Study Guide: Human Resource Management in Malaysia

If you're on the brink of adulthood, just stepping out of the high school bubble and into the maze of career possibilities, let's talk about a realm often underestimated but undeniably crucial – Human Resources. Imagine a squad dedicated to making sure everyone in a company is not just working but thriving. It's the department that crafts the magic behind a workplace that feels like a second home. From hiring the next superstar to ensuring everyone's happy and thriving, HR is the secret sauce that keeps the professional wheels turning.

Human Resource

Human Resources is the division of a company entrusted with the identification, recruitment, evaluation, and training of potential employees. It constitutes a vital aspect of any business, irrespective of its scale. The primary role of the HR department is to optimize employee efficiency and safeguard the organization against any workforce-related challenges. HR duties encompass managing compensation and benefits, overseeing recruitment, ensuring employee retention, handling terminations, and staying informed about any legal developments that might impact both the company and its workforce.

Human Resource (HR) Responsibilities

HR's primary activities include recruitment, administration, compensation and benefits, training and development, and employee relations and performance management. However, they often do much more. The following includes some of the different responsibilities of an HR department.

Recruitment
Administration
Compensation and Benefits
Training and Development
Employee Relations and Performance Management

Entry Requirements to Study Human Resource Management

The entry requirements for studying human resource management can vary depending on the level of study and the specific educational institution. Entry requirements for some universities may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.

A-Level/STPM: Minimum DD
Australian Matriculation SAM/SACE International: Minimum ATAR 55
Canadian Pre-University programmes: Average of 55%
Foundation in Science or Matriculation programme: Minimum CGPA of 2.0
UEC: Minimum of 5Bs and a pass in Mathematic and English
Diploma: Minimum CGPA of 2.00

Pathway to Study Human Resource Management

This is the general pathway to study human resource management after completing your SPM or IGCSE.

Step 1: Complete STPM/UEC/Pre-university programme for 1-2 years. You can also opt to be enrolled in Diploma in Human Resource for 2 years.

Step 2: Once you graduate with a human resource diploma, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.

Step 3: If you want to pursue a human resource degree, enrol in a 3-year human resource degree programme.

Step 4: Once you've completed your degree, you can choose to go straight to the workforce.

Subjects in A Human Resource Degree

Typically, an undergraduate degree in HRM in Malaysia takes around 3 years to complete. The total cost of an undergraduate degree in HRM can vary significantly depending on the university, location. A human resource degree generally could range from approximately MYR 20,000 to MYR 60,000.

Students who enrol in a human resource degree will be exposed to more advanced level of curriculum including behavioural science, business ethics & governance, critical thinking in management, and international culture & communications. In-depth understanding on the discipline and core practices of human resource management will be developed as well by learning some subjects such as:

Analytics for Business
Business Communication
Business Ethics
Economic Principles and Issues
Entrepreneurship
Financial Management
Human Resource Issues and Strategies
Information Management / Logistics Transportation
International Business
Marketing Principles
Operations Management
Organisational Behaviour Management
Strategic Management

Job Prospects with A Human Resource Degree

A degree in Human Resource Management opens up a variety of career opportunities in the field of HR and beyond. HR professionals often develop transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership, making them valuable assets in various organizational roles. As the business landscape evolves, HR professionals may also find opportunities to contribute to strategic decision-making and organizational development. Here are some common career paths for individuals with a Human Resource degree: