Similar to many other Asian countries, Malaysia to has caught on to the IT wave, and companies are on the lookout for skilled individuals who can perform multiple tasks.
A data analyst should be able to present and explain data to normal people and have good computer skills like programming, understanding algorithms and creating visual reports to present the data collected as part of their tasks.
Interestingly, with the demand for data professionals in Malaysia growing to 20,000 (including 200 data scientists) – there’s enough for you to leverage your skills to solve meaningful business problems.
If you’re looking for in-depth information about data analysis careers in Malaysia, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Data Analytics, and What do Data Analysts do?
Data analytics analyses raw, uncleaned data for meaningful insights, informing conclusions and generating reports with those insights. Organisations (especially businesses) often use this technique to optimise performance, increase profitability and support innovation.
It must also be noted that any information can be analysed as data – helping you achieve specific outcomes and make better decisions.
Similarly, data analysts are individuals tasked with transforming this raw, uncleaned data into simple, visual-first terms so that normal people can understand the insights generated. Data analysts will always be in demand as the demand for data increases.
Here’s everything they need to do as part of their work:
1. Analyse, collect and process data using different statistical and scientifically-driven methods.
2. Data analysts help simplify large troves of data, allowing companies to use these visual-first insights for better decision-making and innovation.
3. Communicating these insights in the best possible manner with the leadership and other stakeholders.
Tips to Building a Career in Data Analytics in Malaysia
Building a data analyst career in Malaysia is a highly tempting yet equally competitive option. The increasing number of tech companies and the requirement for data analysts has inspired young job-seekers to build their careers in this field.
That said, one needs proper planning, preparation and commitment to acquire relevant data analysis skills to build a thriving career.
Here are some tips to help you build a career in Data Analytics:
Understanding the Basics
Understanding the basics of data analytics is the primary requirement for this field. It also includes understanding the problem statement, collecting and cleaning raw data and deriving interpretations from the collected data.
Choosing a Specialisation
While data analysts are required in multiple industries, choosing your specialisation is essential. You can focus on data and statistical analysis, building network infrastructure and leveraging AI and ML. Each job has its own merits and demerits.
However, having a proper goal and choosing your specialisation helps you keep moving in the right direction.
Learn the tools
A data analyst must use various tools and ways to generate new, unique insights with data.
Some of the common tools a data analyst needs are:
– Microsoft Excel
– Apache Spark
– Python and R
– Jupyter Notebook, and
– Power BI, among others.
Building Portfolio
Having a solid portfolio is critical, especially during the initial phases. As a data analyst, you must demonstrate your skills in front of your employers – and this is precisely where a strong portfolio helps you.
While hiring, companies often check the data analyst’s portfolio to analyse their proficiency with different tools and techniques alongside the projects they have previously worked on.
The bottom line is – Focus on building your skills regularly and use those learnings to create a strong portfolio of projects you can showcase as proof of your expertise in the field.
Networking
The power of networking is vast, and you can’t deny that. Now a network doesn’t have to be only offline, for you can meet people online and learn from them.
Networking allows data analysts to connect and collaborate with professionals from different industries – enabling knowledge-sharing, creating new employment opportunities and upgrading one’s skill set.
Continued Learning
The best part of being a data analyst is that there is always scope for growth. As you keep learning, you get promoted to better positions and learn about different use cases for your skills.
The field of data analysis is quite dynamic, and changes happen quickly. Embracing the uncertainty and inculcating a sense of learning will help you remain ahead of the curve and accelerate your growth in this industry.
Enhance Technical Skills
Enhancing your technical skills is paramount in the data analytics industry. Acquiring new skills not only helps you understand the different applications of specific technologies but can also open up more unique opportunities that are exciting and also pay well.
Develop Soft Skills for Higher Roles.
Developing your soft skills can increase your worth in the company. Skills like an analytical mindset, problem-solving and excellent communication skills make you an asset to the company’s culture.
Such people are wanted by employers not just for their main competency but also for their ability to handle pressure and deliver projects on time.
Career Path for Data Analyst in Malaysia
Data analysis is one of the best jobs to start your career in data science. Many data analyst growth opportunities arise yearly in Malaysia because of the rapid growth in IT and technology-focused companies.
As your career progresses and you gain skills, you can advance to become a senior-level analyst, analytics manager or even a Director of Analytics at a reputed firm.
You can also take your career deeper with specialised roles such as business analysis, financial and marketing analysis and research.
Once you have the required experience, you can advance to become a Data Analytics consultant – apart from freelancing for more prominent companies as and when needed.
Conclusion
Enhancing your technical skills is paramount in the data analytics industry. Acquiring new skills not only helps you understand the different applications of specific technologies but can also open up newer opportunities that are exciting and also pay well.
You can easily kick off your career as a data analyst by leveraging the above tips and sheer commitment. We hope the article was helpful and will enable you to access new, more exciting opportunities.
FAQs Related to Data Analyst Career in Malaysia
Q1. What Educational Qualifications are Necessary to Become a Data Analyst?
Ans1. The common qualification for a data analyst in Malaysia is a Bachelor’s degree in the same field as computer, statistics, science, or mathematics. Some companies may also need a Master’s degree in data science.
You can also sign up for internationally-certified online courses by some top universities globally.
Q2. What are the Skills Required for Data Analysts in Malaysia?
Ans2. The skills required for a data analyst in Malaysia include the following:
· Statistical Analysis and Modelling
· Problem-solving
· Programming proficiency
· Knowledge of machine learning
· Data manipulation and visualisation
Q3. What is the Average Salary of a Data Analyst?
Ans3. The average data analyst salary in Malaysia is RM 4,000 per month. The salary ranges from RM 3,200 to RM 4,500 per month. However, the salary can vary depending on the experience of the individual.
Q4. Is Data Analyst a Good Career in Malaysia?
Ans4. Yes, becoming a data analyst is an excellent career choice in Malaysia because of its high demand. The salary provided is also relatively healthy, and there is ample scope for growth, thanks to the growing IT sector in the country.
Q5. Are there any Specific Certifications to Start a Career in Data Analyst?
Ans5. Some data analyst certifications in Malaysia, like the ‘IBM Data Science Professional Certificate’ and the ‘Microsoft-certified Azure Data Scientist Associate course, can help you start a career as a data analyst.
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