Copywriter

Rising

Creative

Writes the words in ads, social media posts, websites, packaging and campaign scripts, often in both BM and English, for advertising agencies, in-house brand teams and e-commerce sellers. Most start as junior copywriters with a diploma or degree in mass communication, advertising or languages and a strong writing portfolio.

You can enter this career straight after SPM. A degree is optional, not required.

Mass Communication & MediaMarketingCreative Arts & Media

Picture the job

Where you'd usually workAn office

An illustration of a typical workplace, not a photo. Real workplaces vary.

In Malaysia

How people get into it here: SPM (good credits in BM and English) → Diploma or Degree in Mass Communication, Advertising, Creative Writing or English/Malay Language → build a portfolio (sample ads, social posts, internship work) → junior copywriter at an agency or brand → senior copywriter → creative director. Some self-taught writers get in through freelance work and a strong portfolio.

Sources:my.jobstreet.com talentcorp.com.my emasco.mohr.gov.my

Pay in the private market

Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.

Entry

Private

RM3,400 – RM4,400

Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.

Job demand outlook

Rising

Hiring is growing: more openings expected over the next few years.

Your readiness

How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.

Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.

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The full route to this careerThe steps from school, UPU programmes and sourced costs, read against your answers.

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

TVET

Hands-on trades with strong employability: ILP, ADTEC, kolej vokasional, GiatMARA.

1–3 years

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

Compare routes against your results and interests

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

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Quick answers

How do you become a Copywriter in Malaysia?

SPM (good credits in BM and English) → Diploma or Degree in Mass Communication, Advertising, Creative Writing or English/Malay Language → build a portfolio (sample ads, social posts, internship work) → junior copywriter at an agency or brand → senior copywriter → creative director. Some self-taught writers get in through freelance work and a strong portfolio.

Can I become a Copywriter straight after SPM?

Yes. This career can be started with a certificate, diploma or TVET training straight after SPM, without a degree.

What should I study to become a Copywriter?

Related fields of study: Mass Communication & Media, Marketing and Creative Arts & Media. SPM subjects that help most: English, Bahasa Melayu, Visual Art (PSV) and Computer Science / ICT.

How much does a Copywriter earn in Malaysia?

Published figures put starting pay at RM3,400 – RM4,400 a month (source: JobStreet Malaysia salary insights for Copywriter (average of full-time salary ranges disclosed in JobStreet job ads, all experience levels), Jun 2026).

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

EnglishWrite copy that sells.

Bahasa MelayuReach a local audience persuasively.

Visual Art (PSV)Design eye-catching content.

Computer Science / ICTDigital tools and editing.

Skills to build

Clear, persuasive writing in BM and EnglishCreativity under tight deadlinesTaking feedback from clients and editorsUnderstanding what makes an audience act

What beginner adverts asked for

We read 23 internship and fresh-graduate adverts in related fields (August 2026). A small sample from one job site, not every vacancy.

21 of 23 were internships

Allowance or pay, when stated

RM900 – RM1,200

9 of 23 adverts printed an amount: usually between RM900 and RM1,200 a month. Many print none.

Minimum CGPA asked

3.00 to 3.00

Stated in 1 adverts. Others did not state one.

Languages named

Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin

An empty line means the adverts did not say, not that employers have no requirement. Check each employer's own advert before you plan around it.

About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

Source: JobStreet Malaysia salary insights for Copywriter (average of full-time salary ranges disclosed in JobStreet job ads, all experience levels) · as of Jun 2026

Check the salary figures yourself:JobStreet

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org