Sales and marketing roles continue to be in demand in Malaysia

Brand/product manager and marketing communication manager are listed among the overall hot jobs in Malaysia for 2018/2019. This is according to the 2018/19 Malaysia Salary Guide by Capital Global and Kelly Services Malaysia, which stated that a brand/product manager will earn between RM5,200 to RM8,400, while a marketing communication manager will earn between RM7,500 to RM12,000.The guide described high-skilled talent as “critical”, as Malaysian companies increasingly look beyond home for bigger markets, while multinational companies continue to view Malaysia favourably as a stepping stone to Southeast Asia.Meanwhile, sales manager and senior key account manager were listed as popular jobs for 2018/2019 in the sales and marketing category. Individuals in those roles are projected to earn approximately RM7,700 to RM15,800 and RM8,800 to RM13,700 respectively.Numerous organisations are still reliant on highly-talented sales and marketing professionals, who represent an organisation's brand and image. Individuals in these roles are equipped with strong business sense, account management experience and a deep understanding of their clients' needs. Also, they demonstrate the value of their offerings to close sales and create winning transactions for their companies and clients.Marketing and communications contribute indirectly to a company's growth through brand-building, perception management and creation of supporting tools that facilitate the sale. Meanwhile, frontline account managers and sales executives can engage customers directly and close deals.The salary guide added that Alibaba Group's investment into Malaysia's Digital Free Trade Zone is a "clear signal" that e-commerce will continue to gain momentum in Malaysia. As such, sales professionals that are knowledgeable about the growing electronic landscape will be prepared for "exciting opportunities" ahead, the guide said.Capital Global and Kelly Services Malaysia's guide described high-skilled talent as "critical", as Malaysian companies increasingly look beyond home for bigger markets, while multinational companies continue to view Malaysia favourably as a stepping stone to Southeast Asia. Among the list of industries covered include human resources and administration, information technology and financial services, among others.[gallery link="file" ids="223904,223903,223902,223901,223900,223899,223898,223897,223896,223895"](Read also: What you should be making as a marketer in Malaysia in 2018)