Lowyat.NET: Latest topics in Jobs & Careers

I am a ressiting student at Imperial, Looking for scholarships

ZenithSkirmisher — Mon, 18 May 2026 23:40:55 +0800

Final-year MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering (Imperial College London) student here — currently on a resit year after a disrupted first attempt, and set to graduate in September 2026.

I’ve fully paid my tuition (~£42k), but my university has confirmed they will refund it in full if I secure a sponsorship, scholarship, or partial tuition funding arrangement.

I’m actively looking for organisations (especially in insurance, takaful, risk, or finance, or just some MY companies) open to sponsorship in exchange for a service commitment, or any leads on scholarships/grants still accepting applications.

Would really appreciate any advice, referrals, or contacts — happy to share more details or discuss how I can contribute.

Hence, can I ask for guidance in sourcing for a scholarship , whether it be from 3rd parties or from the Malaysian Goverment? Previously I went thru the biasiswa website, but unfortunately there does not seem to be any over there that suit my case that will also allow me to recoup my tiuition fee fully.

I am also happy to attach my ioffer letter, if that helps. looking forward to hearing back from the lowyat people.

Is it possible for even feasible to request for a bonded tuition fee sponsorship with the MY companies, such as banks , e commerce , coporations , in exchange for working with the company for 3-4 years, perhaops at a standard fresh grad or lower than usual salary?

Bellow is a letter I have been sending out to many companies so far , or rather an example:

Dear TNB,
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (“TNB”) is Malaysia’s national electricity utility and a critical infrastructure provider, driving the country’s energy transition while ensuring secure, affordable power for millions of customers. TNB’s Sustainability Pathway 2050 and Energy Transition Plan set out a clear ambition to decarbonise the power system through renewable energy, the Grid of the Future and electrification, supported by initiatives like the Transition Finance Framework to align capital with that strategy. Managing the risks around this transformation — across regulation, markets, technology, climate and cyber — is where a rigorous, quantitative risk approach is essential. I am writing to propose a postgraduate tuition sponsorship arrangement, with a two-year service commitment within TNB’s Risk Management function or a closely aligned quantitative analytics role.
My name is Lee Yuan Zhi. I am a Malaysian Master’s candidate in Risk Management & Financial Engineering (RMFE) at Imperial College Business School, London, expecting to complete my degree in September 2026. I hold a First Class Honours undergraduate degree and grew up in Subang Jaya, Selangor. I am reaching out to you specifically because your role as Chief Risk Officer — and your background in Governance, Risk and Control across TNB’s largest division — places you at the centre of how TNB manages risk and resilience across the entire electricity value chain.
Why TNB Specifically
TNB’s Board Risk Committee and Statement on Risk Management and Internal Control show a mature enterprise risk management framework, aligned with ISO 31000:2018, covering strategic, operational, project, financial, regulatory and climate-related risks. The Group strategic risk profile is regularly reviewed at Board and management committees, while operational risk profiles are developed at divisional level, reflecting a structured “top‑down and bottom‑up” risk approach. At the same time, TNB is using data and AI to modernise operations — from advanced grid analytics to AI‑enabled distribution management systems and digitalisation to support the growth of data centres and bi‑directional energy flows.
This combination — a serious ERM framework plus a data‑driven digital agenda in a systemically important utility — is precisely where RMFE training can add practical value: energy transition scenario analysis, financial and operational risk modelling, and quantitative support for Board‑level risk decisions.
Quantitative Risk & Energy Transition
TNB’s Energy Transition Plan and Sustainability Pathway 2050 focus on three pillars: transitioning power generation to cleaner sources, enabling a Grid of the Future, and facilitating customer participation in the transition through digitalisation and electrification. These strategic shifts introduce new risk dimensions: renewable intermittency, project execution risk on large capex, evolving market and regulatory frameworks, and climate‑related physical and transition risks.
My RMFE training covers stochastic modelling, scenario analysis, and risk measurement (including VaR/Expected Shortfall), implemented in Python. I can support TNB’s risk function by:
Building scenario and stress‑testing tools to quantify the impact of different energy transition pathways on TNB’s financials and risk profile (e.g. varying RE penetration, fuel prices, carbon pricing, and demand from data centres and EVs).
Supporting climate and transition risk analysis by linking physical and policy scenarios to asset, project and portfolio‑level risk metrics.
Contributing to the quantification and monitoring of risk limits and risk appetite metrics that align with TNB’s strategic and sustainability objectives.
Data, AI & Grid Analytics
TNB is already using data to revolutionise Malaysia’s electricity sector, employing analytics to manage supply, maintain grids and improve reliability. The adoption of AI‑enabled tools like Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) — providing predictive analytics, real‑time network visibility and control over bi‑directional flows — shows that TNB is moving rapidly towards an intelligent grid platform. These initiatives require quantitative skills to design, test and interpret models, and to translate outputs into practical risk and operational insights.
My RMFE background equips me to:
Work with data and AI teams to develop and validate predictive models for load, outages and asset health, focusing on model robustness and risk implications.
Help design risk metrics and dashboards that sit on top of digital grid tools, turning raw analytics into decision‑ready information for management and the Board.
Support integration of operational analytics into the ERM framework so that grid and asset data feed directly into TNB’s risk monitoring and reporting.
How RMFE Training Maps to TNB’s Needs


Skill Area
What I Can Do
Applicable TNB Function
Scenario & stress testing
Build transition and financial risk scenarios; simulate impacts on revenue, costs, capex and leverage
Group Risk Management / Strategic Planning — ET Plan, capital planning
Climate & transition risk
Link climate/transition scenarios to asset and portfolio risk metrics; support climate risk disclosures
Risk, Sustainability & Finance — climate risk, TCFD-style analysis
Grid & operational analytics
Work with data/AI teams on predictive models for load, asset health, outages; interpret risk impact
Distribution / Grid of the Future / Data & AI teams
Financial risk measurement
Model market and credit risks; VaR/ES; support risk appetite metrics and reporting
Group Risk / Treasury / Finance
Python & quantitative tools
Build Python-based analytics, backtesting and reporting pipelines
Any team needing data-driven decision tools
HRD Corp Cost-Offset Angle
As one of Malaysia’s largest employers, TNB is a registered employer under the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB) Act 2001 and contributes HRD Corp levies at 1% of monthly wages. Under HRD Corp schemes such as Skim Bantuan Latihan (SBL), eligible training expenses can be claimed against accumulated levy balances, subject to HRD Corp guidelines and internal policies. I understand that whether and how TNB chooses to use HRD Corp is entirely a decision for your HR and finance teams; I mention it only as a possible way to partially offset the net cost of any sponsorship.
The Sponsorship Arrangement
I have paid my Imperial College London tuition fees for the RMFE programme in full — approximately £42,200 (around RM225,000 at current exchange rates). I am writing to explore whether TNB would consider a formal sponsorship arrangement covering this amount, in exchange for a minimum two‑year service commitment in a quantitative role within Risk Management or a related analytics function.
Imperial’s sponsored-student process is straightforward:
TNB issues a funding letter on company letterhead confirming the sponsorship.
I submit that letter to Imperial’s Tuition Fees team at tuition.fees@imperial.ac.uk.
Imperial invoices TNB directly.
Once payment is received, Imperial refunds the fee amount to my original payment account.
Your HR or finance colleagues can confirm the mechanics directly with Imperial. In return, I would enter into a standard employment agreement with TNB that includes a minimum service period and appropriate clawback terms.
What I Am Asking For
This is a resit year of the RMFE programme. My first attempt was disrupted, and I chose to resit and complete the degree rather than exit without it. I prefer to state this openly, with context, instead of having it surface later without explanation. I am fully prepared to demonstrate my training through any technical assessment TNB considers appropriate — for example, an energy transition scenario task, a risk modelling exercise, or a Python-based analytics implementation using representative data.
I would be happy to provide my CV, First Class Honours undergraduate degree certificate, Imperial College PGT Unconditional Offer Letter, and academic transcripts on request.
Thank you sincerely for your time. A national utility that is simultaneously managing systemic reliability and leading Malaysia’s energy transition is exactly the kind of organisation I hope to serve. I would rather make this case directly and honestly than not make it at all.
Yours sincerely,

Hence, is sending such emails to other companies, by doing research before producing letters tailored to each company to seek for such a sponsorship , a viable approach to rcoup my tuition fee from this university? Should I also try this approach for toehr companies like those in SG HK China Taiwan and etc , even if Im Malaysian?

I have also thought of wanting to email the UK and Euro side of companies to ask for such funding, althougb after I did my research it is apparently better to simply apply for jobs as none of the Uk and Euro companies offer close to what I am seeking .

Job offer advice,

nampaknyahebat — Sat, 16 May 2026 09:45:56 +0800

Hi all, need some career advice from those in engineering consulting.

Current situation (still a fresh graduate):

A. Current company (local consulting firm)

- RM3,950 gross salary
- 12 days annual leave
- Basic insurance only
- Almost no allowances / limited medical claims
- Sometime long working hours and stressful at times

B. New offer (well-known MNC consulting firm, A*up)

- 18-month graduate programme
- RM3,500 basic salary
- RM300 monthly travel allowance
- Profit sharing (~RM3.5k estimated yearly)
- 18 days AL + birthday leave + other leave benefits
- Better medical coverage (dental, optical, hospitalization)
- Flexible working hours
- Hybrid working arrangement (2 days WFH)
- Bigger company with stronger global branding

Main dilemma & opinion:

- Current company gives higher monthly salary
- MNC seems to offer better overall benefits and possibly better long-term career growth
- Concerned about joining a graduate programme after already starting work elsewhere
- Also unsure about long-term stability after the programme

For those with experience in the industry:
1. Is it better to gain more experience at my current company and then apply for a better position, instead of “downgrading” to a lower base salary with an unguaranteed permanent role conversion after the graduate programme ends?
2. Is moving from local firm to MNC consulting worth it early in career?
3. Would you prioritise higher salary now or stronger career exposure/benefits long term?

Thank you!

How to prevent China company?,

NautieWabbit — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:44:17 +0800

Gaiiss.. how to find out whether the company is own by China pipul?
Because they put the company name all canggih canggih..kinda hard to know.
i mean..these fuvkers doesnt call to ask u go interview.. they whatsapp u ..maybe u thought is local chinese boss.
Mana tau.. interview by 2 china manager..my chinese is only 50% in communication, and i barely understand what the heck they ask. when i
explain these sohais dont quite understand and the china female start to criticize & say shitz to put down on ppl.

Cant believe so many of them starting up companies here. really pain in the a$$..

Asking payslip,

zach69 — Sun, 03 May 2026 14:11:28 +0800

Apparently it is not permissible and confidential to give payslips to companies when applying to a new job? is that true and is it possible that they can call HR and get the information about our pay anyway, asking specifically for financial institutions?

Thanks

girl friend leave not allow by Headmaster, as goverment servant (teacher)

Irresistible — Sat, 02 May 2026 08:11:41 +0800

Any governmemt servant here, especially teachers.

my gf is a teacher. she wan to apply leave (CRK, i think or CTR), but her headmistress always dont allow her to.apply.
I remember once is her grandpa fall ill, also dont allow. (after few days, die). She end up go get MC.

she works in this school for 3 years, not even able take one day leave due to this headmistress. is it normal ? how to protect her right?

we work in private co, rarely disapproved people leave.

Which job portal to find job,

tkwfriend — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:50:27 +0800

Hi, I am very out of employment for almost 27 years

the only big job portal to apply job from is Jobstreet, and JobDB seems to be missing, otherwise I have no idea.

Which is the one current preference now?

From Corporate Jobs to Self-Employment, exploring alternative paths

Ralna — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:55:14 +0800

For several reasons, my past five full-time jobs never went well, mostly due to people problems. Here’s what happened:

1. Hospitality company
The company practised micromanagement, which resulted in 50% staff turnover within six months. The US HQ eventually investigated and dismissed middle management at the Singapore regional HQ, including the Singaporean director (a middle-aged lady who screamed in the office) and a new manager who couldn't solve problems well. They also transferred one micromanaging team leader to another department. Another micromanaging team leader resigned before HQ took action. By that time, several of us were already physically affected by the stress. I resigned together with a few colleagues.

2. Academic institution
This institution changed 20–30 lecturers every year to save hiring costs. The lowest lecturer salary was RM1,800–2,500 for fresh master's graduates. Mine was RM3,200 instead of RM4,500 at the time, but I negotiated for other perks. When those promises couldn’t be fulfilled, I resigned after a year.

3. Tech startup
This startup eventually shut down after spending RM2 million developing software that never launched. They hired eight IT staff (a project manager and programmers) to build a complex 3-in-1 software system. In reality, just one function alone would have required 200+ programmers to build properly. The boss was a top MLM sales leader and thought the IT team had a “mindset limitation” because they kept saying the project was not possible or couldn't be delivered within the timeframe he wanted. It was also a husband-and-wife company. The wife was emotionally unstable and would scream at employees. The husband didn't like employees talking behind their backs, so he planned to install CCTV cameras with microphones in the office. Eventually, everyone just communicated through WhatsApp or talked outside during lunch. The company went from 20 employees down to two, then shut down.

4. Tech company
I was dismissed without any documentation. No domestic inquiry, no letters, nothing. I was simply asked to pack up and leave. It was due to internal politics, with the boss siding with a personal friend he had hired, and she happened to be the top salesperson. It was, unfortunately, another husband-and-wife company. Both believed their friend and misunderstood me. I then filed a case with the Industrial Relations Office and later the Industrial Court. After about a year, I received compensation.

5. Listed company
Despite being listed, the company was basically a Chinaman SME in disguise. Very relationship-heavy, optics-heavy, founder-focused, with hiring largely based on friendships. My direct superior hired her former subordinate from another company. When that person started picking on me, my superior sided with her instead. Favouritism and bias, again, so I resigned.

*

The above are just short summaries. The full situations were far more complex, involving difficult workplace dynamics and times where I had to stand up for myself and colleagues. Haih.

Because of these experiences, I took four career breaks, each about 1–1.5 years. During those periods I reflected, travelled, started three businesses to test markets, took on projects, and also did part-time work. Some companies and business friends also helped or supported my biz in different ways.

Now I'm on my fifth career break, after resigning in early 2026. Before resigning, I consulted an astrologer and also studied my BaZi chart.

Apart from my own low tolerance for office politics, I just couldn’t understand why my corporate jobs were never smooth. I then learned about these two wealth charts:

» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

My BaZi says I have an indirect wealth chart, with strong Fire and strong Wood.

Symbolically:
Wood = growth, ideas, learning, vision, expansion
Fire = expression, visibility, influence, communication

Many Wood–Fire dominant charts struggle with bureaucratic organisations, micromanagement, and political environments because these suppress their natural energy.

Corporate environments often reward Metal energy -- rules, hierarchy, compliance, and structure.

& Without me telling the astrologer anything about my career history and BaZi, he said I was not really suited for corporate work. My Western and Vedic astrology also pointed towards business, education, consultancy, and spiritual-related work.

I do believe in these systems, so I resigned with peace of mind this year.

And interestingly, after that, new doors started opening. Some companies reached out to me about biz collaborations.

*

You know, for a long time I felt like a failure because I couldn't fit well into corporate jobs. But looking back now, maybe those experiences were actually a blessing in disguise. Those difficult companies and situations pushed me to look for alternative ways of earning money. They forced me to learn business skills faster, leverage resources, come up with my own products and services that meet market demands, and think bigger and further beyond geographical borders. I didn't know what I was capable of achieving until I was repeatedly pushed out of my corporate comfort zone.

So now I’m curious.

If you’ve had bad job experiences that eventually pushed you into self-employment or a different path, what happened?

How did you cope, and how did you eventually find your new direction?

I would really like to hear your story. Sometimes it helps for us to know that full-time employment isn’t the only way to build a career or earn a living.

Should I Notice then find a job ? Or find one 1st,

officer003 — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:11:23 +0800

So long story short, Im in need of an extra cash. Or rather, I just want some extra cash to save up as Im living paycheck to paycheck every single month and Im kind of done with it.

One way of course would be to get a better job.

Right now Im working as A Customer Service, Acting Subject Matter Expert. Kind of like a Team Leader's assistance-ish.

But the thing is, Im not OFFICIALLY one yet, because this project has some issues bla bla bla and they're moving people and all. Waiting for vacancy then they will promote, but lantak lah I just put it in my resume.

So basically Gaji as an Agent, but the work of an SME.

I want to find a better paying Job but, would it be better to find one as an L1, or straightaway as the L2 even though Im not officially one just yet ? Or just apply randomly.

Another worry I have is that my company requires me to put in a 3 months notice. In all honesty, I think no Customer Service company will wait for 3 Months. But Im afraid if I tender notice first, I wont be able to get a Job. But my Senior Team Leads, also suggests to wait for me to be confirmed as the SME first, to get the Increment then find a Job.

LMAO honestly Idk what to do, what do you guys would suggest though ?

At the same time I kind of need some side hustles to start saving up extra cash. Any good Side hustles you guys would recommend ? At this point all I can think of is the Typical Grab stuff

Interview signs that got job,

zach69 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:09:07 +0800

What are the signs during an interview that you are going to get a job?

short of long interview?
technical hard questions asked?
salary negotiations during the interview itself?

Third party employment checks,

zach69 — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:31:27 +0800

Hi,

My new company hired a third party to do employment checks.

I know they check for disciplinary,criminal and employabiliti checks but do the third party call up your current company HR?

In the consent form they said they will call the current company HR?

what info will they ask?

Anyone from HR knows about what info is usually requested

Will they ask for the last pay, or the title in the company?
or just ask if he is still employed there?

Thank you

Pet Hotel Business, Thinking of running it.

Sotsotzaii — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:17:15 +0800

Career Gap for 8 years, what to explain?, I not really working for around 8 years

Osho — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:06:49 +0800

Long story short:

I got bipolar disorders in around 2018 due to work stress and divorce and I even stay in mental hospital for 2 months.

After 2 months hospitalization, doctor suggest me not working so he wrote a letter to SOCSO asking them compensate me.

The compensation was okay, not much not little just around RM 1650 (I heard that's the maximum they can give), but I got not much commitment and I also got 6 digits in Bitcoins that I invested in the early days so financially I don't really need to work.

But after around 8 years of idleness I recently got into a relationship and have plans to get married. Although financially I can survive the rest of my life with the SOCSO money and Bitcoin I have, I think I better get back to work so my life can get back to "normal". Also working means I can stack more Bitcoin which is really good psychologically to see my Bitcoin balance growing.

So what should I write in my CV for my 8 years of career gaps? Should I write freelancing instead of leave it blank? Also, should I disclose my bipolar disorder in my interview? Should I mention I'm financially free now?

I'm worry if I mention bipolar employers might afraid and when I mention I have enough bitcoin to survive employers might think I can leave anytime so won't hire me.

Any suggestions is appreciated.

Lorry jobs, Business or work?

TheReem — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:50:39 +0800

Im thinking about doing lorry business or jobs. I am new to this field but i do have experience driving lorry, not trella.

If i want to take contract, how hard is it?
Do i need own lorry?

Where to find contracts?

Full WFH Companies in Malaysia, Sharing is Caring, pls help!

TomRiderss — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 03:54:02 +0800

Hi everyone,

It has always been my dream to travel the world while working, but so far I have not been able to find the right opportunity.

I am currently on 3-4 days per week WFH arrangement with my current employer in banking industry and specializing in tech/data area. While I'm thankful for that, I am looking for full WFH arrangement to achieve my ultimate dream. I'm sort of having critical illness as well hence trying to achieve as many "wish-list" as I can (Don't worry I'm not gonna die anytime soon, I'm managing it). I am willing to put in the effort to get into the company.

I would really appreciate if anyone knows any company that still provide full WFH. (or required to be in office only once every 2 weeks or once a month)

Thank you in advance for your help.

Become Circuit Engineer for ~5 years haven't RM 6k, Trapped in the Knowledge Gap Niche.

iSean — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 20:19:29 +0800

Hi folks, need to hear your feedback on my career pathway.
Currently 28, M, will be 29 next year and officially 5th year into this Semiconductor Industry, with my EEE degree back in 2021...

Currently kind of been stagnant, hopeless with my career, and its bottleneck in my current company.
Initially, joined famous CPU Blue Company as Graduate Trainee at aged 24 - as a Post Silicon Functional Validation engineer in Q2 2021, salary was RM 3,300.

Then 2022, company revised to RM 4k as Graduate Trainee, up until my 1 year contract at May 2022.
Dumbo me, decided to join back the company into another Business Unit, as a "Analog Circuit Design Engineer" at RM 4.24k @ 6% increase. Instead of finding job opportunities in Singapore.

In 2024, after stuck with near 2 years of RM 4.24k, throughout the 3+ years within the Department, been waiting to get laid off or getting a package. But sadly didn't happened so much.

Then manager, finally manage to promoted me to Grade 5, my salary jumped from RM4.24k to RM 5.126K (about 20.9% increase) but tbh, I feel abit low since the company didn't not gave annual increament for the 2 years in 2023 and 2024.

Start of the year 2025, everyone ganed a 10% increase in , then after 3.5% increase after perfomrance review in April.

Effectively, my currently base salary is RM 5,836.14 @ Grade 5 to current date.

Currently I am comtemplating continuing this career in Semiconductor Field, if my Salary is this low compared to what everyday Malaysia advertising this career to be "highly paid".

Also I've been struggling for ~4 years being here in this department, as I feel I am only able to basic "bounded" box things, and didn't really gained any new skills throughout my time being in my department...

Everything is quite restricted, otherwise above my "paygrade" or limited by my knowledge gap in Analog Circuits. Want to proceed further, but the task assigned to me is too time consuming and doesn't really provide any valuable growth. Until I don't have motivation to proceed onwards... Also company resources are getting more restricted.

I wanted to try jumping to Singapore's Semiconductor, atleast the pay is better. But I'm not sure they willing to hire me at what role

Otherwise, is stuck in this company, until other company is offering better pay and proper guidance and training.

Was thinking to getting a Masters in Microelectronics, but hardly have Masters Degree which only offers coursework without Thesis work...
But not sure how much value this could really help to upskill me.

Worst case, if totally do a career change, and explore Software programming role.

What is like to be a Field Service Engineer?,

nampaknyahebat — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 21:27:41 +0800

As per title, what is like to be a Field Service Engineer, especially joining under fresh graduates program from,say energy sector company like GE, Siemen, Schneider Electric, Honeywell, Hitachi Energy? Will I be required to travel to sites often for work and possibly staying for long hours? What do you think of the career progression and salary? Could someone here enlighten me please? Much appreciated!

Employers preference nowadays for immediate start?, I seen some companies doing that.

redracer2004 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:31:31 +0800

Ok, I have recently seen many people today actually resign first and find the next job later. And apparently, employers prefer these people who can start earlier than those needing to serve notice period.

One company I was at literally said to hire the one that can earliest join even if the more suitable one is able to join probably few weeks later? I don't rmb that company being so desperate for staffs but the management did tell me that this is the new norm.

What do you guys think?

closed,

whatizlife — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:46:15 +0800

-----------

Pros and Cons of different types of companies,

stylebucks — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 01:06:28 +0800

Different types of companies have different style and different cultures. Please share your experience here.

Starting with these:

1) GLC
a) Pros: Good benefit, stable
b) Cons: Bad management, bureaucratic, a lot of red tapes

2) Chinaman
a) Pros: Good for learning and growth, profitable
b) Cons: Family run, squeeze workers to the max, so so benefit

3) MNC

Please expand on the list...

Medical / Insurance Claim Questions, I know this is weird.

redracer2004 — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:14:13 +0800

OK, assuming there's a company where the offer letter / contract says must be 9 to 6 at office.
But the department heads are setting some leeways like giving staffs coming in to work on rotation (not stipulated in the offer letter and when I asked HR, they said it's based on department head's policy).

Now my question is, will this arrangement affect any insurance or medical claims when it is needed? Let's say you injured yourself during duty time but it's not your rotation and you at home, can still claim insurance from the company? I heard macam cannot.

Hope got otais here to enlighten me. Thanks