Are you wondering what kind of chemistry jobs you can get with a degree in Malaysia? Whether you dream of becoming a chemist, scientist, or research associate, there are more opportunities in this field than most people realise.
We know that for many students (and parents), courses like business, accounting, law, or engineering have been the top picks for many years. But today, science and technology fields are gaining attention, especially in industries like manufacturing, materials science, environmental research, and chemical engineering. Chemistry graduates are needed not just in laboratories, but in a wide range of fields where scientific problem-solving and research skills are vital.
In fact, the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (IKM) and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) updated the national chemistry degree standards in 2024 to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the field. This reflects Malaysia’s push for more science, innovation and sustainability-driven careers.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most in-demand chemistry-related jobs in Malaysia, the average salary per annum, and how you can build a successful career in this exciting field. So, whether you’re just finishing SPM or pursuing your degree, this might be the perfect time to create a job alert and explore new opportunities in fields like product development, chemical engineering, or materials science.
But before that, if you’re wondering why you should learn chemistry or feel a little unsure deep down, we recommend reading this article. We’ve listed the key reasons why chemistry is important, and how it shows up in your daily routine.
Chemistry Jobs in Malaysia – Landscape & Demand
Malaysia’s chemistry landscape is becoming diverse, with opportunities spread across multiple industries. From energy and environmental science to pharmaceuticals and materials engineering, a chemistry degree holders can explore rewarding careers in some of the following key sectors:
Petrochemicals & oil & gas
This sector remains one of Malaysia’s largest revenue-making companies, with opportunities as chemists, quality analysts, or research scientists. There are many oil and gas companies in Malaysia, with PETRONAS being the largest player in the industry, to land a job after graduating.
Palm oil/oleochemicals
Malaysia is a global leader in palm oil and the world’s second-largest producer. As a chemistry graduate, you can explore careers like laboratory technicians, quality control analysts, process engineers, R&D chemists, or environmental roles within this industry. Chemists in this field are essential for ensuring product quality and driving innovation in green chemistry.
Pharmaceuticals & healthcare
Pharmaceutical companies and healthcare laboratories continue to offer strong career prospects for chemistry students. From drug formulation and analytical testing to product safety and quality assurance, chemists play a vital role in ensuring that medicines meet international standards and patient needs.
Food & beverage/cosmetics
Chemists are crucial in developing safe, high-quality, and innovative consumer products. In this sector, you may find yourself working in research and development (R&D) to create new products, working on new formulations for skincare, beverages, or nutritional supplements, all while ensuring products comply with health regulations.
Environmental & sustainability
As Malaysia continues to address pollution and climate change challenges, chemists are increasingly sought after in analysing pollutants, consultants advising on environmental impact, or researchers developing new sustainable technologies like solar panels and efficient water treatment methods.
Manufacturing and Chemicals
This broad sector includes the production of a wide range of products, from plastics and industrial gases to chemicals. You can find roles in productions, quality control chemist, research and development (r&d) chemist, process engineer, and lab technician. Chemistry students are essential in this industry to ensure innovation, quality control, and process improvement.
Research and Development (R&D)
R&D remains one of the most dynamic career paths for chemists. Professionals in this field can work in universities, private laboratories, or industry innovation centres. You’ll also find opportunities in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and consumer goods, where the focus is on innovation, product development, and process improvement.
These are some of the major industries in Malaysia that require chemistry graduates, and we’re sure there are many more that value this field. If you’re aiming for a high-paying role or a career you truly enjoy, scoring well in chemistry in high school can give you a strong head start because that’s where you need a good score for your further studies.
We understand that many students assume tuition classes are expensive, but don’t worry, we’ve put together an article just for you. It includes price comparisons and options that won’t break the bank. Find out more in our guide.
Applied Chemistry Jobs in Malaysia
Applied chemistry focuses on using chemical principles to solve real-world problems. In simpler terms, it’s about translating chemical science into everyday applications that improve industries and daily life, such as pharmaceuticals, batteries, plastics and sustainable fuels.
These are roles where your theoretical knowledge is put to immediate use in labs or production settings.
Common roles in applied chemistry:
- Analytical Chemist / QC Chemist
- Process Chemist
- Formulation Chemist
- Material Chemist
- R&D Chemist
- Regulatory / Lab Compliance / QA roles
- Environmental compliance within the applied chemistry scope
Skills and tools in demand:
- Spectrometers
- Chromatographs
- Calorimeters
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking
- Logical & Analytical Thinking
- Teamwork
- Data analytics, basic programming (Python, R)
- Chemical Synthesis
- Chemical Analysis
Industrial Chemistry Jobs in Malaysia
On the other hand, industrial chemists are involved in turning raw materials into useful end products such as fuels, plastics, detergents, fertilisers, food ingredients and more. They study reactions, test formulations, optimise production processes, and ensure product quality and safety. Think of it as the bridge between pure chemistry (research in labs) and chemical engineering (plant design and operations).
Common roles in applied chemistry:
- Industrial Chemist
- Process Chemist
- Production Chemist
- QC/QA Chemist
- Formulation Chemist
- Chemical Process Analyst
Skills and tools in demand:
- Analytical and problem-solving
- Technical proficiency
- Data analysis and digital literacy
- Quality control and assurance
- Safety and compliance
- Communication and teamwork
- Analytical instrumentation (HPLC, GC, FTIR)
- Data analysis software (Python, R, MATLAB)
- Digital and automation tools
These are some of the jobs that you can explore in the applied and industrial chemistry fields, and also the skills and tools in demand for these jobs. You’ll discover even more opportunities by exploring areas that match your interests and passions.
Speciality & Emerging Chemistry Jobs in Malaysia
Chemistry isn’t just about lab coats and test tubes anymore, as you may have seen in movies or series. In Malaysia, new industries are creating exciting opportunities for chemistry students to explore niche and fast-growing fields.
Here are some areas to look out for:
- Environmental Chemistry & Sustainability
Chemists in this field focus on monitoring pollution, improving water and air quality, and developing sustainable processes for industries. - Toxicology / Forensic Chemistry / Food Safety
Fancy crime documentaries? From analysing crime scene evidence to ensuring the safety of what we put into our mouths, this field focuses on chemical testing, contamination prevention, and regulatory compliance. - Biotechnology / Biochemistry / Life Sciences
From developing useful products and supporting drug formulation to providing solutions for real-world problems, this area is a blend of chemistry and biology. - Materials Science & Nanotechnology
Work on developing the next-generation materials used in batteries, sensors, and semiconductors. - Computational Chemistry & Cheminformatics
This area of specialisation blends chemistry with data science to simulate molecules, optimise product design, and enhance R&D efficiency using modelling and analytics tools. - Regulatory / Quality Assurance / Compliance
In this industry, chemists ensure products meet both Malaysian and international safety standards (ISO, OECD, and more). - Teaching / Academia / Tutoring
If you enjoy sharing knowledge, academic roles can be a meaningful option, whether it’s lecturing, assisting in laboratory classes, or tutoring students privately.
Many of these emerging roles require further specialisation (a Master’s or PhD), but they offer exciting pathways beyond bench work. Keep in mind that in order to progress in your career, you need to keep upskilling yourself to ensure you’re able to keep up with the evolutions within the chemistry industry.
Curious about what studying chemistry in Malaysia is really like? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
What to Do After a Bachelor's Degree in Malaysia
Earning your Chemistry degree is just the beginning – it doesn't end there. Here’s how to map out your next steps in Malaysia:
- Decide your path: Start by identifying whether you want to enter the workforce immediately or continue specialising through postgraduate studies.
- Pursue specialisation: Master’s or PhD in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials science, or a field of your choice.
- Explore scholarships/funding: Malaysia offers programs like MyBrain15 scholarships, university grants, and industry-sponsored projects to support your postgraduate journey.
- Gain industrial training/internship: Most universities include industrial training modules, giving you a taste of real lab environments and industry expectations before you step into full-time employment.
- Join professional bodies: Registering with organisations like the Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM), attending conferences, and getting exposure to lab accreditation standards can help you stay ahead in the field.
- Upgrade your skills: Take courses in instrumentation, data analytics, process simulation, advanced spectroscopy, or anything required by your job
- Set up job alerts: Use platforms like JobStreet, LinkedIn, or Indeed Malaysia. Create job alerts using keywords such as chemist, analytical chemist, applied chemistry, or industrial chemistry to stay updated on new opportunities.
- Consider tutoring: If you enjoy teaching, platforms like Superprof Malaysia offer private chemistry tuition and sharpen your own subject mastery while building income streams. This can also sharpen your chemistry knowledge and your critical thinking skills.
If you’re wondering how to study chemistry effectively, we’ve got some useful tips to help you. Discover practical study strategies now.
Platforms to Look for Chemistry Jobs
If you’ve just completed your chemistry degree and are ready to start your career, there are several trusted job platforms where you can explore opportunities in your preferred fields. These sites allow you to filter by job type, location, salary per annum, and even set up job alerts so you’ll never miss a new opening in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
Here are some of the best platforms to find chemistry-related jobs in Malaysia and beyond:
- LinkedIn – A global professional network where you can find and apply for chemistry and science-related jobs worldwide.
- Jobstreet – Malaysia’s leading job portal, featuring a lot of positions across various industries.
- Indeed – A global job site that lists chemistry and laboratory roles locally and internationally with salary insights.
- RiceBowl – Another Malaysian job platform popular for entry-level and graduate positions in science and technology.
- Hiredly – A career platform connecting young professionals to modern companies in Malaysia and Singapore.
- Maukerja – Another local site offering jobs in various fields for fresh graduates and senior employees.
- Jora – A job site that gathers listings from multiple sites.
- Glassdoor – A great platform to find jobs, compare salaries and most importantly, read company reviews before applying.
- Eurofins Careers Malaysia – The official site of one of the world’s leading laboratory testing companies.
These are some of the platforms that help you find a job after graduating. If you have a company that you already want to work with in mind, go on to their official website and apply for your desired position or drop an email to their HR.
Salary & Career Growth for Chemistry Jobs in Malaysia
Understanding salary expectations is crucial for planning your career. The salaries for each role can vary a lot depending on the industry, experience level, and job scope. For instance, a QC chemist in a food laboratory may earn differently from a materials scientist, research associate, or chemical engineer.
Below is a general salary range based on common positions held by chemistry graduates in Malaysia. These figures are derived from multiple job platforms such as JobStreet, Glassdoor, and SalaryExplorer:
Note: The ranges below are only estimates and can fluctuate depending on factors such as location, years of experience, qualifications, and company size or sector. They serve as a guide, not an exact reflection of current market pay.
| Job Title / Field | Typical Starting Salary (RM/month) | Mid-Level (3–7 years) | Senior / Specialist (8+ years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory / QC Chemist | RM 2,500 – RM 3,500 | RM 4,000 – RM 6,000 | RM 7,000 – RM 9,000 |
| Research Associate / R&D Chemist | RM 3,000 – RM 4,500 | RM 5,000 – RM 8,000 | RM 9,000 – RM 12,000+ |
| Chemical / Process Engineer | RM 3,500 – RM 5,000 | RM 6,000 – RM 10,000 | RM 12,000 – RM 18,000+ |
| Environmental / Sustainability Chemist | RM 3,000 – RM 4,500 | RM 5,000 – RM 7,500 | RM 8,000 – RM 10,000+ |
| Analytical Chemist / Instrumentation Specialist | RM 3,500 – RM 5,000 | RM 6,000 – RM 9,000 | RM 10,000 – RM 13,000+ |
| Academia / Teaching / Tutor | RM 2,800 – RM 4,000 | RM 5,000 – RM 7,000 | RM 8,000 – RM 10,000+ |
| Regulatory Affairs / QA / Compliance | RM 3,000 – RM 4,500 | RM 5,000 – RM 8,000 | RM 9,000 – RM 12,000+ |
Growth factors that push salary upward:
- Gaining specialised skills (mass spectrometry, catalysis, nanotech)
- Leadership or project management roles
- Moving into industries with higher margins (pharma, speciality chemicals)
- Working in high-cost areas or multinational firms
- Further qualifications (Master’s, PhD)
Curious about how to study chemistry in Malaysia and where to get tuition? We’ve got the answers here.
Your Journey Starts with Superprof
We have come to the end of our article, and we really hope it provided you with all the information needed regarding the jobs within the chemistry field and what the future is like in Malaysia. If you are in doubt, speak to a school or career counsellor to help you make an informed decision.
Whatever your goals may be, in order to realise your dreams, you will need to get good scores in your chemistry subject. That’s where Superof comes in!
Superprof is a one-stop platform that will help you find a chemistry tutor from our pool of 185,443 verified tutors, all without stepping out of your house. YES, you heard that right!
All you need to do is follow these simple steps to find your ideal chemistry tutor:
1. Head over to our website. Register an account if you don’t have one.
2. Hover your mouse over the address/postcode section
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4. The search result will show all the verified tutors near you
5. Browse through the tutors’ profiles to learn about their experiences, educational background, classes, teaching styles, and teaching modes based (online/in-person) on your needs and goals.
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That’s it! You can find a tutor and book a class with these easy steps. Many of our tutors provide your first class FREE, so don’t feel pressured to book a class right away. Join the FREE class to see if you want to commit long-term. Not sure how to choose the right chemistry tutor? We’ve got an article that breaks it down clearly for you!
What are you waiting for? Head over to our website and start your journey in the chemistry field with us, Superprof!
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