Malaysia’s premier career fair, the Malaysia Career and Training Fair (MCTF), returned this year, bringing together hundreds of employers and job seekers from various industries. With over 120 exhibitors, the event attracted a diverse crowd, including experienced professionals and recent graduates eager to explore new career opportunities. Co-organised by AIC Exhibitions Sdn Bhd and Jobstreet by SEEK, Malaysia’s leading job platform, MCTF 2024 provided a crucial space for networking, on-the-spot interviews, and career exploration.
The two-day event was officiated by Guest of Honour Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, reaffirming the government’s ongoing dedication to supporting young Malaysian talent in pursuing meaningful careers and personal development. By promoting fair hiring practices and equitable opportunities, MCTF 2024 was pivotal in fostering inclusive employment pathways and contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Since MCTF 2023, Jobstreet has seen a sharp increase in job opportunities, with over 11,000 additional job ads posted between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024. This surge aligns with Malaysia’s robust 5.1% GDP growth in the first half of 2024, directly fueling higher demand for talent across a wide range of industries. Employers’ rising confidence in the local workforce highlights the urgency for businesses to adapt by becoming more sustainable and purpose-driven, ensuring they attract top talent while staying competitive in an evolving economic landscape.
“Over the past two decades, MCTF has connected more than 1.94 million job seekers and exhibitors, proving itself as a cornerstone for youth empowerment and career development. With over 120 exhibitors annually from diverse industries, this event plays a crucial role in shaping Malaysia’s workforce and facilitating youth empowerment and career development,” said Hannah Yeoh.
Sustainability at the forefront
Sustainability was a core theme at MCTF 2024 and organisers took significant steps to reduce the event’s environmental footprint by eliminating physical entrance tags and maps. Participating exhibitors were encouraged to highlight their sustainability efforts as part of a broader initiative to support eco-conscious employment practices.
“Great companies and good jobs are built on sustainability. MCTF continues to push boundaries, embedding environmentally responsible practices into the very fabric of the event,” said Datuk William Ng, organising chairman of MCTF.
“As Malaysia’s workforce evolves, sustainability becomes a key consideration, especially among younger generations like Gen-Z, who are increasingly seeking purpose-driven employment opportunities,” he added.
Strengthening partnerships for growth
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with AIC Exhibitions for MCTF 2024,” said Nicholas Lam, managing director of Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia.
“This career fair is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s labour market, offering jobseekers and employers a chance to connect and engage in meaningful conversations. Despite challenges in the global economy, we’ve seen high levels of activity in the local job market, with a marked increase in job postings and applications compared to last year,” he added.
Supporting job satisfaction and fair employment
According to Jobstreet’s recent survey in August, many Malaysian workers are looking for career changes, with 83% considering a shift in their specialisation. The need for greater job satisfaction and alignment with career aspirations remains a major focus, with events like MCTF offering opportunities for individuals to explore new paths.
In addition to addressing employment needs, MCTF 2024 also highlighted the need for fair hiring practices. In the same survey, perception of bias was highlighted as an issue in the hiring process, with more than 26% of Malaysian employees believing bias or discrimination has hindered their chances of securing the right job. This figure rises to 31% among those aged 25–34. MCTF placed a spotlight on creating equitable opportunities for all Malaysians, regardless of background or age, and addressed this topic in discussions and forums.
Leveraging Jobstreet’s career hub for upskilling and reskilling
MCTF 2024 shines a spotlight on upskilling and reskilling through Jobstreet’s Career Hub, equipping jobseekers with the tools needed to succeed in today’s evolving job market. From February to September 2024, over 3,300 certifications were issued to Malaysians, with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint leading the way. The platform also logged over 145,000 minutes of learning content consumed, helping jobseekers enhance their skills and stay competitive. New modules like the Ultimate AI Guide to Jobseeking and ELS English Certification will continue empowering users to align their abilities with market demands.
