Ever considered the immense potential that remote hiring brings to the table? There's no doubt that this trend has been a game-changer, especially given the increased access to diverse talents, not to mention the cost savings that come with it! Now, the million-dollar question is, where on Earth do you find these extraordinary remote talents? Fear not, HireBasis is here to guide you through the maze.

Our approach is a simple, yet effective one - we grade countries on three crucial aspects. First, we assess English proficiency on a scale of 1 to 10. Next, we consider the cost of living to grade the country's salary affordability. And lastly, we size up the country's computer literacy score. So far, we've navigated through Europe, Asia, and Africa with our lens on remote hiring. But this time, we’re back in Asia! Let's embark on a thrilling ride to a land known for its pulsating fusion of cultures, tech-savvy youth, tantalizing cuisines, and breathtaking natural wonders. This mystical place is also a rising star in the tech industry!

So, fasten your seatbelts as we prepare to land in... Malaysia!

A) Introduction to Malaysia

Welcome to Malaysia, the land of contrasts, where vibrant metropolises exist in harmony with the tranquility of ancient rainforests. Home to approximately 32 million people, this Southeast Asian nation is a melting pot of cultures, a kaleidoscope of diverse traditions that reflect the country's Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous influences. The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but don't be surprised to hear a mix of Mandarin, Tamil, and English too, in this linguistically diverse landscape. English, in particular, is widely spoken and serves as a significant language in business and urban settings, reflecting the country's colonial history and its present-day global connections.

Now, let's dive into some numbers, but not the boring kind! If you’ve got dollars to spend, then it’s important to know that 1 US dollar is worth around 4.7 Malaysian Ringgit. However, don't let the conversion rate deceive you into thinking things are four times as expensive. Malaysia offers an affordable cost of living, where mouth-watering meals can cost less than a dollar and beautiful experiences come without breaking the bank. So, whether you're here to explore the bustling street markets of Kuala Lumpur, or to take in the serene beauty of the Borneo rainforests, or to delve into the world of Nasi Lemak and Teh Tarik, Malaysia offers a uniquely diverse and captivating experience that won't empty your wallet. Selamat datang, or welcome to Malaysia, the land where adventure meets affordability!

B) English Proficiency (30% weight) 7.5/10

English is the second language for many Malaysians, as it is taught in schools from a young age. According to the Education First English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) Malaysia was ranked 24th out of 111 countries, meaning Malaysia is having a "High" proficiency level, and that translates to a large portion of the population being fluent in English. Still, English proficiency in Malaysia varies widely across the country due to an urban-rural divide.

That being said, the level of English proficiency in the country has been a topic of concern and discussion for some time. Despite efforts to improve English education, many critics have argued that standards are falling. Factors such as urban-rural divide and economic status can greatly affect the quality of English education received by students.

The Malaysian government has made significant efforts to improve the level of English proficiency in the country. They have introduced several initiatives and policy changes over the years to strengthen English language education. This includes switching the medium of instruction for Science and Mathematics to English in public schools (a policy that was later reversed), bringing in native English speakers to aid in teaching, and more. Taking all of this into consideration, Malaysia has scored a fascinating 7.5/10 in English proficiency!

C) Wage Affordability (40% weight) 9/10

Let's dive into the realm of wage affordability now, where two bustling capitals, Washington D.C. and Kuala Lumpur, take center stage. We start off with the cost of living in Washington D.C., a representative snapshot of the living costs in a significant U.S. city. We then place this against the living costs in Malaysia's vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur. This comparison, based on cost of living and purchasing power in both cities, offers us a peek into how cost-effective it could be to hire employees remotely from Malaysia. Leveraging Numbeo.com’s cost of living calculator, we find that a yearly salary of $100,000 in Washington, D.C., would possess similar purchasing power to a yearly salary of, brace yourself, approximately $30,500 in Kuala Lumpur. That’s a staggering potential saving of about $70,000! With this impressive affordability ratio, Malaysia scores an impressive 9/10 in wage affordability.

Now, let's throw in the additional mandatory expenses that employers bear to ensure legal and smooth salary disbursements. We're talking taxes, social security, and more, calculated using OysterHR’s hiring calculator for Malaysia, and Quickbooks Employee Cost Calculator for the U.S. So, a $50,000-per-year employee in Washington D.C. costs an employer around $56,042, while a $15,258-per-year employee in Kuala Lumpur costs an employer roughly $25,804. At this point, you might find yourself reaching out to Hirebasis.com to scout for talented remote employees from Malaysia, because who wouldn't love saving $30,000 each year? If you share this excitement, rush over to Hirebasis.com, the top (free) remote job board out there, and hire your Malaysian superstar today. Also, it's noteworthy that the “Oyster fee,” which is what OysterHR charges to act as your employer of record, is usually around $700/mo. This fee drops to a mere $29/mo if the worker is hired as an independent contractor.

D) Technology Literacy (30% weight) 10/10

Next up, let's explore technology literacy. How does Malaysia fare in this aspect? Exceptionally well! Let us elaborate. Over the past few years, Malaysia has made significant leaps in computer literacy and innovation, positioning itself as a global frontrunner in technology and education. The government has been actively fostering digital literacy, with heavy investments in IT sector development aimed at building an inclusive, technologically advanced society. A focus on digital skills is reflected in its national development plans. For example, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has various initiatives to boost digital literacy among Malaysians, such as the "MyDigital" initiative.

The Malaysian government recognizes the importance of technology in the future economy and has been actively promoting digital literacy and technology-based education in schools. The Ministry of Education has implemented Computer Science and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into the curriculum, and there are nationwide efforts to improve Internet accessibility and provide digital devices for students. In higher education, many universities offer degrees in fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, and Engineering, further promoting technology literacy among the younger population.

Moreover, with the rise of the digital economy and technology-based businesses, more adults are also seeking to improve their digital literacy, either for their current jobs or to transition into tech-based roles. Coding bootcamps, online courses, and professional training programs have become increasingly popular for this purpose. The Digital Skills Gap Index (DSGI) has ranked Malaysia as 10th globally, with a score of 7.2, earning Malaysia a staggering, never seen before 10/10 on the HireBasis Technology Literacy scale! As we mentioned, quite exceptional indeed!

E) Overall Remote Hiring Score: 88.5

The moment of truth is here, and it's time to crown Malaysia with its final grade. Meanwhile, other nations should stay alert for our next evaluation of their remote talent... Expect the unexpected! It's an undeniable fact that Malaysia has delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an awe-inspiring 88.5 overall points! Stand aside and hail the new sovereign, as Malaysia has gracefully outpaced Argentina, embracing its hard-earned spot at the top. Convinced and eager to hire proficient talent from Malaysia? Waste no time! Visit HireBasis and choose "Malaysia" in the country filter on the “find worker” page. And for those coming from Malaysia, make sure to create a profile on our platform to land potential hiring opportunities, dive right in! The whole setup is a breeze and can be completed in less than 5 minutes!

F) Fun Facts

You’ve went through a very serious and significant analysis about this beautiful country, you know what that means… It’s time to relax and put our learning caps on as we learn some new fun facts about Malaysia.

Did you know that:

• Malaysia is home to the world's oldest rainforest. The Taman Negara, which translates to "National Park," has a forest that's estimated to be around 130 million years old, making it older than the Amazon rainforest. It's a haven for wildlife and hosts an incredible array of flora and fauna.

• The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004, and they still hold the record for the tallest twin towers. Designed by Argentine architect César Pelli, these gleaming structures are a symbol of Malaysia's futuristic ambitions.

• Malaysia is the only country in the world where the king, known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is chosen from among nine hereditary state rulers to serve a five-year term. This unique rotational monarchy system means a different sultan becomes the king every five years, making it quite unlike any other monarchy in the world!

How interesting were these facts! If you enjoyed our deep analysis, make sure to keep an eye on our blog, as we are coming back with another interesting country analysis that might boost your profits, lower your expenses and increase your team’s diversity!