Malaysia is one of many countries where many hybrid and remote companies have emerged as a result of the pandemic. Since 2020, many companies have changed their working models from on-site to remote working or hybrid work. Many organisations see hybrid work as an evolution of work. Nonetheless, hybrid and remote have grown together in Malaysia.
In Malaysia, more companies use hybrid systems than remote ones. Cisco reported that Malaysia had the highest interest at 74% compared to other ASEAN countries. The government also supports the hybrid system. Employees can apply for an FWA with their employer under the Employment Act 1955. This regulation takes effect on September 1, 2022.
Michal Golebiewski, CMO of Microsoft Malaysia, said that the pandemic proved companies should trust people to be productive from anywhere. He added that leaders have an opportunity to incorporate new workplace strategies. It combines digital and physical workplaces. Golebiewski also said that remote work empowers flexibility and autonomy.
Flexible working terms in Malaysia
Making Flexible Work, Work: Towards Better and More Inclusive Work-Life Practices have various definitions of flexible working:
1. Work-Life Practices (WLPs) are the various workplace support forms. The support is in the form of leave, facilities, etc.
2. Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) are the regulations that provide greater flexibility in work. This flexibility, such as:
- Workplace
- Scheduling of working hours
- Number of working hours
- Job role flexibility
8 Remote and Hybrid Companies in Malaysia
According to HRM Asia, 61.7% of companies in Malaysia want to continue the hybrid work system. Then The Star added that 93.6% of the 203 companies implemented a combination of WFH with in-office. Remote work has many advantages, but it also has its challenges. President MEF Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman says WFH eliminates teamwork interactions and discussions.
But despite all the debate, remote and hybrid companies keep showing up and growing. So without further ado, here are eight companies implementing remote and hybrid systems in Malaysia. If you want to start your career as a remote worker in Malaysia, check out the list below!
1. Virtual Spirit (Full Remote)
A technology company specialising in software and based in Malaysia. Virtual Spirit offers an environment of remote work with promising benefits. This company adopts a flat hierarchy, so there is no layered managerial system. Virtual Spirit has six values; teamwork, creativity, excellence, smooth communication, passion and growing together.
Location: Semenyih Memorial Hills, A-09, 07, Jalan SS 22/23, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Services: Website development, mobile development, design, UX/UX design & development
Founder: Nicholas Ng Hui Sui
2. MoneyMatch (Hybrid)
MoneyMatch is one of the Fintech companies in Malaysia. MoneyMatch focuses on international-scale digital money transfers and offers a hybrid work system in several positions, such as UI/UX and programmer. In addition, employees will get health insurance facilities, a full pantry and career paths. MoneyMatch has expanded in Australia and Brunei Darussalam.
Location: Unit 3.03, Menara LGB, 1 Jalan Wan Kadir, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 60000, Malaysia
Specialities: Financial technology, digital remittance, currency exchange, money transfers, exchange rates and fintech
CEO: Adrian Yep
3. Maybank (Hybrid)
Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad) is a banking service originating from Malaysia. Since 1960, the company has served the needs of consumers, investors, entrepreneurs and corporations. Maybank has offices in 20 countries and 44,000 employees worldwide. The company builds a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion. Currently, Maybank is starting to adopt a Hybrid work system. You can find hybrid job vacancies on its LinkedIn page.
Location: Maybank Tower, 100 Jalan Tun Perak, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Specialities: banking, finance, insurance, and investment
Founder: Khoo Teck Puat
4. Joget Technology Sdn Bhd (Remote first, Hybrid)
Joget is a technology company focusing on developing a codeless web platform. The main goal of Joget is to modernise application development and workflow automation with low code. It's safe to say that everyone in Joget is a digital nomad who works from anywhere. But if employees need an office for brainstorming, they provide it.
HQ location: 7230 Lee Deforest Dr, Columbia, MD 21046
Specialisation: Application Development Platform, Enterprise Application, Business Process and Workflow, etc.
CEO: Raveesh Dewan
5. Touch n’ Go Group (Hybrid)
One fintech company that applies a hybrid workplace system is Touch n' Go Group. This company has some products such as e-wallets, electronic payment systems, insurance and loans. Touch n' Go Group divides its consumers into individuals, merchants, and businesses. They always update job vacancies via their LinkedIn page.
Location: The Horizon, Tower 6, Avenue 5, No.8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur 59200, MY
Specialities: Financial technology, mobile, payment, e-wallet, card, and RFID
CEO: Effendy Shahul Hamid
6. Coway Malaysia (Hybrid)
Coway comes from South Korea, but in 2005 it expanded to Malaysia. Coway is a company that develops environmental solution products, especially for personal health and well-being. Examples of products include air purifiers, water purifiers, matters, and bathrooms. Coway implemented a hybrid system at a specific position. This company pampers its employees with benefits such as birthday leave, a fast work environment, and an annual salary increase.
Location: 8, Lrg Binjai, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Managing Director: Mr Kyle Choi
7. Battle Mind Creative Sdn. Bhd. (Hybrid)
Battle Mind Creative is a digital marketing startup with a Facebook speciality. They help clients generate sales and lead customers through campaigns and content. Battle Mind Creative was founded in 2019 and has helped 500 customers in digital marketing. Even though it is relatively new, Battle Mind Creative has brought a hybrid workplace system. You can find job vacancies through LinkedIn.
Location: No. 7-2, Jalan 2/137B Resource Industrial Center Off Jalan Kelang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, W.P. Malaysia
Services: business consultation, digital marketing, creative & design, training development, activation, and virtual talent management
8. Juris Technologies (Hybrid)
Juris Technologies is a fintech company focused on enterprise software solutions. This company offers end-to-end solutions in credit management, banking, and all things financial. Apart from Malaysia, Juris Technologies also has offices in the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Cambodia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Fiji and Australia. Jutech Tech imposed a hybrid work system for several positions in the company.
Location: Level 25, Tower B Vertical, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur, 59200, Malaysia
CEO: See Wai Hun
Specialities: Credit Management Software Solutions, Debt Collections /7 Recovery Software, and Loan Origination
Conclusion
In 2023, remote and hybrid work systems will dominate Malaysia. Companies will compete to offer benefits to attract their best candidates. If your career plan is to work for a company with a hybrid or remote work system, you need to prepare for it. Start looking for vacancies and upgrade yourself. Hope the eight companies above can be your reference.