Top Networking Skills Malaysia Professionals Need in 2024

Top Networking Skills Malaysia Professionals Need in 2024

Categories: Networking|Published On: May 8, 2024|17.6 min read|
About the Author

Brian Ng

A network engineering and cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of experience, Brian is highly skilled in Cisco, AWS, and Azure technologies.

Top Networking Skills Malaysian Professionals Need in 2024

Are Your Networking Skills Up-to-Date?
Get Ahead in Malaysia’s Tech Industry in 2024

In Malaysia’s tech landscape, networking skills can make or break an IT career. If you’re looking for the most sought-after Networking Skills in Malaysia, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide outlines the essential tools for networking success tailored to the Malaysian market, setting the stage for your career growth in the fast-paced world of technology.

According to Global Enterprise Networking Industry Research Report 2023, the global Enterprise Networking market size was valued at USD 53924.14 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.12%, reaching USD 72752.71 million by 2028.

Key Takeaways

As IT industry being in high demand for career growth and development, IT professionals need strong networking skills to access opportunities and mentors who can help them develop sought-after skills like data analytics for solving complex business challenges and cloud infrastructure expertise for building scalable solutions.

Expertise in network security tools and best practices for intrusion detection, firewalls, and vulnerability management is becoming increasingly important due to rising cyber threats in Malaysia. Familiarity with local cybersecurity regulations can also be an advantage.

Implementing best practices like network segmentation, strong password policies, and regular vulnerability assessments are essential for building secure network infrastructures, especially when a breach occurs, having a well-defined response plan ensures a quick and effective recovery process, minimizing damage and downtime.

Navigating the IT Job Market Malaysia:
Essential Networking Skills

As stated by Randstad, those who switch to a new employer within the sphere of emerging technology can anticipate a substantial salary increase, ranging from 15 to 35%.

This robust growth is fueled by a projected improvement in the domestic economy well into 2024, creating a stable environment for the IT sector’s expansion. Moreover, the IT industry continues to hold the leading position, boasting the highest median salaries across all specializations as of 2023.

However, what differentiates a successful IT professional in such a competitive landscape? The key lies in the continuous development of new skills that ensure competitiveness and functional expertise within the industry. Data analytics skills have become a highly sought-after asset in the IT professional’s arsenal. Data analytics skills are particularly crucial, standing out as the crown jewel in the IT skills treasure chest. But let’s not forget about networking.

We have also listed networking skills as one of the top in-demand IT skills in 2024, further emphasizing its strategic importance for career advancement in Malaysia’s growing job market.

By mastering these top skills like networking, you will be well-positioned to carve your niche in Malaysia’s thriving IT job market and propel your career forward.

Mastering Cloud Networking:
The Gateway to Digital Transformation

Now that we’ve established the importance of networking skills, let’s dive deeper into one of the most crucial elements of modern IT: cloud networking.

According to Spacelift, software-as-a-service (SaaS) spending growth is predicted to rise from $205,221 million in 2022 to $243,991 million in 2024 — an increase of 15.9%. This rapid growth underscores the cloud’s pivotal role as the backbone of today’s digital services, encompassing everything from applications and storage to a vast array of services delivered over the internet.

However, cloud networking goes beyond mere familiarity with cloud infrastructure. It requires a robust skillset that empowers IT professionals to effectively leverage cloud services and safeguard sensitive data. Let’s unpack these areas one by one.

Understanding Cloud Infrastructure

The global cloud computing market will have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3% through 2026.


Understanding cloud infrastructure, particularly the networking aspects, requires a multi-faceted skillset. It’s like learning a new language, but one tailored to building and managing secure cloud networks. While programming languages like Python and JavaScript can be valuable for developing cloud-based applications, the core focus for networking professionals lies elsewhere.

Database management skills are vital within cloud environments, particularly in understanding the various types of database services available. Moreover, knowledge of Linux is beneficial for cloud professionals, as many cloud service platforms are compatible with Linux operating systems.

Last but not least, understanding the fundamentals of DevOps is valuable as it integrates development and operations to improve the efficiency of application deployment.

Securing Cloud Data

The number of people using personal clouds such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud has more than doubled from 1.1 billion in 2014 to an estimated 2.3 billion people today.

With great power comes great responsibility. As we move more data and services to the cloud, the need for robust security measures becomes paramount. Protecting digital data in the cloud is no small feat. With data types ranging from device identifiers and IP addresses to browsing interactions, the stakes are high.

Managing cloud data securely involves skills in cloud storage, networking hardware, and understanding cloud-native application platforms. This is where risk analysis comes into play. It involves assessing the risks and vulnerabilities that could negatively impact an organization’s cloud data. After all, a secure cloud is a happy cloud.

Leveraging Cloud Services

By 2024, cloud adoption is predicted to transform from a disruptive technology to a business necessity, says Pulumi. Global spending on public cloud services is forecasted to reach $679 billion in 2024, with a projection to exceed $1 trillion by 2027.

The power of the cloud isn’t just in its infrastructure or security. It’s also in its services. Cloud infrastructure services such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), are essential components of modern IT environments. Professionals skilled in utilizing services from major providers like AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure are positioned to effectively manage network infrastructure.

  • End-user spending on IaaS is forecast to grow by 26.6% in 2024.
  • PaaS spending growth is expected to reach 21.5% in 2024.
  • SaaS spending growth is predicted to rise from $205,221 million in 2022 to $243,991 million in 2024 — an increase of 15.9%.

But wait, there’s more. Azure’s AI services can be integrated into network management processes, enhancing IT roles by providing advanced capabilities for customer service and data analysis. Mastering these advanced cloud services equips network management professionals with the tools to access insights from big data and automate complex customer interactions, making them invaluable in the IT industry.

Fortifying Networks:
Advanced Network Security Skills

According to Gartner, by 2027, 75% of security teams will have on-boarded at least five tools to manage cyber-physical systems (CPS) security in operational, production or mission-critical environments, which is a major increase compared with one or two they might use today.

Beyond the cloud, there’s another aspect of networking that’s equally important: network security. With rising cyber threats, advanced network security skills have never been more crucial. The journey to fortifying networks involves implementing effective intrusion detection systems, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity measures, and crafting efficient incident response strategies.

Let’s put on our security hats and explore these areas.

Implementing Intrusion Detection Systems

Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 14.61%, resulting in a market volume of US$134.50m by 2028.

In the world of network security, defense is the best offense. That’s where intrusion detection systems come into play. These systems are like the guardians of your network, protecting it from security threats that can lead to activities such as eavesdropping and false route advertisement.

After all, a secure network, maintained by a network security engineer, is the backbone of a strong IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Measures and Compliance

Malaysia reached the highest score on the National Cyber Security Index among countries in the Asia-Pacific region, 79.22 out of 100.

In the ever-evolving landscape of network security and information security, staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity measures and regulations is crucial. The cybersecurity landscape is being shaped by various trends, such as:

Cloud Security:


As organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based services, securing cloud environments becomes paramount. This involves adopting a shared responsibility model with cloud providers and implementing robust access controls.

Supply Chain Attacks:

Malicious actors are targeting vulnerabilities within an organization’s supply chain partners. Strong vendor risk management practices and security assessments on third-party software are critical.

Internet of Things (IoT) Security:

The proliferation of connected devices introduces new attack vectors. Implementing strong authentication protocols, securing device firmware, and segmenting IoT networks are essential measures.

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

While AI offers security benefits, it can also be exploited by attackers. Organizations should implement safeguards to ensure the security of AI models and data used to train them.

Additionally, compliance knowledge is essential. Following govern digital operations helps organizations maintain a strong security posture by mandating data protection best practices.

Finally, physical security measures and security tools for wireless equipment are critical components of overall network security. Controlling physical access to IT infrastructure and securing wireless networks through encryption and access controls mitigate various cyber risks, including those arising from the trends mentioned above.

Crafting Incident Response Strategies

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky revealed that in 2023, its detection systems blocked 26.85 million “Internet-borne” attacks in Malaysia, representing 74,000 attacks per day.

When it comes to network security, prevention is crucial, but so is response. Crafting efficient incident response strategies is like having a game plan for cyberattacks, ensuring you’re prepared to contain attacks, limit damage, and maintain trust. These plans typically encompass preparation such as:

Team Formation:

To establish an incident response (IR) team with clear roles and responsibilities. Ideally, this team should include representatives from IT security, IT operations, legal, and public relations.

According to The Star, Cybersecurity company Surfshark has ranked Malaysia as the eighth most breached country in Q3 2023 with 494,699 leaked accounts.

Detection and Analysis:

To utilize security tools and procedures to detect suspicious activity like unusual network traffic and unauthorized access attempts.

As stated by Statista, Household penetration will be 9.1% in 2024 and is expected to hit 16.0% by 2028.

Different cyberattacks may require tailored responses. For instance, a phishing attack might necessitate immediate user education and password resets, while a malware outbreak could involve system isolation and system wipes.

Regular drills and simulations are essential to test the effectiveness of these plans. Because in the game of network security, practice makes perfect. A weak response plan can have severe consequences, such as data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Virtualization Technologies:
Optimizing Network Management

Virtualization technologies are another key aspect of networking. These technologies revolutionize network management by enabling:

Flexibility and Scalability: Virtual Machines can be easily provisioned, migrated, and scaled based on changing needs.

Efficiency: Server consolidation reduces hardware costs and improves resource utilization.

Improved Network Management: Virtual networks can be segmented and isolated, simplifying network administration & enhancing security.

Let’s unpack each of these areas.

Deploying Virtual Machines

The virtual machine market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $17.08 billion in 2023 to $20.26 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.6%

Deploying virtual machines is like building a digital city. It involves selecting a source such as an existing virtual machines, virtual machines template, or virtual hard disk, and then determining the deployment destination, which could be a private cloud, a host, or a library.

Configuring hardware settings for a virtual machine can differ based on whether it is a generation 1 or generation 2 machine. And don’t forget about the Virtual Machine Manager (VMM), which allows for the configuration of virtual machines using templates, including setting static IP addresses and availability settings.

Managing Virtual Networks

The global virtual networking market size was valued at USD 32.15 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.6% from 2023 to 2030.

Managing virtual networks is like being the mayor of this digital city. A virtual machine (VM) is a digital representation of a physical computer that operates on a hypervisor, lacking direct interactions with physical hardware.

Deploying virtual machines entails the setup and management of server and storage clusters within a virtual environment.

Wireless World:
Skills for Next-Gen Wireless Networking

In the wireless world of networking, staying up-to-date with next-gen skills is crucial. This involves navigating wireless standards, securing networks, and obtaining wireless networking certifications.

Let’s explore these areas in more detail.

Navigating Wireless Standards

Wireless standards and protocols form the backbone of modern networking, enabling a variety of devices to communicate without physical connections. Navigating the complexities of wireless standards requires a thorough understanding of the technical specifications and operating principles involved.

Proficiency in current wireless technologies, computer systems, and technical skills, along with the ability to adapt to emerging standards, is crucial for IT professionals to stay ahead in the field.

Securing Wireless Networks

As we move towards a wireless world, securing our networks becomes even more crucial. Wireless network security involves protective measures against unauthorized access and potential cyber threats. Implementing strong passwords coupled with MAC address authentication can considerably improve a wireless network’s security posture.

Moreover, creating a separate network for guests helps in protecting the primary network from threats that could arise from unauthorized use by visitors. And while ceasing the broadcast of a wireless network’s name may not be a complete security solution, it forms a critical part of the security strategy by making it less visible to potential attackers.

Wireless Networking Certifications

In the world of wireless networking, certifications can be a game-changer. They validate a professional’s knowledge in important principles, technologies, and security practices within the networking domain.

Certifications such as Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) and Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP) are particularly crucial for understanding wireless networking principles and practices. Acquiring these certifications can enhance a professional’s credibility, career prospects, and earning potential in the growing tech market of Malaysia.

Configuring Success:
Network Configuration & Troubleshooting Expertise

Let’s switch gears and talk about another key aspect of networking: network configuration and troubleshooting. Expertise in these areas is pivotal for ensuring that network devices communicate effectively and internet functionality is smooth. This skill set involves managing network protocols, diagnosing network issues, and streamlining network performance.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these areas.

Managing Network Protocols

Managing network protocols is like being a traffic police officer, directing the flow of data to ensure efficient communication between devices. These protocols are embedded within their software or hardware, helping to ensure the efficiency and security of data exchanges across the network.

Configuring network protocols to match specific network traffic characteristics can lead to enhanced network speed and reliability. After all, a smooth and efficient network is the backbone of any successful IT operation.

Diagnosing Network Issues

In a perfect world, networks would always run smoothly. But in the real world, issues can arise. That’s where diagnosing network issues comes into play. A solid understanding of the OSI model is crucial for network troubleshooting, guiding engineers in understanding how data moves through the different layers.

Moreover, remote access capabilities are essential for diagnosing network issues, allowing engineers to control and access network devices from different locations.

Streamlining Network Performance

Once you’ve configured your network and diagnosed any issues, it’s time to optimize. Streamlining network performance involves enhancing performan ce by improving latency, reducing packet loss, and making strategic changes to alleviate bottlenecks.

One strategy is implementing Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical applications, ensuring they receive the necessary bandwidth and resources to function effectively. Strategic capacity planning and predictive analysis of network utilization are crucial for handling growth and maintaining optimal network performance. And let’s not forget continuous network monitoring and proactive maintenance to ensure consistent network optimization.

Continuous Learning and Certification:
Your Pathway to Networking Excellence

In the dynamic world of networking, continuous learning and certification serve as your pathway to excellence. This journey involves identifying in-demand skills, choosing the right certifications, and applying real-world examples.

Let’s embark on this journey together.

Identifying In-Demand Skills

To navigate your career path effectively, it’s crucial to identify the most sought-after networking skills in Malaysia’s IT job market. Some of the highly sought-after skills include:

Proficiency in cloud networking, encompassing cloud architecture, deployment, and management within networking environments.

Specialized system and network skills for roles such as system administrators and network administrators, focusing on optimizing network performance, troubleshooting, and security management.

Competency in data visualization tailored for networking professionals, emphasizing the ability to analyze and interpret network data to make informed decisions and optimize network performance.

Expertise in wireless networking, validated through certifications that demonstrate proficiency in wireless networking principles, technologies, and security practices.

Building expertise in these networking domains, including cloud networking, system and network administration, data visualization, and wireless networking, is key to advancing in an IT career within Malaysia’s competitive job market.

Choosing the Right Certifications

In the dynamic landscape of networking, navigating the ever-evolving complexities requires a multifaceted approach. While technical proficiency is essential, validating your skills through strategic certification selection significantly enhances your professional standing.

This guide explores how strategically selected certifications can propel you on your chosen career path within the realm of wireless networking.

CT-NETWORK+: CompTIA Network+ Certification

As one of the top IT certifications for beginners, the CompTIA Network+ credential is the essential certification for networking professionals. It covers the hands-on skills and precise knowledge needed in today’s networking environments. With this certification, you will be able to support networks on any platform.

Unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares candidates to support networks on any platform. CompTIA Network+ is the only certification that covers the specific skills that network professionals need. Other certifications are so broad, they don’t cover the hands-on skills and precise knowledge needed in today’s networking environments.

CCNA: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions

Demonstrating your ability to adapt to the constantly evolving IT landscape, the CCNA certification verifies your expertise in networking fundamentals, IP services, security principles, automation, and programmability. Designed for adaptability and versatility, the Cisco CCNA credential confirms your capacity to handle and fine-tune today’s most sophisticated networks.

The comprehensive Cisco CCNA training course and examination lay the foundation for pursuing diverse career trajectories. By earning a Cisco certification, you exemplify the excellence and rigor that businesses rely on to stay ahead of market expectations.

GCPNET: Networking in Google Cloud

Google Cloud offers a broad portfolio of networking services built on top of planet-scale infrastructure that leverages automation, advanced AI, and programmability, enabling enterprises to connect, scale, secure, modernize and optimize their infrastructure.

So how do you manage and scale your organization’s networks in Google Cloud? This GCPNET: Networking in Google Cloud course covers Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) networks, subnets, and firewalls and the interconnection among networks, load balancing; Cloud DNS, Cloud CDN, and Cloud NAT. The course also covers common network design patterns and automated deployment using Deployment Manager or Terraform.

AZ-700T00: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions

With more than 165,000 miles of private fiber spanning 60+ regions and 170+ network PoPs across the world, Azure provides the scale, performance, high availability, and enterprise-grade security you need to meet your most extreme workload requirements.

Microsoft Azure enables organizations around the world to become more digitally connected, and networking is transforming the way these organizations work. When companies shift to the cloud, networking as a service unlocks new benefits for customers in the areas of scale, speed, elastic resources, and managed oversight.

In the cloud landscape, the critical role of the network engineer continues to evolve as these professionals tackle complex tasks, from migrating workloads to the cloud and managing hybrid connectivity to empowering remote workers and supporting strategic scenarios that enable digital transformation.

If you plan, implement, and maintain Azure networking solutions, including hybrid networking, connectivity, routing, security, and private access to Azure services, be sure to check this certification out: AZ-700T00: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions.

CND: Certified Network Defender v2

Learn the skills that matter! EC-Council’s vendor-neutral network security certifications provide an unbiased approach to learning secure networking practices, as well as how to analyze and harden computing systems prevalent in the current IT infrastructure.

CND v2 has earned a reputation as the only program in the market that is 100% focused on network security and defence.

IT professionals need to be part of the cybersecurity ecosystem, especially in a post-COVID Digital Transformation era. If you think cybersecurity is the responsibility of cyber teams alone, think again!

AWS-NECA: Networking Essentials for Cloud Applications on AWS

Do you want to run every workload with the highest level of reliability, security, and performance in the cloud? The AWS-NECA: Networking Essentials for Cloud Applications on AWS course will help you learn to design a networking infrastructure and configure networking services for a highly available, resilient, and scalable application.

In this one-day AWS classroom training course, an expert AWS instructor will dive deep into implementing a networking infrastructure and networking best practices to align towards AWS Well-Architected Framework. Apply what you learn to design, configure, and optimize network infrastructure on AWS.

Summary

We’ve embarked on a comprehensive exploration of the essential IT networking skills that fuel Malaysia’s booming tech sector. We’ve delved into the intricacies of cloud networking, unraveled the complexities of network security, mastered the art of configuration and troubleshooting, navigated the virtualized landscape, and conquered the world of wireless networking. Throughout this journey, we’ve emphasized the unwavering importance of continuous learning and strategic certification to achieve networking mastery.

But remember, this is merely the launchpad for your extraordinary IT career. The dynamic realm of networking is constantly in flux, and like the adaptable nature of networks themselves, the key to success lies in your unwavering commitment to growth and evolution

Don’t Miss Out on FREE Training in Generative AI and Prompt Engineering!

Join our expert-led sessions and learn how to apply these technologies in practical, real-world scenarios. Enhance your decision-making capabilities and stay ahead in your field. Seize this opportunity to learn from Trainocate experts, apply industry best practices, and advance your cloud expertise. Register Today

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the job market in Malaysia?

The job market in Malaysia is showing improvement, with a decrease in the jobless rate and an increase in employment. Unemployment declined by 8.1% in 2023, indicating positive trends in the job market.

What are the most in-demand networking skills in Malaysia’s IT job market?

The most in-demand networking skills in Malaysia’s IT job market include networking, data analytics, cloud computing skills such as engineering, database management, programming, development, security, and analytics. These skills are highly sought after in 2024.

How important is cloud networking in modern IT?

Cloud networking is crucial in modern IT as it serves as the backbone for delivering various digital services over the internet.

What are the key aspects of network security?

The key aspects of network security encompass implementing effective intrusion detection systems, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity measures, and crafting efficient incident response strategies. These aspects are crucial for safeguarding your network from potential threats.

How can virtualization technologies optimize network management?

Virtualization technologies optimize network management by enabling flexible, scalable, and efficient resource management, including deploying virtual machines and managing virtual networks. This can also involve gaining relevant certifications in the field.

Which certifications are for Networking Skills?

There are variety of networking certifications that you could opt for, some of it are:

1. CT-NETWORK+: CompTIA Network+ Certification
2. CCNA: Implementing and Administering Cisco Solutions
3. GCPNET: Networking in Google Cloud
4. AZ-700T00: Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions
5. CND: Certified Network Defender v2
6. AWS-NECA: Networking Essentials for Cloud Applications on AWS

Where can I get Networking Training?

Trainocate emerges as a leading player in this domain. As a top 20 IT training company in Malaysia, Trainocate boasts a diverse course catalog encompassing a wide range of networking technologies, from industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Network+ to vendor-specific programs like Cisco CCNA. Their experienced instructors and industry-aligned curriculum can equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in your networking career.

About the Author

Brian Ng

A network engineering and cybersecurity expert with over 25 years of experience, Brian is highly skilled in Cisco, AWS, and Azure technologies.

Related Posts

SD-WAN Technology in 2024 A Simple Guide

SD-WAN Technology in 2024: A Simple Guide

February 16, 2024
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Blog Banner

The CCNA: A Beginner’s Guide to Networking Certifications

October 18, 2023
Google Gemilang: IT Support Professional Certificate

Google Gemilang: Google IT Support Professional Certificate

October 24, 2022