High Paying Sales Jobs in Malaysia for Foreigners

Malaysia is a rapidly growing economy that offers excellent opportunities for foreigners looking to pursue high-paying sales careers. 

As a diverse and dynamic country, Malaysia has positioned itself as one of the top destinations for expats, especially those with a background in sales. Foreign workers, particularly in the sales sector, can earn lucrative salaries with the right skills, experience, and network. 

In this article, we will explore some of the high-paying sales jobs available in Malaysia for foreigners, particularly those offering an annual income of $60,000 or more.

Overview of the Malaysian Economy and Job Market

Before diving into the details of high-paying sales jobs, it’s important to understand the economic landscape of Malaysia. As of 2024, Malaysia’s economy is diversified, with significant sectors in manufacturing, services, and natural resources. 

The country is also known for its strong financial sector, which includes banking, insurance, and investment services, all of which require talented sales professionals.

In addition to the economic growth, Malaysia is home to a well-established expat community, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. This makes it easier for foreigners to integrate and pursue job opportunities. 

English is widely spoken, especially in business settings, making Malaysia an ideal destination for expatriates seeking sales roles.

Sales Sectors in Malaysia with High Earning Potential

While sales jobs are available in almost every sector, certain industries tend to offer higher salaries and more opportunities for foreigners. These include:

1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Sales The IT and software industry in Malaysia is booming, with companies such as SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, and Google expanding their operations in the region. Sales professionals in this field can earn significant commissions and base salaries, particularly if they are working with enterprise-level software solutions or cloud services.
2. Real Estate Sales Malaysia’s real estate market has experienced tremendous growth, especially in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Real estate agents and property developers can make lucrative commissions on property deals, especially in the luxury and high-end property sectors. As an expat, you can work with local property developers or international agencies that cater to foreign buyers and investors.
3. Medical and Pharmaceutical Sales The medical and pharmaceutical sectors are among the most profitable in Malaysia, with high demand for medical devices, healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals. Sales professionals in this sector often enjoy high commissions and salaries, especially those working with high-value products like medical equipment or specialty drugs.
4. Financial Services Sales Malaysia’s financial sector includes banking, insurance, and wealth management. Foreigners with experience in these areas can often secure high-paying sales roles in wealth management firms, investment banks, or insurance companies. These positions often come with base salaries plus commission-based incentives, making it possible to exceed the $60,000 annual income threshold.
5. Consumer Goods and Luxury Sales Malaysia is home to a thriving luxury market, with demand for high-end consumer goods such as automobiles, electronics, and fashion. Sales professionals in this sector often work on commissions, and top performers can earn impressive salaries. The growing middle class in Malaysia has contributed to the rise of luxury consumer goods, opening up opportunities for foreigners in retail sales, showroom sales, and B2B sales roles.

Qualifications and Skills Needed for High Paying Sales Jobs

To land a high-paying sales job in Malaysia, certain qualifications and skills are required. The following are essential for those aiming to earn $60,000 or more per year in sales:

1. Relevant Experience

Experience is crucial when it comes to high-paying sales jobs in Malaysia. Employers look for individuals with a proven track record in sales, particularly those with experience in the specific industry they are hiring for. A minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a relevant sales role is often required, especially for positions in high-paying sectors such as IT, real estate, and medical sales.

Example: If you’re applying for a position in IT sales, a background in technology and software sales will significantly boost your chances. In real estate sales, experience in selling commercial or luxury properties will be highly valued.

2. Sales Acumen and Soft Skills

The ability to sell is not just about pitching a product or service; it’s about understanding customer needs and creating solutions. Successful sales professionals are skilled negotiators, have strong communication abilities, and know how to close deals effectively.

Soft skills such as empathy, active listening, and relationship-building are just as important as hard sales skills. A good sales professional can identify customer pain points, offer solutions, and foster long-term relationships, which are essential for earning high commissions.

3. Language Proficiency

While Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, English is widely spoken and used in business transactions. For sales professionals, being fluent in English is a necessity, as most companies in Malaysia operate in a bilingual environment. Additionally, if you can speak Mandarin or Cantonese, you may have an advantage, especially in the real estate or financial services sectors, where many clients prefer to speak in these languages.

4. Networking

Networking plays a huge role in sales success. Building a network of potential clients, partners, and industry influencers can provide invaluable opportunities for growth. Many sales jobs in Malaysia require individuals to have strong local and international networks, especially for B2B sales and roles involving large transactions.

5. Cultural Understanding

Malaysia is a multicultural country with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups. Understanding the cultural dynamics and preferences of different ethnic groups can significantly impact your success in sales. It’s important to be culturally sensitive and respectful in your approach to building relationships with clients.

How to Find High Paying Sales Jobs in Malaysia

1. Job Portals

Malaysia has several job portals where foreigners can search for high-paying sales roles. Some of the most popular job sites include:

• JobStreet Malaysia: A top job search platform for expats looking for sales and marketing roles across various industries.
• LinkedIn: The professional networking platform offers job listings and is also a great way to connect directly with hiring managers and recruiters.
• Glassdoor: Besides salary information, Glassdoor has a wide range of job listings, including sales positions in high-paying industries.
• Indeed: Another popular job search engine that aggregates job listings from multiple sources.

2. Recruitment Agencies

Several recruitment agencies in Malaysia specialize in placing foreign talent in high-paying roles. These agencies can help you secure a job based on your qualifications and experience. Some well-known recruitment agencies include:

• Robert Walters Malaysia
• Hays Malaysia
• Michael Page Malaysia

These agencies often have access to exclusive job listings and can offer valuable guidance throughout the hiring process.

3. Company Websites

If you have specific companies in mind, visiting their career pages can be a great way to find job openings. Many multinational companies operating in Malaysia hire foreign sales professionals for key roles, and some even offer relocation assistance. 

Companies like Petronas, Shell, Maybank, and IBM often have vacancies for foreign talent in their sales departments.

4. Networking Events and Job Fairs

Attending industry networking events, conferences, and job fairs can open doors to high-paying sales roles. These events allow you to meet hiring managers in person, build your network, and gain insights into the job market. Many multinational companies and recruiting firms participate in such events, making them an excellent opportunity to land a job.

Top Companies Hiring for High Paying Sales Jobs in Malaysia

Several multinational companies and local enterprises are known for offering high-paying sales roles in Malaysia. Some of the top companies include:

• Petronas
• Shell
• Maybank
• Citi Bank
• HSBC
• SAP
• Google
• Accenture
• IBM

These companies often offer competitive salaries, commissions, and bonuses. Many of them provide work visas and relocation assistance to foreign workers.

Salary Expectations and Career Growth

For high-paying sales roles in Malaysia, salary expectations can vary depending on the industry, company, and level of experience. On average, a foreign sales professional in Malaysia can expect to earn between RM 10,000 to RM 25,000 per month ($60,000 to $150,000 annually).

• IT and Software Sales: Sales professionals in this field can earn an average of RM 12,000 to RM 25,000 per month, depending on their experience and the type of products they are selling.
• Real Estate Sales: Top real estate agents working in the luxury and commercial property sectors can earn high commissions, potentially reaching RM 15,000 to RM 30,000 per month.
• Financial Services Sales: Wealth managers, investment consultants, and insurance salespeople often have base salaries of RM 10,000 to RM 20,000 per month, plus bonuses and commissions.
• Medical Sales: Sales roles in medical equipment and pharmaceutical sales typically offer base salaries of RM 8,000 to RM 18,000, with additional commissions based on performance.

Conclusion

Malaysia offers a wealth of opportunities for foreigners seeking high-paying sales jobs. 

By understanding the industries with the highest earning potential, acquiring the necessary qualifications and skills, and leveraging networking opportunities, you can secure a lucrative career in this thriving Southeast Asian nation. 

Whether you’re interested in IT sales, real estate, medical sales, or financial services, Malaysia’s diverse and competitive job market has something to offer for skilled sales professionals.