provide an overview of these challenges and offer strategic recommendations for educational providers to address the identified gaps, enabling them to contribute effectively to the region’s economic development.
Key Findings
> Industrial Modernisation: Manufacturing sectors in all three countries are crucial for economic growth, with specific focus areas like Vietnam’s industrial manufacturing, Malaysia’s Electrical and Electronics sector, and Indonesia’s automotive and chemical industries.
> Digital Economy Growth: The digital economy is a major contributor to GDP, with significant investments in e-commerce, digital finance, and AI, highlighting the importance of digital transformation in the region.
> Healthcare Expansion: The healthcare and life sciences sectors are growing rapidly, driven by infrastructure investments, pharmaceutical development, and the integration of AI in healthcare services.
> Sustainable Development: Renewable energy and sustainable practices are key to these countries’ long-term economic strategies, and each focuses on green technology initiatives.
> Skilled Labour Shortages: Skilled labour shortages pose a common challenge across all three markets, particularly in meeting the growing demand for both soft and hard skills in emerging industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare.
> Educational Gaps: Local universities in these countries face challenges in providing specialised education programmes that align with the needs of growing industries of each country.
Areas for consideration
> Align Curriculum with Industry Needs: Tailor educational programmes to meet the demands of emerging industries. To respond to changing trends in HR/labour market needs, we have provided the top 10 educational programmes for each market.
> Focus on STEM and Emerging Technologies: Enhance offerings in critical areas such as data science, AI, cybersecurity, and IoT to align with industry demands and government priorities.
> Enhance Industry Collaboration: Forge strong partnerships with industry players to offer practical, market-relevant experiences through internships, industry-led courses, and joint research initiatives.
> Expand Access to Specialised Programmes: Increase the availability of specialised programmes, such as those in renewable energy, fintech, and biotechnology, particularly in regions with limited offerings.
> Introduce Talent and Career Guidance: Implement career counselling from the first year and form partnerships with relevant enterprises to ensure students are well-prepared for their chosen career paths.
> Invest in Soft Skills Development: Integrate essential soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication into curricula to produce well-rounded graduates.
> Offer Continuous Learning Opportunities: Provide ongoing education options, including professional certificates, workshops, and advanced courses, to help graduates and professionals adapt to evolving industry needs.
By addressing these challenges, educational institutions can play a vital role in equipping graduates with the skills needed to succeed in the region’s rapidly evolving economy ultimately contributing to the sustained growth and development of Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Acumen
Section 1: Introduction
Welcome to Acumen’s Key Trends in Southeast Asia for 2025. This report offers an evolved perspective on the dynamics shaping international education engagement across this region. As Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia continue their impressive growth driven by industrial and digital transformation, the interaction between prospective students and international institutions grows more complex.
The focus of this 2025 edition is the increasing role of Return on Investment in the context of overseas study. For students and families in Southeast Asia, the expectation of a tangible career from an education overseas is more important than ever. This requires an effective demonstration of how institutions translate their programmes into potential employability in a competitive global landscape. Understanding this is fundamental for institutions seeking to successfully navigate the complexities of Southeast Asian markets.
These countries, while rich in opportunity, present a gap between educational outputs and evolving industry needs. Therefore, crafting strategies that resonate with the demand for demonstrable value is key.
This report provides data-driven intelligence to guide institutions in this endeavour. By looking at governmental priorities, labour market demands, current employability outcomes, and specific educational gaps, we offer actionable recommendations. Our aim is to empower international education leaders to refine their programme portfolios, strengthen industry links, and articulate a compelling value proposition that aligns with the aspirations of students across Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia (SEA) is undergoing rapid transformation. Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, are not only posting strong GDP growth but also positioning themselves as emerging hubs for industrial modernisation, digital innovation, and global investment. According to the Asian Development Bank’s 2025 forecast, Vietnam is projected to grow by 6.6%, Indonesia by 5.0%, and Malaysia by 4.6% (ADB, 2024). This economic progress has improved living standards, expanded the middle class, and created opportunities across key sectors.
Yet, this growth has exposed a critical challenge: a widening mismatch between labour market demand and the capabilities of local higher education systems. Universities often fall short in equipping graduates with the specialised, job-ready skills required in sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, green technology, and digital healthcare. The result is persistent talent shortages that threaten to undermine long-term competitiveness of the region.
This report seeks to address three pressing questions:
> Which skills are considered critical by employers across the fast-growing economies of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia?
> Which industries are driving demand for skilled talent in each of these countries?
> What concrete actions can education providers take to align their programmes with labour market demand, and which specific programme should they consider offering to close the skills gap?
To answer these questions, Acumen has combined robust desk research from reputable industry and government sources with in-depth interviews with labour market stakeholders across the three countries. The result is a data-driven roadmap highlighting the Top 10 education programmes that international providers should consider when entering or expanding in Southeast Asia.
The remainder of this report is structured as follows. Sections 2 to 4 provide country-specific analyses of Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, covering government priorities, labour market demands, education gaps, and employability outcomes. Section 5 outlines strategic recommendations for education providers looking to develop market-aligned offerings and partnerships. Section 6 concludes with an overview of Acumen’s presence and capabilities in the region.
Ultimately, this report is designed to empower education providers with the insights needed to take action— developing the right programme, in the right markets, at the right time—to support Southeast Asia’s continued growth.
We acknowledge that certain areas could not be supported with the most up-to-date resources.
Bang Pham Head of Operations
Asia
Section 2: Vietnam
2.1 Vietnamese government’s priority sectors & emerging industries
Following a regular government meeting in April (2024), the Vietnamese government released Resolution No. 65/NQ-CP, which lays out a comprehensive strategy to stimulate economic growth, maintain macroeconomic stability, and improve social welfare (VnEconomy, 2024). Known as the “5 Determinations, 5 Guarantees, 5 Accelerations,” this plan seeks to tackle domestic and international challenges. It focuses on promoting economic growth across all sectors by continuing to renew traditional growth drivers investment, consumption, export while supplementing and accelerating new growth drivers green transformation, digital economy development, circular economy, knowledge economy, sharing economy, and emerging industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and hydrogen(Communist Party Building, 2024).
In consideration of the economic structure of 2024, the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector accounted for 11.86%; the industry and construction sector accounted for 37.64%; the service sector accounted for 42.36%; and product tax minus product subsidies accounted for 8.14% (The corresponding structure for 2023 was 11.86%; 37.58%; 42.30%; 8.26%) (General Statistics Office of Vietnam, 2024).
On the city level, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has launched a programme in 2024 aimed at improving the quality of vocational education (VET) in the city. The Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DOLISA) is focusing on developing a highly skilled workforce aligned with international standards. The programme targets eight key industries: Information Technology – Communications, Mechanics – Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, Finance – Banking, Medicine, Tourism, and Urban Management (Quang Huy and An Khanh, 2024). The goal is to ensure that 87% of the workforce holds training certificates by the end of 2024.
According to KPMG’s Vietnam 2024 outlook report, several key emerging industries will characterise Vietnam’s economic landscape in 2024 (KPMG, 2024):
> Industrial Manufacturing: Continued expansion and modernisation to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
> Consumer Markets/Retail: Rapid growth driven by increasing consumer demand.
> Healthcare: Significant investments in infrastructure and services to improve public health outcomes.
> IT and Digital Economy: Emphasis on digital transformation across various sectors, including education technology.
> Real Estate: Robust development to support urbanisation and economic growth.
> Energy & Utilities (Renewable Energy Focus): To ensure sustainable development, focus on renewable energy sources.
> Financial Services: Strengthening financial markets to support economic resilience and growth.
We focus heavily on communication, teamwork, and an ambitious mindset. These soft skills are crucial, especially in a start-up environment where adaptability and collaboration are key.”
Jenny, Copper Mountain Energy
2.2 Vietnamese employers’ needs and in-demand skill
2.2.1 Labour shortages
The identified priority and emerging sectors in the region indicate a strong regional focus on building resilient, tech-savvy economies capable of competing globally. However, Vietnam’s labour markets need more skilled workers.
According to the 2023 labour and employment report, Vietnam’s labour force reached approximately 52.4 million people, reflecting an increase of 666.5 thousand individuals compared to the previous year. During this period, around 1.07 million individuals, or 2.28% of the working-age population, were unemployed, marking a decrease of 14.6 thousand people from the previous year (General Statistics Office of Vietnam, 2023).
Notably, the proportion of individuals with a university degree or higher applying for unemployment benefits increased from 15.4% in Q4 2023 to 17.2% in Q1 2024.
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs also acknowledged that the quality of the labour supply still faces numerous shortcomings and limitations, failing to meet the demands of a modern, flexible, sustainable, and integrated labour market (Thu Hang, 2024).
2.2.2 Skills shortages
Common factors contributing to labour shortages in the region include the rapid pace of technological transformation, inadequate alignment between educational outputs and industry demands, and insufficient investment in training and upskilling. These factors have resulted in intense competition for talent, especially in critical sectors like IT, engineering, and management.
In Vietnam, interviews with labour market representatives (LMRs) reveal that jobspecific technical knowledge and skills, such as computer programming, data analytics, and teaching competencies, are crucial for recruitment. However, according to the Vietnam IT Workforce Report released by TopDev in September 2024, the IT sector in Vietnam was expected to require 700,000 personnel by the end of 2025. However, the actual workforce is projected to reach only 530,000, leaving a shortfall of nearly 200,000 skilled workers (Tran, 2025). Universities in Vietnam are seen to be making progress in access to education, yet they are not sufficiently preparing students for high-tech jobs. According to a World Bank analysis, 80% of training institutions believe their graduates are ready for entry-level jobs, but only 40% of employers agree, especially for higherskilled positions. Vietnam ranks 127th out of 140 countries in industry-relevant skill sets of university graduates. Although universities are good at producing raw engineering and programming talent, many graduates lack experience in emerging technologies (World Bank Group, 2023).
> Vietnamese employers emphasised that analytical skills (62%) and digital skills (52%) are particularly prioritised within the workforce, with advanced capabilities such as UX design, AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity valued above the APAC average (Economist Impact, 2023)
> Employers in Vietnam also value soft skills, especially teamwork, problem-solving, communication and presentation skills, creativity, and interpersonal skills (British Council, 2018).
Demand for soft skills among vietnam employers
Question: What are the key sof skills you look for when recruiting recent undergraduates?
of Vietnamese employers, N = 150
> To increase the quality of the workforce, 70% of employees rely on employers for upskilling support, including information on required skills and financial incentives. The survey also indicates employers are shifting towards skills-based hiring over traditional degree-based qualifications (Economist Impact, 2023). Important
Source: Economist Impact (2023)
Vietnam ranked
out of 140 countries in industry-relevant skill sets of university graduates.
(World Bank Group, 2023)
Partnerships with companies and real-life case studies are essential. They prepare students not just in theory but also in practical applications, equipping them with the mindset and skills needed to succeed in the corporate world.”
Quynh, Team lead, Navigos Search (Vietnam)
Source: EIU Graduate Employability Servey (2018)
(Vietnam)
2.2.3 Top-paying jobs
The sectors with identified labour shortages demonstrate a solid demand for specialised skills, making them attractive career paths for fresh graduates and professionals seeking competitive salaries.
In Vietnam, the salary typically ranges for unskilled labour from 4 to 5 million Vietnamese Dong (VND) (around USD 170 to USD 215). Skilled workers and those with professional qualifications can expect to earn 500 USD monthly or more (TimeCamp, 2024). However, fresh graduates earn from 500 to 1,500 USD monthly in high-paying sectors such as manufacturing and engineering, energy and oil, IT, and financial services (Manpower Group, 2024).
2.3 Gap analysis
Despite recent improvements, vocational and higher education in Vietnam still needs to meet the quality and quantity of high-skilled human resources required for the knowledge-based economy. Training programmes are not sufficiently aligned with labour market needs or societal demands, and there is a significant gap in forecasting manpower requirements, especially for emerging industries (Do, 2023). The country’s higher education system needs help to meet the demand for a highly skilled workforce.
Over the past decade, tertiary enrolment has stabilised at around two million students, with approximately 35% of these students enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Resource constraints have led many leading science and engineering universities to focus on improving education quality-improving curricula, hiring more PhDs, and implementing better quality control and certification-rather than increasing student enrollment. Moreover, many graduates lack practical experience and an understanding of professional standards, which hinders their job search efforts. This has led to a high rate of unemployed graduates and many students working in temporary jobs unrelated to their fields of study, highlighting a significant imbalance between supply and demand in the labour market (VietnamPlus, 2024).
2.4 Employability outcomes
According to statistics from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI - Ministry of Industry and Trade), each year, 38% of new graduates lack a clear career direction, and 60% end up working in fields unrelated to their major. Meanwhile, the supply of high-quality labour remains insufficient to meet the demands of businesses (Doan, 2022). This disparity highlights a significant issue in job-market alignment and wage levels for recent graduates in Vietnam.
2.5 Top 10 programmes to address future labour demand in Vietnam
Expanding access to high-demand programmes and fostering industry-academia partnerships are crucial to improving educational quality. This will allow Vietnam to prepare their workforce for the future. To identify the most in-demand educational programmes, we have established five key criteria: (1) identified skill or labour shortage, (2) alignment with government priorities, (3) limited current offerings from universities, (4) relevance to emerging industries, and (5) recognition by industry associations.
1. Renewable Energy and Green Technology
The green energy transition in Vietnam necessitates a skilled workforce to accommodate the significant increase in renewable energy capacity, projected to exceed 590 GW for solar and wind by 2050 under the Net-Zero scenario. This expansion presents a unique opportunity to create new domestic jobs, reinforcing the need for a well-educated and skilled workforce. To support this shift, education providers can expand offerings in clean energy technologies and re-skilling the workforce in wind, solar, batteries, and power system flexibility. Enhancing education and workforce skills, alongside the introduction of dedicated curricula in renewable energy and energy markets, will be vital in supporting Vietnam’s sustainable economic growth (EREA & DEA, 2024).
2. Information Technology and Data Science
Vietnam’s government has recently issued Decision No. 127 on the National Strategy for Research, Development, and Application of Artificial Intelligence until 2030, marking a significant step forward in the country’s commitment to AI development. The strategy aims to position Vietnam among the top four ASEAN countries in AI applications by 2030.
The key objectives outlined in the strategy include developing a robust legal framework for AI, enhancing data infrastructure for AI research and development, fostering an AI ecosystem, and increasing the number of enterprises utilising AI to meet domestic demand (Ministry of Science and Technology, 2024; Vietnam Briefing, 2023). Developing specialised education programmes in AI, data science, and intelligent systems—alongside embedding technical and ethical competencies into curricula —will be essential to support Vietnam’s ambitions in AI innovation and digital transformation.
3. Biotechnology and Life Sciences
The challenges identified in Resolution No. 36/NQ-TW by scientists and managers highlight the limitations and inconsistencies in the legal system, mechanisms, and policies related to biotechnology’s research, development, and application. These issues often hinder the practical application of biotechnology in life and production.
Additionally, several critical fields within biotechnology need to catch up to current needs, and the sector needs more skilled human resources to address subpar business practices in some areas. It is essential to strengthen biotechnology training by integrating academic learning with research labs and industrybased learning. Building a pipeline of reputed top scientists is also crucial for supporting Vietnam’s aspirations in biotechnology (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2025; VietnamNews, 2025).
4. Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences
Many hospitals, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are outdated and suffer from chronic overcrowding, often operating at 200% capacity as they receive up to 60% of the nation’s patients. Public hospitals in Vietnam primarily rely on state budgets to upgrade their facilities, equipment, and services. Although the budget for the health sector has increased, it remains insufficient to meet the growing demands. Another pressing issue is the shortage of qualified medical staff, with doctors and nurses often working under stressful conditions and for relatively low wages (International Trade Administration, 2024). These conditions signal a vital need for education providers to expand training in clinical healthcare, hospital management, nursing, pharmaceutical sciences, and allied health professions to build a more resilient and future-ready healthcare workforce.
5. Educational Technology (EdTech)
The global EdTech market is expanding, and Vietnam is following suit. Vietnam’s EdTech sector is expected to reach USD364.7 million in 2024, with a CAGR of 13.5% leading to 2032. The online education segment alone is expected to generate US$364.70 million in revenue in 2024, with an annual growth rate of 10.89% (Statista, 2025; EdTech Agency, 2024). This surge presents a prime opportunity for education providers to introduce or scale programmes in educational technology, instructional design, digital learning management, and AI-enabled learning tools. Empowering the workforce with these capabilities will enable Vietnam to accelerate the digital transformation of its education system.
6. Business and Management
Regarding the Business and Management, with a focus on Digital Economy, Vietnam’s digital economy is the fastest growing in ASEAN. Business administration programmes must focus on digital economy skills such as e-commerce, digital marketing, and fintech. These programmes will prepare graduates to thrive in a transforming business landscape. “Vietnam has been the fastest-growing digital economy in ASEAN in 2022, 2023, and is expected to maintain this position until 2025,” according to a report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company (VietnamNews, 2024; USAID, 2021). Expanding these offerings will be critical in equipping graduates for success in a highly competitive, tech-driven business environment.
7. Financial Technology (FinTech)
Vietnam’s fintech sector is rapidly growing but encounters a talent shortage, especially in specialised areas. Traditional finance programmes need to be more comprehensive to meet the needs of the fintech industry, which requires skills in digital finance, blockchain, and regulatory compliance. According to the ASEAN Fintech Ecosystem Report (See Table 2), Vietnam scored lower in digital skills and talent than other ASEAN countries (USAID, 2021), highlighting the need for specialised fintech programmes that blend finance, technology and regulation.
8. Smart Urban Planning and Management
The biggest challenge to smart city development in Vietnam is the lack of a clear legal framework to support public-private collaboration, especially in investment, procurement, and IT services. Urban areas also face gaps in infrastructure planning and development (VnExpress, 2023).
In Hanoi, the need to attract top domestic and international talent is pressing, alongside efforts to lead in IT training across hardware and software. As technology alone is not enough, addressing the human resource shortage is key. This calls for targeted investment in programmes such as smart infrastructure, urban informatics, cybersecurity, IoT, and digital public policy —aligned with industry needs and focused on talent retention.
9. Tourism and Hospitality Management
Vietnam currently has 195 tourism training institutions, including universities, colleges, and vocational schools, producing about 20,000 graduates annually—only half of the 40,000 workers needed (VNAT). However, just 43% of the workforce has received professional training, and only 9.7% hold university or postgraduate degrees. Labour productivity in Vietnam’s tourism sector remains low, with hotel productivity significantly lagging behind countries like Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia (National Economics University, 2018; VietnamPlus, 2024a). To bridge this gap, training institutions should modernize their tourism and hospitality programmes, ensuring graduates are equipped with the professional skills and international-level service capabilities the sector demands.
10. Engineering
Vietnam’s manufacturing industry faces challenges and opportunities as it navigates the rapidly developing digital economy (VietnamNews, 2024a). Vietnamese businesses exhibit relatively low levels of automation adoption, which presents a significant opportunity for automation solution providers to introduce their products. However, this also poses a challenge for businesses as they must adapt quickly to remain competitive. According to Nguyen Duc Thanh, president of the Vietnam Institute for Economic and Policy Research (VEPR), preparing for the disruption caused by automation requires re-educating workers to acquire new skills and adapt to the increasingly capable machines alongside them (Viet Nam Institute for Economic and Policy Research, 2019; VietnamNews, 2018). Unfortunately, training programmes in Vietnam are evolving slowly, often happening spontaneously between companies and workers based on immediate work demands. This calls for education providers to proactively develop structured programmes in engineering disciplines that emphasise smart manufacturing, human-machine interaction, and digital operations to build a workforce ready for Industry 4.0 transformation.
Table 2. Score of digital skills and talent of Vietnam and ASEAN countries
Source: USAID (2021)
Section 3: Indonesia
3.1 Indonesian government’s priority sectors
Indonesia aims to join the top 10 global economies by 2030. The “Making Indonesia 4.0” initiative highlights five critical development sectors: food and beverage, textile and apparel, automotive, electronics, and chemicals. These five sectors are integral to Indonesia’s strategy for economic transformation (Kearney, n.d.; Siemens, 2019).
Food and beverage
1. Highly productive agricultural sector and predictable yield
2. Strong SME support along the value chain
3. Leading packaged food producer
4. Regional food and beverage export hub
1. Building upstream capabilities in high-quality materials
Textile and apparel
2. Improved cost-competitiveness through increased labour productivity and effective industrial zoning
3. Leader in functional clothing production and innovation
4. Scaling up to meet demand from both domestic and export markets
1. Self-sufficient local production of raw materials and key components
2. Optimized sectoral productivity along the value chain
Automotive
Electronics
Chemicals
3. Leading automotive export hub
4. Regional leader in EV production
1. Attracting leading global manufacturers
2. Advanced manufacturing capabilities beyond assembly
3. Highly skilled and innovative workforce
4. Highly capable domestic champions
1. Enhanced basic chemical production
2. Optimised use of raw materials and industrial zoning
3. Improved productivity across the value chain
4. Leading biochemical manufacturer
Source: Kearney (n.d.); Siemens (2019)
To achieve the “Golden Indonesia 2045” vision, the Ministry of National Development Planning has outlined five priority industries (Berita, 2025).
> Natural Resources-Based Industries: Agriculture, mining downstream, and ocean-based industries.
> Basic Industries: Chemical and metal industries.
> Middle to High Technology Industries: Maritime, aircraft, automotive, security, medical appliances, pharmaceutical, machinery, and electronics.
> Sustainable Consumption Goods: Food and beverage, textile, and footwear.
> Innovation and Research: Biotechnology and other high-tech fields
Table 3. Indonesia’s five integral sectors and its strategy for economic transformation.
Sectors Strategy towards 2030
3.2 Indonesian employers’ needs and in-demand skills
3.2.1 Labour shortages
The pandemic has affected the job market in Indonesia. For example, the shift to remote work has emphasised the need for basic digital abilities, even for workers not directly handling technology positions. Furthermore, rapid technological advancements and economic growth have intensified the demand for skilled workers across various sectors. Indonesia is expected to lose up to USD 442.62 billion in economic growth by 2023 due to labour shortages, potentially reducing GDP growth by 19% (Kupu, 2022).
In 2018, the World Bank estimated that between 2015 and 2030, Indonesia will face a shortage of about nine million skilled and semi-skilled workers in the information and communications technology sectors (McKinsey & Company, 2021). Over the next year, almost 17.2 million Indonesians will need digital competency training to keep pace with technological advancements. However, less than 36% of employed adults feel they receive adequate training for future workplace demands (Kupu, 2022).
3.2.2 Skills shortages
Advanced digital skills are becoming essential in various sectors of Indonesia. Employees consider data analysis and visualisation (56.7%), IT support (51.7%), and digital marketing and e-commerce (48.3%) as must-have skills. This focus on advanced skills highlights a significant skills gap, with data from 2020 indicating that less than 1% of the workforce possessed advanced digital skills.
Besides that, as the country is highly vulnerable to climate risks such as flooding and extreme heat (Economist Impact, 2023), the demand for green skills—such as sustainability reporting and sustainable business management—is expected to grow in response to Indonesia’s increasing focus on sustainability.
Source: Economist Impact (2023)
65% of HR Directors in Indonesia believe that AI Product Engineer will be in high demand over the next decade. Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers are also expected to be in high demand in the next 10 years. This indicates a significant trend towards the increasing importance of artificial intelligence and related technologies in Indonesia’s future workforce development.
Question:
Cybersecurity is another critical skill, with 36.7% of employees emphasising its importance. Indonesia’s vulnerability to cyber risks is significant, with the country facing over 11 million cyberattacks in the first quarter of 2022 alone. Must-have digital skills workforce
Job trends that continue to influence Indonesia in the talent recruitment landscape led by AI
Source: Economist Impact (2023)
Source: Mercer report (2024), translated & processed by Acument, part of Sannam S4 Group
3.2.2 Top-paying jobs
The average monthly salary for fresh graduates in Indonesia varies widely depending on the sector and role. Sectors experiencing labour and skill shortages in Indonesia, such as information and communications technology, offer competitive salaries to attract talent effectively. The average salary typically ranges from IDR 4,000,000 to IDR 8,000,000 per month (260 to 520 USD) (TimeCamp, n.d.). However, higher-paying jobs include software development and IT, finance and banking, healthcare and engineering, ranging from 500 to 975 USD for fresh graduates (Robert Walters, 2024).
of HR Directors in Indonesia believe that AI Product Engineer will be in high demand over the next 10 years.
3.3 Gap Analysis
Below is the map of the higher education institutions in Indonesia from the Ministry of Higher Education website. The darker the colour, the higher the number of institutions available. As we can see, they are mainly concentrated on Java island.
Figure 3. Comparison of the Number of Higher Education Institutions Based on Regional Distribution in Indonesia (Provinces)
Of 9,960,557 students, around 33% are doing STEM majors, and 67% are studying Humanities and Social Sciences majors. With a focus on Making Indonesia 4.0, more skills are needed in STEM areas
Out of 6462 institutions, only 2% have the highest accreditation status (A and Unggul). Therefore, generally, there is a big gap between the demand for highquality graduates and the quality of local institutions available, especially for students in regional areas outside Java.
Regarding the types of programmes offered, around 43% of programmes are in STEM areas and 57% in Humanities and Social Sciences.
With the new administration taking office in October 2024, their key focus area is is Health and Food. Indonesia currently faces a shortage of over 29,000 specialist doctors, while allied health programmes remain limited, especially among toptier universities. For example, Human Nutrition and Dietetics programmes are primarily offered at public universities with restricted intake, and only one private institution holds A-level accreditation. Leading private universities, such as Binus, Prasetiya Mulya and Petra, do not offer allied health programmes such as podiatry, occupational therapy, and dermal therapy, despite growing demand from the booming health and beauty industry seek in the past few years.
In sustainability areas, most Indonesian universities only offer Environmental Engineering programmes at the undergraduate level, which may not appeal to students more interested in environmental issues from a non-engineering perspective. Interdisciplinary programmes like Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, Environmental Science, Sustainability Studies are largely confined to the postgraduate level. Responding to this gap, Bappenas is planning to establish liberal arts universities with interdisciplinary approaches, and ITB is targeted to be one of the first. This could be an opportunity for TNE.
While Business remains a consistently popular field, it’s notable that no public university in Indonesia offers a standalone undergraduate Finance programme. It is mainly offered as a specialisation within the Bachelor of Management. Among private universities, only Prasetiya Mulya (with a focus on Banking and Investment) and Binus (with a focus on Fintech) are well known for their Finance offerings. Some other universities recently started offering Bachelor of Finance,including Petra Christian University in Surabaya and Western Sydney University Surabaya
Number of Study Programmes
Source: Pangkalan Data Pendidikan Tinggi (2024), translated & processed by Acumen part of Sannam S4 Group
Number of Students
Source: Pangkalan Data Pendidikan Tinggi (2024), translated & processed by Acumen part of Sannam S4 Group
3.4 Employability outcomes
A comprehensive study by Kompas, published in May 2024, analysed the employment status of 2021 graduates in Indonesia, revealing that only 47.2% secured employment within a year. This research also highlighted the employment rates and average salaries across various university majors. For instance, Education graduates had the highest employment rates but the lowest salaries, while Architecture and Urban Planning graduates enjoyed the highest salaries and employment rates.
Finance graduates also found it relatively easier to secure jobs (Kompas, 2024).
Source: Kompas 2024 (translated & processed by Acumenr – Part of Sannam S4 Group)
The Mercer Indonesia Global Talent Report 2024 surveyed over 750 HR leaders and identified a significant challenge in the relevance of skills The report emphasised aligning educational programmes with industry requirements to bridge this gap (Mercer, 2023).
The study further indicated a decline in formal labour demand over the past 15 years, posing challenges for Generation Z in securing formal employment. While the informal sector absorbed more workers, the average salary was only around USD 119 per month, compared to USD 194 per month in the formal sector (Kompas, 2024a).
Qualitative insights from interviews with recruitment consultants and HR managers revealed a significant skills gap. Companies are seeking technical knowledge, problem- solving abilities, and adaptability. However, many graduates lack these skills, leading to a mismatch between job market requirements and available talent (Kompas, 2024c).
Source: BPS; Processed by Kompas/EKI/RSW/SPW (translated by Acumenr – Part of Sannam S4 Group)
We often find that graduates are overly confident with their theoretical knowledge but struggle with practical application. Educational institutions need to bridge this gap by incorporating more real-world experiences into their curricula.”
EMENDA, Head of HR at a local paint manufacturing company (Indonesia)
Agriculture, Aquaculture, Horticulture
Information Technology and Data Science (including Advanced IT and Computer Science)
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
3.5 Top 10 programmes to address future labour demand in Indonesia
As the identified industries under “Making Indonesia 4.0” continue to grow, they will likely remain critical drivers of economic development and employment, underscoring the importance of aligning educational programmes with these high-demand sectors to meet the evolving needs of the job market. We have selected the top 10 programmes to help address the labour supply and demand gaps, using the same five criteria: (1) identified skill or labour shortage, (2) alignment with government priorities, (3) limited current offerings from universities, (4) relevance to emerging industries, and (5) recognition by industry associations.
1. Agriculture, Aquaculture, Horticulture
Educational Technology (Early Childhood Education)
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Business and Management (Accounting, Finance, Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
Communication (Advertising, Media Production, Digital/Social Media Communication)
Sustainability Studies
Creative Industries (Art and Design)
ENGINEERING
Engineering (Mechatronic, Robotic, Product Design Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, etc.)
As an agricultural country, Indonesia places high importance on this sector. However, the average age of farmers is 45-54 years, with young farmers significantly declining from 29.18% in 2011 to 19.18% in 2021. Currently, only 4.7% of university students are enrolled in agriculture programmes.
This highlights the need for educational programmes to introduce modern, technology-integrated programmes in sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and horticulture aimed at attracting and training the next generation of agripreneurs and climate-smart farmers (Pangkalan Data Agriculture Article).
2. Information Technology and Data Science
According to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Indonesia needs more IT talent, with an estimated gap of 9 million by 2030. The average number of IT graduates, including Bachelor’s and Master’s, is around 4.5 million per year, with an additional 1.8 million from vocational schools. Despite these numbers, there remains a critical need for educational providers to expand specialised programmes in Data Science, Cyber Security, and AI to meet the demands of the “Making Indonesia 4.0” plan. Current offerings include Airlangga, Binus, WSU, and Deakin Lancaster programme (Yulianti, 2023).
3. Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Life sciences programmes are mainly offered at the postgraduate level due to limited lab infrastructure and faculty resource. The notable private university, I3L, started with 60 students and now has over 600, indicating a growing interest in this field. To meet rising demand in healthcare, food tech, and pharmaceuticals, universities should invest in undergraduate life sciences programmes with strong research, practical training, and interdisciplinary links.
4. Healthcare and Allied Health Sciences
Human nutrition is prioritised by the new government administration, starting in October 2024. While 119 bachelor’s degree programmes in Human Nutrition exist, many are not at target universities for the international market. The growing demand for allied health professionals, particularly nutrition, is a key focus. This gap presents an opportunity for international institutions to introduce comprehensive allied health programmes in nutrition, public health and clinical support to fulfil urgent talent gaps in Indonesia (AIPGI, 2025).
5. Education (Early Childhood Education)
As of December 2023, there are 400,000 early childhood teachers in Indonesia, but only 41% have bachelor’s degrees. This reveals a major opportunity to raise teaching quality and professional standards by expanding access to accredited early childhood education programmes (Hikmia, 2023).
6. Business and Management
Business and Management includes Accounting, Finance, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Interest in accounting studies has declined, resulting in a high demand for certified accountants. Forensic accounting is increasingly important, with 80% of organisations experiencing payment fraud attacks in 2023.
Standalone Bachelor of Finance programmes are rare, with only a few universities offering them. Logistics is crucial for Indonesia’s infrastructure development, with significant projects completed during Jokowi’s administration. However, accredited logistics programmes are limited, with only one outstanding accredited programme at Trisakti University (Ministry of Transporation, 2024; Association for Financial Professionals, 2024). Hence, educational providers should introduce specialised tracks in forensic accounting, standalone finance degrees, and modern logistics and supply chain programmes – anchored in practical casework and industry collaboration.
7. Communication
Communication includes Advertising, Media Production, Digital/Social Media Communication. Bachelor of Communication was the most competitive programme in 2023, with high demand and limited seats. However, specialisations in communication, such as Advertising and Digital Media, are not widely offered. This presents an opportunity for institutions to develop specialised programmes in digital communication, media production, advertising, and social media strategy to meet the market’s needs.
8. Sustainability Studies
Sustainability is a key component of the “Making Indonesia 4.0” plan. Recently, IPB launched Indonesia’s first undergraduate programmes in Resource and Environmental Economics, focusing on agricultural and food economics, natural resources, and the environment. This initiative reflects the growing importance of sustainability in Indonesia’s development agenda and addresses the need for interdisciplinary undergraduate programmes in environmental science, sustainable development, climate policy, and ESG management (IPB University, 2024).
9. Creative Industries (Art & Design)
Available design programmes are limited to Visual Communication Design, Fashion Design, and Product Design, leading to a potential for Interactive Design programmes. To support this trend, institutions should offer specialised art and design programmes in digital media design, animation, and game design to meet strong student demand and expand the regional creative economy.
10. Engineering
Engineering includes Mechatronic, Robotic, Product Design Engineering, Sustainable Energy Engineering, etc. Indonesia has fewer engineers, with 2,600 per 1M population compared to 9,000 in Vietnam and 26,000 in South Korea. Currently, 49 universities offer certified engineering programmes. To address this shortage, universities should scale up programmes in robotics, mechatronics, product design engineering, and sustainable energy systems –anchoring them in Industry 4.0 technologies and practical, project- based learning (Diklat Kerja, 2024).
Section 4: Malaysia
4.1 Malaysian government’s priority sectors & emerging industries
The Malaysian government has outlined nine priority digital transformation sectors: trade, agriculture, smart cities, healthcare, finance, tourism, content creation, services, and the Islamic digital economy (Medina, 2023). Additionally, the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) emphasises 21 key sectors to create 3.3 million high-value jobs by 2030, thereby improving the quality of life for Malaysians (Malaysian Investment Development Authority, 2023). Of these sectors, five have been designated as high priority:
> Aerospace: This sector is expected to grow significantly, with key contributions from maintenance, repair, overhaul (MRO), manufacturing, education, and training. Prominent players include UMW Aerospace and CTRM Aero Composite, integral to Boeing and Airbus’s global supply chains.
> Chemical: The focus here is on enhancing Malaysia’s capacity to produce high-value chemicals and materials, leveraging natural resources and the existing industrial base.
> Electrical and Electronics: As a major manufacturing sector, Electrical and Electronics is driven by innovation and technological advancement to maintain global competitiveness.
> Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices: This sector is expanding through research, development, and manufacturing investments to meet local and international demand for medical products.
> Digital Economy: Projected to contribute 25% to Malaysia’s GDP by 2025, the digital economy includes e-commerce, digital finance, smart cities, and healthcare, supported by a robust data center industry and comprehensive digital transformation initiatives (Malaysia Investment Development Authority, 2023).
While Malaysia’s education Blueprint 2015-2025 emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships between universities and industries particularly in STEM fields, to align curriculum with evolving market demands, the newly approved Malaysia High Education Blueprint 2026-2035 shifts that focus to skills development and employability of the market. Recognising the growing mismatch between labour market supply and demand in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing, and healthcare, the government is proactively expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to workforce upskilling and staying ahead in technological advancements (Ministry of Education Malaysia, 2015).
The National Digital Skills Strategy, launched in 2019, aims to equip Malaysians with essential digital skills. The strategy addresses the rising global demand for specialised digital skills, such as cybersecurity, generative AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By 2025, Malaysia aims to produce approximately 20,000 cybersecurity experts (ASEAN Briefing).
4.2 Malaysian employers’ needs and in-demand skills
4.2.1 Labour shortages
A critical issue threatening Malaysia’s development is the insufficient creation of high-skilled jobs, which leaves many tertiary-educated Malaysians stuck in low and semi-skilled positions. Malaysia’s labour market has been unable to keep pace with the country’s rapidly growing number of university graduates. Malaysia’s skilled workforce accounted for 29.6% of total employment in 2022, markedly below its developed country peers in the region (Guie, 2024). In 2023, 287,000 graduates entered the workforce but only 48,700 high-skilled jobs were available. This dramatic gap underscores the deepening mismatch between the supply of graduates and the demand for skilled labour (The Sun, 2024). As a result, the number of degree holders employed in low-paying or semi- skilled jobs has nearly tripled since 2010. This trend reflects a broader structural issue: Malaysia is not creating enough high-skilled jobs for its educated workforce. As a result, the country faces a surplus of job seekers in these fields while industries that require advanced technical skills are left underserved. This mismatch has led to a growing number of graduates entering the workforce with qualifications that are not in demand, exacerbating the problem of underemployment. Another critical factor is Malaysia’s low investment in research and development (R&D). High-skilled jobs are often driven by innovation and technological advancement but Malaysia lags behind other high-income countries in R&D spending. Without a strong foundation in innovation, the growth of high- tech industries is stunted, limiting the creation of high-skilled employment opportunities. As a result, Malaysia remains dependent on sectors that do not require advanced skills, hindering the transition to a more knowledge-based economy. Compounding these issues is the country’s reliance on low-skilled labour, particularly in industries like manufacturing, agriculture and construction (The Sun, 2024).
Labour shortage in Malaysia
Malaysia’s skilled workforce only accounted for 29.6% of total employment in 2022
In 2024
287,000 graduates entered the workforce but only 48,700 high-skilled jobs were available
The number of degree holders employed in low-paying or semi-skilled jobs x3 since 2010
4.2.2 Skills shortages
Given the shifting economic outlook (increased restrictions on global trade and investment, heightened focus on government subsidies and industrial policy) and rapid digitalisation, Malaysian businesses are accelerating their transformation efforts, which in turn increases demand for a more skilled workforce. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 by World Economic Forum, 41% of core skills in Malaysia are expected to change, slightly above the global average, making Malaysian businesses adopt distinct approaches to workforce reskilling. AI and big data top the list, with 96% of employers expecting increased use—highlighting the urgency of developing capabilities in data analytics and machine learning. Technological literacy (64%) and networks and cybersecurity (64%) also reflect the growing digital demands across industries. At the same time, soft skills like resilience, flexibility, and agility (59%) and talent management (57%) are gaining traction as businesses navigate change and aim to retain top talent.
Despite these positive steps, skills gaps remain a significant barrier to progress. 59% of Malaysian organisations identified this issue as a critical challenge, and 45% of employers expect talent availability during hiring to worsen (World Economic Forum, 2025). This aligns with data from the Labour Force Survey 2021 and Labour Market Review 2022 by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), which revealed that 1.55 million graduates were affected by skills mismatch, with 80.3% working in roles that did not align with their qualifications (Wei and Yew, 2024). Furthermore, the Hays Asia Salary Guide 2025 reported that 64% of Malaysian organisations experienced moderate to extreme skill shortages, severely impacting business recovery and adaptation in a postpandemic world (Hays Asia, 2025).
41% of core skills in Malaysia are expected to change
1.55 million graduates were affected by skills mismatch
80.3% graduates working in roles that do not align with their qualifications
In general, digital skills are a primary focus for employees, with 65% prioritising these skills. Basic digital skills are emphasised by 83.1%, while advanced skills such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and cybersecurity are gaining importance. Additionally, 54% of Malaysian employees value soft skills, surpassing the regional average. Critical soft skills include interpersonal and intercultural communication (81.5%). Employees believe employers should be responsible for upskilling but also see a role for the government in providing financial support and addressing skill gaps. (The Economist Impact, 2023).
Source: Economist Impact (2023)
Malaysian businesses are adopting distinct approaches to reskilling: while many plan to self-fund training programmes, an encouraging 32% of reskilling efforts are expected to be co-funded at the industry level—twice the global average. Moreover, 35% of employers intend to recognize short courses and online certifications in their hiring decisions, compared to a global average of 14%. These shifts reflect a growing openness to alternative credentials and a proactive approach to tackling Malaysia’s evolving skills landscape. In Malaysia, skill shortages are most pronounced in advanced digital competencies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Despite efforts to produce more technically skilled graduates, educational systems struggle to meet the demand for these high-level skills. To address these challenges, Malaysia has launched strategic digital adoption initiatives under the MyDIGITAL framework, aiming to build agile and competent digital talent through education reforms and industry collaboration. Furthermore, Budget 2025 underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating AI adoption and bridging the digital skill gaps by allocating substantial funding for research and development and coordinating AI initiatives across sectors, thus, positioning the country as a regional leader in AI innovation (Economic Planning Unit, 2023).
4.2.3 Top-paying jobs
According to the JobStreet Salary Report, 40% of job industries in Malaysia have increased their salary offerings to attract and retain talent, particularly in the Computer/IT industry. The salary range for fresh graduates typically spans from RM 1,500 (320 USD) to RM 3,600 (765 USD), with an average of RM 2,500 (530 USD) across most industries. Notably, the Computer & IT sector has seen significant growth and demand since the pandemic, reflecting its importance in the job market. Additionally, entry-level engineers and architects are well-compensated as Malaysia continues to modernise its infrastructure in urban areas (Jobstreet, 2023).
Soft skills are becoming increasingly important in today’s workforce, especially in fields like marketing and sales where communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Unfortunately, many fresh graduates lack these abilities.”
ITA, Senior Manager Talent Acquisition at Unitalent Sdn Bhd (Malaysia)
4.3 Gap Analysis Between Labour Market Demand and University
Despite graduate employability remaining relatively high at 85.5%, this paradox underscores the complexity of the mismatch issue, highlighting that mere employment figures do not adequately reflect the quality and relevance of employment opportunities for graduates. Several factors contribute to this misalignment. Rapid technological advancements, shifting industry demands, and outdated educational curricula have likely played critical roles in exacerbating the mismatch. Academic institutions often fail to anticipate or adjust to the evolving needs of the workforce, resulting in graduates being equipped with skills that are either obsolete or not directly applicable to the modern job market. Several studies emphasize that such mismatches are not unique to Malaysia but represent a broader challenge in developing economies transitioning to knowledge-based structures (Wei and Yew, 2024).
The disparity between labour market demand and the provision of STEM education highlights significant challenges in aligning educational outputs with industry needs, particularly in digital skills such as cybersecurity, AI, and IoT.
STEM education in Malaysia has been affected by several factors. There is a lack of awareness of STEM and students and parents perceive that STEM subjects are more complicated than Arts subjects. Traditional teaching methods and assessments exacerbate this issue, leading to lower-than-expected enrollment in STEM disciplines. Innovative teaching methods are essential to spark and maintain student interest (Loheswar, 2024).
Malaysia’s tertiary enrolment rates are among the highest in Southeast Asia, growing from 9.4% in 1993 to 46% in 2016. However, this figure declined to 40% in 2022 (World Bank Group, 2024). Despite relatively strong public investment in education—20.6% of total government expenditure in 2016— the country’s teaching culture is described as dictatorial learning and tests instead of problem-based learning that will equip students with the essential skills for the workplace (British Council, 2018). A World Bank survey found that 90% of companies think Malaysian graduates should be given more industrial training, and 81% of companies rated communication skills as a major shortfall (British Council, 2018).
4.4 Employability Outcomes
A survey by the Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) found that while degree and diploma holders in Malaysia are now earning higher salaries, more than a third remain in jobs that do not match their qualifications. The proportion of degree holders earning RM2,000 or below decreased from 63.3% in 2010 to 43.2% in 2022. Similarly, the share of diploma holders earning RM2,000 or below dropped from 93.7% to 78% during the same period (HR Asia, 2024). The Higher Education Ministry’s graduate tracer study revealed that about 60% of graduates were employed in highskilled occupations over the past decade, and around 59% worked in fields related to their study courses in the last five years.
However, persistent mismatches between the supply and demand of graduate-level jobs contribute to drive skillrelated underemployment and wage stagnation (HR Asia, 2024).
In response, 2023 saw significant efforts to improve graduate outcomes. Talentbank launched the National Graduate Employability Index (GE Index) to help students identify universities that enhance employability by aligning academic programmes with industry needs. Based on surveys with top graduate employers, this index provides data-driven insights into recruitment preferences, enabling universities to tailor their curricula to better prepare students for the workforce (Ho, 2023).
4.5 Top 10 programmes to address future labour demand in Malaysia
As Malaysia advances its vision under the MyDIGITAL Blueprint and the National Policy on Industry 4.0, sectors such as AI, data science, green technology, and creative industries are expected to be pivotal in driving economic transformation and job creation. To support this, we have identified the top 10 programmes that can address current and future labour market gaps, reflecting Malaysia’s urgent need for digitally skilled talent. These programmes were selected based on the same five key criteria: (1) identified skill or labour shortage, (2) alignment with government priorities, (3) limited current offerings from universities, (4) relevance to emerging industries, and (5) recognition by industry associations.
Top 10 programmes to offer in Malaysia
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology and Data Science
Biotechnology and Life Sciences
Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
The Internet of Things (IoT)
Renewable Energy and Green Technology
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
Financial Technology (FinTech)
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
CREATIVE INDUSTRY
Creative Industries (Media, Film and Design)
ENGINEERING
Engineering (Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics)
1. Information Technology and Data Science
With the rapid expansion of Malaysia’s digital economy, there is a critical demand for professionals skilled in data science and analytics. This is essential for businesses aiming to make data-driven decisions.
According to Malaysia’s Critical Occupations List (MyCOL), there is a significant shortage of data scientists, making this a priority sector for the nation. The increasing reliance on big data in various industries, including finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, drives the demand. The National Policy on Industry 4.0 also highlights the field as crucial for the country’s future growth (Human Resources Online, 2023; World Bank Group, 2019). To respond to this need, education providers are well-positioned to introduce or expand programmes in data science, business analytics, machine learning, and applied statistics.
2. Cybersecurity
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for cybersecurity experts is growing exponentially. This field is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of digital infrastructure. According to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), Malaysia faces a critical shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, posing a significant risk to national security. The New Straits Times has reported that the sector is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled professionals, which could hinder Malaysia’s ability to protect its critical infrastructure (Sallehuddin, 2023; Human Resources Online, 2023). In response, education providers have a timely opportunity to strengthen their offerings in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and information security governance.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML are at the forefront of technological advancement. These skills are vital for developing innovative solutions across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Malaysia’s Industry 4.0 framework highlights the need for AI and ML specialists, yet a significant talent shortage exists. This shortage is impeding the nation’s progress in becoming a leader in AI within the ASEAN region (Human Resources Online, 2023; World Bank Group, 2019). To address this, higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in designing end-to-end programmes in AI development, from algorithm engineering to ethical deployment, preparing students to lead future innovation.
4. The Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) is integral to developing intelligent technologies and Malaysia’s future of Industry 4.0. As the nation pushes forward with its digital transformation, professionals skilled in IoT are in high demand. However, there needs to be more specialised training programmes for IoT in Malaysian universities, to support the sector’s growth. IoT’s importance is further emphasised in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), which identifies IoT as a critical area for future growth (AlphaBeta, 2021). Expanding academic pathways in IoT systems, embedded technologies, sensor networks, and connected device management will be essential for building a futureready workforce capable of powering Malaysia’s smart innovation goals.
5. Renewable Energy & Green Technology
As Malaysia shifts toward renewable energy, there is a growing need for green technology experts to support sustainable development. Despite being a priority in the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the sector faces a shortage of skilled professionals—especially in solar and wind energy, where capacity expansion is a national goal (Malaysian Investment Development Authority, 2023; Sallehuddin, 2023). Strengthening programmes in renewable energy engineering, sustainable power systems, and green technology management will be key to meeting this demand.
6. Engineering
Engineering includes Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics. The manufacturing sector in Malaysia, especially in automation and robotics, requires skilled workers to stay competitive and embrace Industry 4.0. The National Policy on Industry 4.0 highlights the need for advanced manufacturing and robotics specialists to modernise the country’s industrial capabilities. Expanding training in robotics, automation systems, and smart manufacturing technologies will be vital to closing this gap (AlphaBeta, 2021; Human Resources Online, 2023).
7. Healthcare and Biotechnology
There is a critical need for healthcare professionals and biotechnologists to support Malaysia’s healthcare industry and medical research. The healthcare and biotechnology sectors are facing a severe shortage of skilled professionals, impacting the quality of care and innovation. The Ministry of Health in Malaysia emphasises the need for more skilled workers in this sector to meet the growing demand (Ministry of Health Malaysia, 2023). To strengthen national capacity, education providers should develop integrated programmes in clinical health sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical research.
8. Financial Technology (Fintech)
Financial Technology (Fintech) is revolutionising financial services, requiring skilled professionals to manage and innovate within this space. Malaysia has seen rapid growth in fintech, yet there needs to be more specialised talent to meet the growing demand. Recognised in the National Policy on Industry 4.0 as a key growth area, fintech presents strong opportunities for workforce development in areas such as digital payments, blockchain, and financial data analytics (AlphaBeta, 2021). Educational institutions can respond by offering specialised programmes in areas such as digital payments, blockchain technologies, fintech innovation, and financial data analytics.
9. Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Efficient logistics and supply chain management are vital for Malaysia’s growing trade and manufacturing industries. The sector is expanding rapidly, but skilled professionals need to be more skilled to support this growth. The Malaysian Logistics and Supply Chain Sector report highlights the need for more professionals in this field to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the global market (Malaysian Investment Development Authority, 2024). To close these gaps, institutions should expand training in logistics planning, transportation technologies, and supply chain analytics.
10. Creative Industries (media, film, design)
Creative professionals are central to Malaysia’s cultural and digital economy, particularly in media, film, and design. In 2022, the cultural and creative sectors contributed approximately 2% to Malaysia’s GDP, with potential for further growth through continued government investment in digital transformation and cultural initiatives (Regina, 2025). To address talent shortages and support sector expansion, initiatives like MDEC’s Creativity @ Schools programme aim to build early-stage digital skills. The government’s commitment is further reflected in the RM160 million allocated in Budget 2024 and the RM30 million Madani Creative Youth Programme introduced in Budget 2025, which targets 16,000 young creatives (Loheswar, 2024; Kasim, 2024). These efforts aim to position Malaysia as a regional hub for innovation, creativity, and job creation. To sustain this momentum, education providers are encouraged to expand training in digital media, animation, game design, creative technology, and cultural entrepreneurship—equipping students to thrive in the evolving creative economy.
Section 5: Recommendations For Education Providers
In light of this report’s findings, local and international educational providers must proactively address the skill gaps and align with government priorities in Southeast Asia. These recommendations aim to guide educational providers in refining their offerings, forming strategic partnerships, and equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the evolving labour market.
Align Curriculum with Industry Needs: Educational providers should design and tailor programmes to meet the demands of emerging industries, particularly in sectors such as the digital economy, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. This alignment ensures that graduates possess the relevant skills required by the labour market, addressing identified shortages in skill supply.
> Focus on STEM and Emerging Technologies: Given the critical need for expertise in data science, AI, cybersecurity, and IoT, educational providers should enhance their STEM offerings. Prioritising these areas will align with government priority sectors and fulfil the significant demand for skilled professionals.
> Enhance Collaboration with Industry: Establishing robust partnerships with industry players is crucial for creating programmes relevant to market needs. Internships, industry-led courses, and joint research initiatives ensure that students gain practical experience and are prepared for employment upon graduation.
> Expand Access to Specialised Programmes: More specialised programmes such as renewable energy, fintech, and biotechnology. Universities should work to expand access to these programmes, particularly in regions where offerings are limited, to prepare a workforce capable of driving growth in these crucial sectors.
> Introduce Talent and Career Curriculum: Universities should implement a talent and career curriculum that offers career counselling to students from their first year. This guidance helps students explore and choose their career paths effectively. Additionally, forming partnerships with relevant enterprises in critical sectors will allow universities to offer accurate and practical projects, better preparing students for the workforce.
> Invest in Soft Skills Development: Alongside technical expertise, employers emphasise the importance of soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Educational providers should integrate these competencies into their curricula through impactful skills courses, producing well-rounded graduates who can thrive in dynamic work environments.
> Offer Continuous Learning and Upskilling Opportunities: Educational providers should offer ongoing education options, such as professional certificates, workshops, and advanced courses, to enable graduates and professionals already in the workforce to update their skills in response to evolving industry needs. This is particularly important for those who have already graduated and should adapt to new technologies or industry changes.
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Acumen offices in Southeast Asia
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Doan, M. (2022)
Vì sao 60% sinh viên làm trái ngành nghề, trong khi thiếu lao động tay nghề cao? [online] Giáo dục Việt Nam. Available at: https://giaoduc.net.vn/vi-sao-60-sinh-vienlam-trai-nganh-nghe-trong-khi-thieu-lao-dong-taynghe-cao-post223413.gd [Accessed 1 Apr. 2025].
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Economist Impact (2023b)
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Available at: https://impact.economist.com/ perspectives/talent-education/bridging-skills-gapfuelling-careers-and-economy-malaysia.
Economist Impact (2023c)
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