Whether you're planning a change in your profession or simply starting out in your career, you may want to consider jobs that employers are desperate to fill. Check out the Critical Occupations List 2017/2018 before you make your next career decision.

So how can an occupational shortage list help you in planning your career? Many countries around the world use occupational shortage lists as a tool to identify and monitor critical skills and occupations that are in need. This helps them make plans about human capital development policies.

But how can a list like this help you? The Critical Occupations List (COL) shows occupations that are skilled, sought-after, and strategic across 18 sectors in Malaysia. The COL identifies shortages in occupations that are sought-after by employers. As a job seeker, this means that with the right skills, education and experience, you can increase your chances of getting hired by focusing on jobs on the COL list.

In the 2017/2018 list, a total of 58 skilled occupations were identified.

1. Managing Director and Chief Executive
2. Finance Manager
3. Policy and Planning Manager
4. Business Service Manager
5. Business Services and Administration Manager (others)
6. Sales and Marketing Manager
7. Research and Development Manager
8. Manufacturing Manager
9. Construction Manager
10. Supply, Distribution and Related Manager
11. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Manager
12. Chemist
13. Geologist and Geophysicist
14. Mathematician, Actuary and Statistician
15. Industrial and Production Engineer
16. Civil Engineer
17. Mechanical Engineer
18. Chemical Engineer
19. Mining Engineer, Metallurgists and Related Professionals
20. Engineering Professionals (Excluding Electrotechnology)
21. Electrical Engineer
22. Electronic Engineer
23. Telecommunications Engineer
24. Ships Engineer
25. Aircraft Pilot and Related Professional
26. Manufacturing Professional
27. Specialist Medical Practitioner
28. Environmental and Occupational Health and Hygiene Professional
29. University and Higher Education Professional Teacher
30. Accountant
31. Financial Analyst
32. Research and Development Professional
33. Public Relations Professional
34. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Sales Professional
35. Systems Analyst
36. Software Developer
37. Applications Programmer
38. Software and Applications Developer (others)
39. Databases and Administrator
40. Systems Administrator
41. Computer Network Professional
42. Electrical Engineering Technician
43. Electronics Engineering Technician
44. Mechanical Engineering Technician
45. Physical and Engineering Science Technician (others)
46. Manufacturing Supervisor
47. Construction Supervisor
48. Aircraft Technician
49. Environmental and Occupational Health Inspector and Associate
50. Insurance Underwriter
51. Commercial Sales Agent
52. Buyer
53. Computer Network and Systems Technician
54. CNC Machinist
55. Electrical Mechanic and Fitter
56. Rubber Products Machine Operator
57. Stationary Plant and Machine Operator (others)
58. Heavy Truck and Lorry Driver

Hang on, we’ve got more information for you. The COL was first put together in 2015/2016 and some occupations have been in demand since. Here are the jobs which have been on the list for three consecutive years.

1. Finance Manager
2. Policy and Planning Manager
3. Business Services Manager
4. Research and Development Manager
5. Information and Communications Technology Manager
6. Geologist and Geophysicist
7. Mathematician, Actuary and Statistician
8. Industrial and Production Engineer
9. Mechanical Engineer
10. Mining Engineer, Metallurgist and Related Professional
11. Engineering Professional (Excluding Electrotechnology) Not Elsewhere Classified
12. Electrical Engineer
13. Electronic Engineer
14. Telecommunications Engineer
15. Manufacturing Professional
16. Accountant
17. Financial Analyst
18. Systems Analyst
19. Software Developer
20. Applications Programmer
21. Software and Applications Developer and Analyst Not Elsewhere Classified
22. Database Designer and Administrator
23. Systems Administrator
24. Computer Network Professional
25. Electronics Engineering Technician
26. Mechanical Engineering Technician
27. Insurance Agent

There’s more…. In the COL 2017/2018, some occupations made it to the list for the very first time. Here are the jobs which have recently become sought-after.

1. Business Services and Administration Manager Not Elsewhere Classified
2. Construction Manager
3. Chemist
4. Specialist Medical Practitioner
5. Environmental and Occupational Health and Hygiene Professional
6. Research and Development Professional
7. Public Relations Professional
8. Physical and Engineering Science Technician Not Elsewhere Classified
9. Manufacturing Supervisor
10. Construction Supervisor
11. Commercial Sales Agent
12. Buyer
13. Computer Network and Systems Technician
14. Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Mechanic and Repairer
15. Electrical Mechanic and Fitter
16. Rubber Products Machine Operator
17. Stationary Plant and Machine Operator Not Elsewhere Classified
18. Heavy Truck and Lorry Driver

Source: Malaysia’s Critical Occupations List