Malaysia, 10 March 2025 – Insights from the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide reveal that 62 per cent of working professionals in Malaysia are planning to change jobs this year, over double the rate in 2024. 

The survey conducted by Hays across six locations including China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand in late 2024 gathered insights from 8,790 working professionals regarding their career plans in 2025. Respondents also answered questions related to previous job changes, their reasons for leaving their current organisation and their priorities when evaluating a new role. 

In Asia: More professionals exploring job changes

58 per cent of professionals in Asia plan to explore employment alternatives this year, more than double the number who switched jobs in 2024 (25 per cent). When asked about their motivations for leaving, 43 per cent cited a perceived lack of future opportunities, an increase from 35 per cent in 2024. Concerns about job security have also risen, reaching 22 per cent this year compared to 18 per cent in 2024. 

Conversely, priorities related to work-life balance have slightly decreased, with 15 per cent considering it a factor in career changes this year, down from 17 per cent in 2024. Additionally, 15 per cent are looking for more challenging roles, compared to 18 per cent last year. 

Malaysia: Career growth a priority for professionals

24 per cent of professionals in Malaysia reported changing jobs in 2024, just ahead of Singapore which recorded the lowest job transition rates in Asia at 20 per cent, but surpassed by China (26 per cent), Hong Kong (27 per cent), Japan (29 per cent) and Thailand (32 per cent). However, career mobility appears to be accelerating this year, with more professionals expressing intentions to leave their organisations. 

"62 per cent of working professionals in Malaysia intend on pursuing a new job this year," said Natasha Ishak, Regional Director at Hays Malaysia. "With organisations here facing one of the highest rates of employee attrition in Asia, leaders should act to ensure their retention strategies are robust to prevent the loss of critical talent.” 

Intentions to leave this year in Malaysia are surpassed only by Japan where 66 per cent of professionals intend to explore other employment avenues this year, the highest percentage in Asia. Malaysia is ahead of Thailand at 61 per cent, followed by Hong Kong (57 per cent), Singapore (57 per cent) and China (44 per cent). 

When asked whether they believed there was scope for career progression within their organisation, 49 per cent of respondents in Malaysia disagreed. Among those planning to leave their current organisation, 45 per cent cited a lack of future opportunities as their reason. 

“Beyond salary considerations, 44 per cent of working professionals in Malaysia prioritise the availability of career development initiatives when choosing their next place of employment. With 42 per cent of organisations designating employee retention as a core HR investment focus for organisations this year, leaders will want to consider incorporating these initiatives into their Employee Value Proposition to retain critical talent,' said Natasha. 

Work-life balance beyond flexible work

Working professionals in Malaysia were also keen on exploring roles that catered to their work-life balance needs. 39 per cent of professionals consider the availability of work-life balance initiatives when seeking their next role, while 20 per cent prioritise remote work options.

"The proportion of organisations in Malaysia offering flexible work arrangements has decreased from 56 per cent in 2023 to 54 per cent last year. Despite this decline, the significance of work-life balance initiatives for staff retention remains paramount. Employers should consider implementing benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs and flexible scheduling to meet the evolving needs of today's professionals," said Natasha. 

A copy of the 2025 Hays Asia Salary Guide is available here.

For more information contact:

Sonel Singh, Head of Marketing, Hays Southeast Asia
T: +60 3 7890 6351
E: sonel.singh@hays.com.my