IT courses in Malaysia are increasingly popular each year, especially with the demand for IT workers. Companies from various industries look for ways to adopt digital technology in their day-to-day work and operations. Almost all aspects of our lives rely on technology. With its rapid advancement, we can only expect the IT industry to continue growing and the demand for IT professionals to increase. 

If you’re considering joining this field, here’s all you need to know about IT courses in Malaysia to launch your career.

What is an IT Course?

Information technology, or IT, is a branch of engineering that focuses on the methods used by computers and telecommunications equipment to collect, deliver, and receive information. Therefore, an IT course provides the necessary knowledge and skills one needs to excel in this industry.  

Types of IT Courses

There are several types of IT courses. While some individuals look for a course just to learn more about IT, some courses are created for individuals who wish to seek a certificate or a degree.

Here are some types of IT courses in Malaysia:

• Software Engineering 

Software engineering is the process of creating, implementing, and maintaining software systems that are trustworthy to complete tasks effectively. The clients’ wants and demands are considered when developing the software system. The programme must be simple to use for users.

• Cyber Security

Cybersecurity entails defending data and systems against serious online threats. Any company with a network connection is at risk for security issues. To assist in protecting their systems and data, they will want employees with specialised capabilities.

• Data Science

Large volumes of data are analysed using big data analytics to discover structures, linkages, and other findings. Analysing sets of data to make judgments about the content they carry is known as data analytics (DA). Technologies and techniques for data analytics are widely employed in the business world to help firms make better business decisions.

• Artificial Intelligence

The use of a programme or algorithm to carry out a task that calls for individuals to use their intelligence is called artificial intelligence (AI). When given information, such as countless examples of an image or the guidelines of a game, AI processes it in conformance with its coding. Our brains cannot process the vast volumes of data that AI can handle.

• Cloud Computing

Delivering computer services – servers, memory, spreadsheets, communications, applications, statistics, and more – over the internet is referred to as cloud computing. Rather than using your computer’s hard drive to store and access data and programmes, you can use the cloud.

• Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT is not about the internet as it encompasses the surrounding physical things that are hooked to the Web. IoT is a network of connected devices, electronic and mechanical machinery, and items that exchange data across networks. This is accomplished without needing human-to-human or computer-to-human processes.  

• Network Computing

Utilising devices such as computers in a connected network is referred to as network computing. Network computing has grown in popularity over the last several decades as computing technology has evolved. Networking is a practical approach to providing several computers or devices with increased capabilities.

• Game Development

It is now feasible to create games that are powerful and of higher quality. The creation of modern computer games is one of the most complex computer applications. Game developers use cutting-edge ideas like networks, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics.

Why study IT?

If you’re not too sure whether IT is the way to go, here are some reasons to consider enrolling in an IT course: 

1) The field of work is expanding 

Although there are no guarantees in the labour market, employment in the IT sector continues to grow. As a result, there will be a high demand for IT experts in the foreseeable future. 

2) IT professionals can operate in almost any sector

IT specialists enjoy the benefit of working in almost any sector. Every type of business is powered by technology, so a tech career is waiting for you in numerous industries.

3) There is a lot of money to be made in the IT industry

True, you shouldn’t select your topic of study based only on your expected wage. However, it’s a plus to know that there’s lots of income potential in IT occupations if they’ve previously piqued your attention. If all goes well, you’re likely to live a comfortable life. 

4) It’s a cutting-edge profession

As innovation develops, it requires eager workers to be at the forefront. If you get quickly bored with the status quo and constantly think of doing things more effectively, you will not be disappointed with IT. 

5) The work pays off

Technology has a powerful influence on both global societies as a whole and specific industries. Knowing that the job you do daily benefits others and adds to the expanding technological infrastructure we rely on can be gratifying.

6) IT honours curiosity. 

Not all professions encourage employees to think creatively outside the norm. You’re in luck because IT isn’t one of them! In the tech industry, employees will appreciate your natural sense of curiosity.

Who should study IT?

Reading all this, you may be intrigued to join an IT course in Malaysia but still have some doubts whether it’s a suitable course for you. Well, fret not. We have listed some characteristics of people who fare well in the IT industry. However, don’t worry about lacking in any of these areas. These characteristics can be developed as you learn more about IT.

1. Creative

Most computer science applications demand a significant amount of ingenuity and problem-solving skills. In addition, IT positions like backend developer or data scientist all require some degree of creativity. 

2. Collaborative

Computer science and information technology programs offer multiple opportunities for students to study and work together. When dealing with demanding coursework, it can be better to do it together. 

3. Confident

You’ll need confidence when developing new technologies. Additionally, presentations and meetings with clients are part and parcel of the job, so you’ll have to learn to be confident in yourself and your work. However, don’t worry too much if you do not yet have the confidence – it will grow with experience. 

4. Good time management skills

While taking an IT course, you might be expected to enrol in several classes at once. Students will have their coursework, projects and presentations to complete. All these require good time management. While it may seem daunting to have so many things to do, practising good time management during your university years will help when you have to meet tight deadlines when you’re working. 

IT Course subjects

As with other courses, an IT course has core and elective subjects. Some of the core subjects that you’ll have to take include: 

• Electronics

• Mathematics

• Statistics

• Database 

• Data Structures

• Networking

Elective subjects are those you can choose to take, depending on your interest and specialisation. Some of these subjects include: 

• Software Reliability

• Artificial Intelligence

• Data Analytics

• Theory of Computation

IT Course in Malaysia requirements

You’ll have to fulfil certain requirements before you’re accepted into an IT course. While each tertiary institution has its own set of requirements, you will generally need one of the following to study IT in Malaysia:

1. A-Level: Minimum of 2Es

2. STPM: Minimum of 2Cs

3. Australian Matriculation: Minimum of ATAR 60

4. Foundation in Science or IT/Computing: Minimum CGPA of 2.00

How long is an IT course?

The duration of an IT course depends on the type that you choose. There are basic courses that are as short as three months. However, in-depth study or an IT-related Bachelor’s degree will take three to four years, depending on your foundation studies. 

Additionally, most institutions these days also require that their students spend some time interning in the field they study. An internship can be anywhere from three to six months, depending on the university. 

What’s the difference between IT and computer science? 

Frequently, computer science will come up when talking about IT courses. However, information technology and computer science are distinct because computer scientists create and develop the software that IT specialists use and sustain.

Computer science is the study of creating computers and computer applications. On the other hand, information technology refers to the upkeep and debugging of those computers, and their protocols, software, and databases.

Nonetheless, information technology and computer science overlap frequently. Knowledge of computer science fundamentals is sometimes necessary for employment in the IT industry, and becoming a programmer entails doing duties that are seen as being more IT-related.

IT and computer science careers might lead you to various areas, but they follow separate routes. For example, jobs based on computer science often include using data or programming languages to create or enhance goods.

IT job salaries

IT jobs can pay quite well as this industry is continuously growing. And let’s face it, almost everyone is looking for a career with high-paying salaries. Here’s what you can expect:

1. IT Consultant: RM 61,598 per year 

2. IT Manager: RM93,257 per year

3. IT Support: RM30,720 per year

4. IT Analyst: RM54,552 per year

These figures are average base salaries. Once you have secured more experience and seniority, you can make more than RM 120,000 annually. 

Where can you study IT in Malaysia?

Numerous institutions are offering IT courses in Malaysia. However, be careful when enrolling in one, as some might not be accredited. Instead, pick institutions such as UOW Malaysia KDU to ensure that your certificate or degree is recognised. 

KDU campus in Batu Kawan and George Town, Penang, offers a Diploma in Information Technology. The primary objective of this program is to equip students with the knowledge and abilities they need to work as computer professionals.

At both campuses, the IT program is suitable for those interested in pursuing programming, web programming, systems analysis and design, and operations. 

The requirements to enter this program are: 

1. SPM: 3 Credits, including Mathematics

2. STPM: 1 Principal Pass and a Credit in Mathematics at the SPM level

3. UEC: Min. 3 Credits, including a Credit in Mathematics

4. Pass English at SPM level or equivalent

Are you keen on applying for an IT course at UOW Malaysia KDU? Then, fill in the application form and secure your position today!

This content is provided by UOW Malaysia KDU.

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