Short-term Job Hunting in Malaysia

There are many possibilities for seasonal summer work, due to Malaysia's booming tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, and guided excursions organized by local and foreign touring companies.

In addition, many students from the Middle East flock to Malaysia during the hot summer months to learn a language, increasing the need of seasonal teachers.

Note that it can be difficult to find employment in Malaysia, but not impossible. Companies in Malaysia are only allowed to hire foreigners when they can prove that Malaysians aren't able or willing to do that job.

Be sure to highlight knowledge of any foreign languages on your CV. While English is widely spoken in Malaysia, it country attracts a large number of guests from China and the Middle East. Knowledge of Bahasa Melayu is an advantage.

Search Methods for Work in Malaysia

Employment Search Engines

There are several classifieds-type websites that list job openings in Malaysia. The most popular is JobStreet with many listings in English.

Popular job search sites:

• JobDB
• JenJobs
• Bestjobs.com
• Monster.com.my
• Malaysia.craigslist.org/jjj/
• olx.com.my

You can also browse job listings in Malaysia on EasyExpat.

Apply for Jobs in Person

Though search engines produce occasional listings for summer jobs, directly contacting potential employers can yield better results. Do research, pick out some companies, and send them a professional email along with your CV.

Forums

Participating in expat forums is a great way to find job leads and get career-related advice from other foreigners living in Malaysia.

You can also chat with other expats and share your experiences using EasyExpat's Malaysia forum and EasyExpat's LinkedIn group.

Newspaper

Newspapers are actually not a popular resource for job listings in Malaysia. It's better to browse the classifieds sites listed above. Only one paper has a helpful classified's section: The Star

Common Positions for Temporary Work in Malaysia

There are three kinds of work in Malaysia: you can work for an international company, for a local company, or for an embassy or chamber of commerce. Usually expats obtain jobs in finance or management. Another common position is as a teacher. There is an array of schools in Malaysia, including local, language center and International Schools. It is possible to work short-term in language centers. Generally, you can walk in to the office on a tourist visa and get a job.

Teaching Foreign/English Language in Malaysia

Teaching English is a great way to find work in Malaysia as there are multitudes of language schools throughout the country, including international schools, and most are interested in hiring native speakers. Many don't require ESL teaching certification, and prior teaching experience is not always necessary. A solid grasp of the language, of course, is. However, with these arrangements, it will not be legal work and workers will be paid under the table.

To work legally in Malaysia as a teacher, you must come from a Native Speaking country and have a degree. Some schools do require a TEFL Certificate. If applicants are from non-English speaking countries, most schools require an IELTS score of 6.0 and above.

Many people teach private classes. One can place ads through a variety of places, such as Craigslist , www.teachergig.com/jobs/malaysia/, and OLX.com.my, or even on flyers on the street. Normal rates run at 50 MYR per hour.

Student Employment Contract in Malaysia

An employment contract is standard for any working environment and in the case of student or short-term work; a student employment contract may be used. This usually imposes a time-limit between a student and an employer, with the student getting a salary for his/her work. Making a formal student work contract is not mandatory (it is possible to sign a standard employee contract instead), but may have additional benefits for a student position. However, it isn't a common practice in Malaysia.

Discount Cards in Malaysia

ISEC Card (International Student Exchange Card) - An internationally recognized identification card with thousands of discounts in over 80 countries including Malaysia. It is valid for one year from date of issue for faculty members and students from 12-25 for $25.

ISIC (International Student Identity Card) - Offers discounts to full-time students on travel rates, accommodations, shopping, entertainment, basic sickness and travel insurance, and inexpensive international phone calls. A passport sized photo is required and the card costs about $25 and is good through December 31st of each year.

Work and Holiday Visa in Malaysia

A work permit is required for all foreign nationals who want to work in Malaysia. The 'Work and Holiday' Visa is a special program that provides opportunities to young people of Malaysia and Australia to work temporarily to cover daily expenses while travelling in Malaysia or Australia. This program's aim is to further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Australia.

Applicants must be:

• Nationals of Malaysia or Australia
• Be between 18 and 30 at the time of the application for the visa
• Hold tertiary qualifications OR have successfully completed at least two (2) years of undergraduate studies at a university
• Able to communicate in English proficiently
• Are not accompanied by dependent children
• Have not previously taken part in the 'Work and Holiday' program
• Possess a valid passport and a return travel ticket OR have sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket
• Have sufficient funds for their upkeep during the initial period of living in Malaysia or Australia
• Meet health requirements

For more information on visas, consult the section on "Passport and Visas".

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