Teaching in Malaysia

Teaching in Malaysia – Asian College of Teachers (ACT)

With a population of almost 29.7 million, Malaysia is one of the places, which has plenty of opportunities for TEFL teachers or Educators, and with that, it has plenty much to offer.

Malaysia is known for its ---

• Mesmerizing tropical beachside view 
• Diversified culture with friendly locals
• Jaw-dropping cuisines
• Beautiful climate
• Breathtaking architecture like The Petronas Tower
• And it’s historical 400 million years old limestone hills with a century-old Hindu shrine called Batu Caves, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan

Malaysia is a country that is situated on the South-Asian side. The country of Malaysia is made up of two major landmasses separated by water. Peninsular Malaysia is on the southernmost part of the Malay Peninsula, south of Thailand and north of Singapore. East Malaysia comprises most of the northern part of Borneo Island and shares land borders with Brunei to the north and Indonesia to the south.

There are almost 150 international schools in Malaysia, which has a huge demand for ESL teachers and educators, and most of the schools are located in the Capital of Malaysia, which is Kuala Lumpur, which means lots of teaching English as second language opportunities for ESL teachers and for educator roles as well.

Updated Educational Requirements for Educators in Malaysia

• A bachelor& degree (at least) from a recognized university with a bachelor degree
• A globally recognized 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course (for teaching English)
• Near native English proficiency
• You need to be in the age bracket of 27-50
• If you are applying at a VAC (Visa Application Centre) outside your jurisdiction, you must also provide a government identity card, rent agreements, Marriage certificates, etc.
• Clean criminal background check
• Have a valid passport and visa
• Positive medical check-up results
• Past experience can be beneficial in the education sector
• Passport-size photograph with clear background and you should not be wearing
• sunglasses or a hat

Updated Visa Requirements for Educators Job Role in Malaysia

Roles in the education sector in Malaysia have become an increasingly popular career choice since the country's economic growth in the 21st century. However, with this attractive job option comes several visa requirements you’ll need to consider before beginning your journey.

Foreigners wishing to work in the education sector in Malaysia must obtain a professional working visa, known as the Expatriate post (EXPATS). This process can be complex and time-consuming, but with thorough preparation ahead of time, we will help you with that.

As everyone knows to work in any foreign country one must hold a work permit visa. And in the case of Malaysia, it’s also the same. Any educators who wish to work in Malaysia need to hold a Malaysian work visa. Once you get hired by any Malaysian teaching institute, they will apply for a work visa on your behalf. 

If you’re planning to apply for e-Visa then let us tell you the validity of it is only 30 days, so it’s very necessary to get a work visa if you’re planning to stay and work for a longer period of time in Malaysia. 

Let’s take a look at what are the eligibility criteria for getting a work visa are.

i. Applicants must a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months.
ii. Applicants must get all the approval for the request that their employers made on their behalf from the immigration department of Malaysia.
iii. Make an application from your own country. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
iv. Lastly, have all the required documents, certificates, and photographs.
 
Malaysia provides 3 types of working visas: the Employment Pass, Professional Visit Pass (PVP), and the Professional Employment Pass (PEP). 

The type of visa you receive will depend on the length of your contract and your expected salary. 

i. The Employment Pass is suitable for educators who are planning to work in Malaysia for more than one year at a salary of at least MYR 4,500 per month. This type of visa is valid for up to five years, and allows the visa holder to stay in Malaysia for the duration of their contract. 
ii. The Professional Visit Pass (PVP) is a short-term visa suitable for educators who are working on a short-term basis or those who are earning less than MYR 4,500 per month. This visa is valid for up to 12 months and allows the visa holder to stay in Malaysia for the duration of their contract.
iii. The Professional Employment Pass (PEP) is designed for expat workers who are planning to work in Malaysia for more than one year at a salary of at least MYR 8,000 per month. The PEP is valid for up to five years and allows the visa holder to stay in Malaysia for the duration of their contract.

One more significant good news for expat educators is that from October 2022, Malaysia Govt. started providing Nomad visas but you need to have an annual income of 24,000$ which could give you permission to live up to 12 months and it can be renewed for another 1 year.

Major Types of Educator Jobs in Malaysia

Public Schools

Educator jobs in public schools are a popular choice for those looking for a job as an English teacher or in any admin role if school in Malaysia. Government-run schools usually provide free education to all students, which is a great opportunity for those looking to give back to the community. The working hours are shorter compared to those of private language schools, so it can be a great way to balance work and life commitments.

Furthermore, the class sizes are typically larger, meaning you’ll need to be able to manage a large group of students while maintaining an engaging atmosphere in the classroom. 

To work in public schools, competent aspirants need to be –

• Resilience and adaptive mindset
• Strong communication skills and a flexible attitude
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject is a must
• A TEFL/TESOL certification
• Between 27 and 50 years old

Private Schools

Private language schools provide an opportunity for English teachers and Educators to make a good living, with the possibility of earning more depending on the school's policy. There are plenty of opportunities to be found in larger cities such as Kuala Lumpur and George Town. The pay is usually higher than in public schools, but the workload is correspondingly heavier.

Private language schools often require teachers to teach classes at all times of the day and night, including weekends and evenings. The hours can be long and the competition for jobs is often stiff. However, private language schools also offer more autonomy and control in the classroom than public schools. Teachers can adapt their lessons to suit the age and ability of the students, as well as incorporate their own teaching styles and methods.

In addition, it has plenty of opportunities for school leaders or for any admin position as well with a handsome package salary.

Job requirements of Private Schools

• Bachelor’s degree/ Master’s Degree 
• A teaching license issued by the aspirant& home country
• At least two years of full-time teaching experience in a PK12 setting.
• A TEFL/TESOL certification
• Between 27 and 50 years old

University Professor

For those who want to pursue a career in academia, teaching or as a school leader at a university is a great choice. This type of position offers a wide range of job security and professional stability, as well as the chance to teach a range of students and to lead them and guide them as school leaders from different backgrounds and countries.

University professors are typically required to hold a Ph.D., and they often have to conduct research in their field in addition to teaching classes.

Educator job requirements of Universities or College

• Strong communication skills and a flexible attitude
• Native English speaker or non-native with fluent English and a clear accent
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject
• Must hold Ph.D. and Masters degree
• A teaching license issued by the aspirant’s home country
• TEFL/TESOL certificate
• Earlier English teaching experience
• Between 27 and 50 years old

Trainer for Business English

Business professionals often require specialist knowledge in order to be successful in the workforce. For example, many companies need employees to be able to communicate fluently in English to do business with international clients. 

English trainers for specific business skills and etiquette can be hired by companies to teach their employees. These types of positions often provide flexible hours and the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of English.

Job requirement

• At least 3 years of working experience.
• Experience in teaching or training adults would be highly preferred.
• Hotel operation knowledge and experience are needed.
• Familiar with and understanding the company products.
• Being proficient in using Microsoft PowerPoint is essential.
• Good hands-on ability with Microsoft Word and Excel are important to be effective in this role.
• Technology inclined - familiar with software and is able to explore and understand a software on his own.
• Experience in the design and writing of training manuals, user guides, and training materials would be highly desirable
• Knowledgeable about pedagogy and training methodology would be desirable.
• Good command of English and computer literate.

Online English Tutor

Technology makes it easier than ever to teach English online, and many tutoring platforms such as Tutor.com can provide you with the opportunity to work from home and earn a reasonable income. With online English tutoring, you often have the freedom to set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want.

• Strong communication skills and a flexible attitude
• Bachelor’s degree in any subject 
• A TEFL/TESOL certification
• Between 27 and 50 years old

Tutoring Private Students One-On-One

Private tutors are in high demand in Malaysia for those who want to learn English for their own personal use or for exams. Private tutoring is a great way to build up your teaching portfolio and gain more experience in the classroom. 

The working hours are flexible and you have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of English, such as exam preparation or conversation skills. Furthermore, most tutors are paid per hour, which can result in higher overall earnings than other teaching jobs.

Private Tutor job requirement

• Should have patience and an adaptive mindset
• Minimum a Bachelor’s degree in any subject
• A TEFL/TESOL certification
• Between 27 and 50 years old

Training Centres

Training canters are one of the hot places for new expats educators in Malaysia. This school is attended by every age bracket from children to adults for learning English proficiently.

The advantage of Training canters for TEFL teachers is to secure a job position here is comparatively easier and each centre has its own curriculum and teaching material ready, so it will minimize your workload and makes your teaching job easy as well.

Teaching requirements of Training canters in Malaysia–

• A bachelor’s degree
• ESL teaching certificate (TEFL or TESOL certified.)
• At least two years of full-time teaching experience
• A TEFL/TESOL certification
• Age bracket should be in between (27-50)

Landing an Educator job in Malaysia

For a very long time, Malaysia is quite renowned for offering high salaries in the education sector with a great standard of living. The country demands a firm set of requirements from overseas educators.

Before doing anything else, you need to understand which educator job role in Malaysia would suit you. Be flexible and realistic with your career.

Start your applications about 3 months earlier than the start of each term. The best schools mostly work with reliable recruiters to discover overseas teachers and educators. Therefore, always work with the right recruiters. Find a trustworthy recruitment agency and don’t forget to submit your introduction video as well.

Tips for landing an Educator job in Malaysia

If you are looking to land an Educator job in Malaysia, these tips should put you on the right track. 

Tip 1 – Research the types of Educator jobs you’re interested in and make sure you meet all the requirements.

Tip 2 – Make sure your CV is up to date and includes all your relevant qualifications and experience.

Tip 3 – Network with other English Educators and gain insight into the Malaysian educator market. 

Tip 4 – Get an up-to-date TEFL or ESL certificate as this will help you stand out from other applicants. 

Tip 5 – Make sure you’re familiar with the local culture and language, as this will give you an edge over other applicants.

When can I apply for the visa?

The visa application process can take up to three months, so it is important to start your application early. Generally, you can apply for a visa up to one year prior to the start of your contract in Malaysia. However, this will depend on the visa requirements set by the Malaysian Immigration Department.

What is the cost of the visa?

The exact cost of a work visa in Malaysia depends on the type of visa you are applying for and from which country you are applying. Generally, you can expect to pay RM800-1,200 approx for a visa to Malaysia. However, this may vary in different countries, so it is best to check with the Malaysian embassy in your home country.

Perks for educators in Malaysia

Being an educator and teaching English in Malaysia comes with a number of perks and benefits that can make your experience here truly memorable. From great salaries to diverse cultures, there are many reasons to consider teaching English in Malaysia.

- Excellent salaries: English Educators in Malaysia can expect to earn a competitive salary, often much higher than what they would earn in their home countries.

- Beautiful location: Malaysia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and fascinating history. From the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur to the stunning beaches of Penang, there is much to explore in Malaysia.

- Diverse culture: Malaysia is a culturally diverse country with many ethnicities and religions represented. This diversity can be seen in the food, the clothing, the architecture, and in the people.

- Low Cost of Living: The cost of living is very low compares to other countries, especially when considering the average educator salary. The accommodation most of the time is free for expats educators and traditional Malaysian food is also very much affordable. Takeaway food is also available, such as stir-fried beef with rice and a beer for £3/$5.

Popular Places in Malaysia for Educator jobs

The demand for English educators is high, and there are many different types of job opportunities available. In Malaysia, you can find work related to teaching and any admin job role in both private and public schools, as well as language institutes and universities. There are also opportunities to teach online. If you’re thinking of getting an educator job in Malaysia, this article will give you an overview of the most popular places to get an educator job.

Kuala Lumpur

As one of the largest cities in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is home to a large and diverse population. It’s also one of the most popular places for English teachers and Educators in Malaysia. There are a variety of opportunities to teach English or in any admin job role in both private and public schools, as well as universities, language institutes, and even online.

The city offers an exciting social scene, with an abundance of activities and attractions to explore, it’s bustling and cosmopolitan, offering a range of cultural experiences.

There are plenty of language institutes, ranging from large international schools to smaller language schools. Many of these schools offer language classes and other services such as business English, exam preparation, and even private lessons. 

Kuala Lumpur also offers a chance to explore the many attractions the city has to offer, from the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers to the local street food markets, it has a mixture of everything.

Penang

Located at the northwestern corner of the Malaysian peninsula, Penang is well-known for its beaches, temples, and colonial architecture. It’s an attractive destination for English teachers and educators due to its relatively low cost of living, multicultural atmosphere, and relaxed atmosphere. There is a growing demand for English teachers and for educator job roles in Penang, as well as a range of private and public schools, as well as language institutes offering English classes.

It’s also possible to find private tutoring jobs in the city. Penang is a great destination for those looking to teach English or get an educator job role in Malaysia. It offers a laid-back lifestyle and diverse culture, with plenty of attractions to explore. There is also an abundance of language institutes offering English classes for all levels. 

Getting a job in the education sector in Penang also gives you the opportunity to experience the city’s unique multicultural atmosphere and vibrant street food scene and the Perhentian Islands, making it an ideal location for those wishing to teach English or work in any other education sector job in Malaysia and explore the beautiful region.

Malacca

Located on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, Malacca is known for its colonial heritage and Peranakan culture. It’s also one of the most popular places for educators in Malaysia, with many private and public schools, language institutes, and universities offering English classes.

Malacca is a great choice for those looking to teach English in a more traditional setting or in any education sector job. It also offers a traditional and relaxed lifestyle and is home to a vibrant cultural scene.

There are plenty of private and public schools offering English classes, as well as language schools offering intensive courses. Working in the education sector jobs in Malacca also offers the opportunity to experience the area’s rich history and cultural attractions, from the colorful Jonker Street to the Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum.

It’s also conveniently located to the nearby tourist destinations of Kuala Lumpur and the Perhentian Islands, making it an ideal location for those wishing to work in the education sector jobs in Malaysia and explore the region.

Johor Bahru

Located in the southernmost part of the Malaysian peninsula, Johor Bahru is the second largest city in the country. It’s an increasingly popular destination for English teachers or in any education sector job, with many private and public schools, language institutes, and universities offering English classes. 

The city is also well-connected to nearby Singapore, making it an ideal location for those looking to experience two countries in one. Johor Bahru is a great choice for those looking to work in any education sector job in Malaysia. It offers a multicultural atmosphere, with a growing expat community, and plenty of activities and attractions to explore. There are numerous language institutes offering intensive English classes, as well as private tutoring jobs.

The city is also conveniently located in Singapore, making it an ideal place for those looking to experience two countries in one. It’s also close to the nearby tourist destinations of Legoland and the Legoland Waterpark, making it an ideal location for those wishing to work in the education sector job in Malaysia and explore the region.

Kota Kinabalu

Located in north-western Borneo Island, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah. It’s an increasingly popular destination for TEFL teachers and for educators as well, with many private and public schools, language institutes, and universities offering English classes. The city is also well-connected to nearby tourist destinations and offers an abundance of activities and attractions. Kota Kinabalu is a great choice for those looking to teach English in Malaysia. The city offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with plenty of attractions to explore.

There are numerous language institutes and private tutoring jobs available, as well as opportunities to teach or work in any education sector job in private and public schools. Kota Kinabalu is also well-connected to nearby tourist destinations such as the Kinabalu National Park and the Turtle Islands Adventure Camp, making it an ideal location for those wishing to teach English in Malaysia and explore the region.

Langkawi

Langkawi is a popular tourist destination located in the north western state of Kedah. It’s also an increasingly popular destination for educators, with a range of private and public schools, language institutes, and universities offering English classes.

Langkawi is a great choice for those looking to teach English or work in any education sector job in a more relaxed and restorative setting. Langkawi is a great destination for those looking to teach English or work in any education sector job in Malaysia. The area offers a peaceful and laid-back lifestyle, with plenty of attractions to explore. There are plenty of language institutes offering English classes for all levels, as well as private tutoring jobs. 

In Langkawi working in the education sector job also gives you the opportunity to experience the area’s natural beauty, from the majestic Gunung Mat Cincang to the beautiful Tanjung Rhu Beach. It’s also conveniently located near the nearby tourist destinations of the Perhentian Islands as well.

Pahang

Pahang is one of the largest states in Malaysia and is known for its natural beauty. For every expat educator, Pahang offers plenty of opportunities. In Pahang, there are many schools and universities, which offer TEFL teaching positions and different school admin positions as well.

For example, the University of Pahang offers several TEFL teaching positions to native English teachers and different positions in the education sector as well.

In addition, there are many international schools, language centres, and tutorial centres that offer many educator-related positions. The cost of living in Pahang is relatively low compared to other states in Malaysia, which makes it a great destination for every expat educator.

Pahang is also conveniently located near several airports, making it easily accessible for travellers. Moreover, the location of Pahang also makes it ideal for exploring other parts of the country, including its stunning beaches and rainforest. Overall, Pahang offers work in any education sector job a great combination of natural beauty and teaching opportunities.

Perak

The state of Perak is known for its vibrant culture and its beauty. For TEFL teachers and those who work in any education sector job, there are a great number of opportunities in Perak. The University of Perak offers a variety of job roles in education sectors, as well as positions at international schools, language centres, and tutorial centres.

In addition, the cost of living in Perak is relatively low, making it a good choice for those on a budget. The location of Perak makes it a great destination for educators overall. It’s conveniently located near several airports, so it’s easily accessible from around the world.

Moreover, the location of Perak makes it perfect for exploring the country, as it is conveniently located near some of Malaysia’s main cities and beaches. Additionally, the culture and people of Perak make it an inviting place for every expat educator who wants to work and explore at the same time.

Sarawak

Sarawak is Malaysia’s largest state and offers plenty of benefits for those who work in the education sector. The University of Sarawak offers many TEFL teaching and different education sector-related positions and positions at international schools, language centers, and tutorial centers.

Sarawak is conveniently located near several airports and is relatively close to other parts of Malaysia, including major cities and beaches. Furthermore, Sarawak’s culture and people make it a great destination for educators. Sarawak is known for its diverse cultures, friendly people, and stunning landscapes. 

In addition, the cost of living in Sarawak is relatively low, making it a great destination for those on a budget. Overall, Sarawak is a great destination for educators, offering an amazing combination of work opportunities with stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Seremban

Seremban is a city located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling markets. For TEFL teachers and for educators, Seremban is a great place. 

The University of Seremban offers a variety of work in education sector job positions, as do international schools, language centers, and tutorial centers. Additionally, the cost of living in Seremban is relatively low, making it a great option for educators on a budget. 

It’s conveniently located near several airports and is close to other parts of the country, including major cities and beaches. The culture and people of Seremban make it an inviting place for English teachers to work and explore, which makes it a great destination for educators.

Additionally, the city of Seremban is known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling markets, making it a great destination for those looking to experience the culture of Malaysia.

Ipoh

Ipoh is one of the main cities in the state of Perak and is known for its famous temples and delicious food. For educators, Ipoh is a great place to find any education sector-related positions. The University of Ipoh offers English teaching positions and different educator positions, as do international schools, language centres, and tutorial centres.

Additionally, the cost of living in Ipoh is relatively low, making it a great option for English teachers and for educators on a budget. The location of Ipoh makes it a great destination for English teachers. Ipoh is located within driving distance of other parts of Malaysia, including major cities and beaches.

In addition, the culture and people of Ipoh make it an inviting place for educators to work and explore. Furthermore, Ipoh is known for its incredible temples and delicious food, making it an exciting place to experience the culture of Malaysia.

Kuching

Kuching is located in the east of Sarawak and is the largest city in the state. For educators, Kuching offers plenty of job opportunities. The University of Kuching offers English teaching and different educator positions, as do international schools, language centers, and tutorial centers. 

The cost of living in Kuching is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to work as an educator in Malaysia. The location of Kuching makes it a great destination for every expat educator. It’s conveniently located near several airports and is close to other parts of the country, including major cities and beaches.

Additionally, the culture and people of Kuching make it an inviting place for Educators to work and explore. Furthermore, Kuching is known for its stunning temples and delicious food, making it an exciting place to experience the culture of Malaysia. Overall, Kuching is a great destination for educators, offering an amazing combination of education sector-related opportunities, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Latest COVID-19 Measures and Updates

Malaysia's government urges every traveller and expat should take comprehensive travel insurance, which includes medical insurance with respect to the threat, which COVID-19 possess.

Travel guidelines in Malaysia

• Malaysia has reopened its borders to short-term visitors and workers.
• There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Malaysia from around the world, but travellers must present certificates of vaccination/testing.
• Travellers must undergo self-isolation for 7 days, and can be released from isolation on the 4th, 5th, or 6th day when they are asymptomatic and the result of an RTK Ag test supervised by a registered medical practitioner is negative.
• Travellers travelling to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), should consult with the Malaysian Embassy/High Commission and their airline as regards immigration and quarantine requirements.
• Passengers intending to transit through Kuala Lumpur International Airport should carefully confirm any transit arrangements for connecting flights with their airline in advance of travel, ensure that luggage is checked all the way through to their final destination, and check that they do not have to present at Malaysian Immigration.
• Permission to enter or to remain in Malaysia is at the sole decision and discretion of the Malaysian Immigration authorities, and the Department of Foreign Affairs advises citizens to fully comply with Malaysian Immigration requirements while in Malaysia.
• Those who are symptomatic or who may be infected with Monkey pox, are not to travel to Malaysia.
• As advice can change regularly, intending travellers should consult the Malaysian Government’s Entry Advice and continue to monitor the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Department of Immigration websites, as well as those Ministry’s social media accounts, for updates. Anyone with further queries should contact Malaysian Immigration directly, on Hotline numbers: 03 8888 2010 or +03 8000 8000, via the website https://www.imi.gov.my/ or email pls_g@imi.gov.my.
  
  Source: https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/a-z-list-of-countries/malaysia/

COVID-19 Measures You Must Follow in Malaysia

• You need to wear a Mask while you’re traveling, even indoors, and in any transport as well.
• While entering any shops or any facilities, you need to show your covid status from the My Sejahtera app.
• You can get penalized or even detained if you fail to obey the rules within the public health Standard Operating Procedures