EASYUNI Ultimate University Guide 2013 July Issue | Page 63

Interview Industry

Science

Academy of Sciences,
Malaysia (ASM)
What are the career options and salary trends for
someone joining the science sector in Malaysia?

What are the opportunities and challenges that
candidates should look out for in the science line?

The trend is obviously rising for scientists in emerging
technologies such as biogerontology, social analytics, smart-grid
and nanomedical. The options are vast. The opportunity to work
with the world’s best also is increasing as the science world is
more networked now. Bodies such as CERN, IIASA, RIKEN, etc
are looking for international experts to be part of their team.
Career options are endless in various ?elds such as chemistry,
actuarial, food tech, agriculture, biotech, aviation, and geology.

In terms of biodiversity, Malaysia is one of the Mega Diverse
Nations in the world with more than thousands of marine
species still under research. Which means there is enormous
opportunity for marine-related research. Apart from this,
The Economic Transformation Program (ETP), an initiative
by the Malaysian government to turn Malaysia into a highincome economy by the year of 2020 holds many possibilities
for upcoming talents. Around 131 Entry Point Projects (EPPs)
have been selected as key areas to ?re up the growth of ETP.
Some of the key areas include the integrated urban mass
rapid transit system, food and health based downstream
segments and green technology industry. The defense sector
is another fertile ground to look at too. Stealth technology,
antimatter weapons, and swarm intelligence are some new
thoughts that are assisting this sector.

As for salary trend, there has been a 4.5% salary increment
from 2009 to 2012*. On average, the margin for a fresh
graduate in 2012 was between RM2,400 to RM6,800
depending on experience. The most promising salary increment
?elds in the science sector for 2012 were IT: 8% to 10%, oil
& gas (middle management to senior level position): 15% to
25%, and telecommunication: 15% to 25%.
*Source: SPA Portal, JobStreet Malaysia &Kelly Malaysia Employment Outlook
and Salary Guide 2012/2013.

Apart from skills and knowledge, what other aspects
someone new to science should have?
Curiosity: Scientists thrive on curiosity.
Openess to new ideas: Scientists should understand the
great importance of carefully considered ideas that may
seem disquieting to them or at odds with what they
generally believe.
Good communication skills: To express well orally and in
writing scienti?c ideas for the bene?t of the masses. Michio
Kaku and Sir Paul Nurse are some shining examples of scientists
who successfully engage with the public through TV series.

What is the employment outlook for the science sectors
in Malaysia for the next 10 years with the government
showing keen interest in scienti?c expertise like
biotechnology, nanotechnology, aerospace and green
technology?
The prospects for science careers are very positive. By
2020, it is projected that Malaysia needs 500,000 science &
technology (S&T) human capital*. This is based on 6% annual

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