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Data Architect

Technology

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

Data ScienceComputer Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Develop and document database architectures.
  2. 2Collaborate with system architects, software architects, design analysts, and others to understand business or industry requirements.
  3. 3Develop database architectural strategies at the modeling, design and implementation stages to address business or industry requirements.
  4. 4Design databases to support business applications, ensuring system scalability, security, performance, and reliability.
  5. 5Develop data models for applications, metadata tables, views or related database structures.
  6. 6Design database applications, such as interfaces, data transfer mechanisms, global temporary tables, data partitions, and function-based indexes to enable efficient access of the generic database structure.
  7. 7Develop methods for integrating different products so they work properly together, such as customizing commercial databases to fit specific needs.
  8. 8Create and enforce database development standards.
  9. 9Document and communicate database schemas, using accepted notations.
  10. 10Develop data model describing data elements and their use, following procedures and using pen, template or computer software.
  11. 11Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.
  12. 12Set up database clusters, backup, or recovery processes.
  13. 13Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
  14. 14Demonstrate database technical functionality, such as performance, security and reliability.
  15. 15Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
  16. 16Develop load-balancing processes to eliminate down time for backup processes.
  17. 17Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
  18. 18Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
  19. 19Identify and correct deviations from database development standards.
  20. 20Review project requests describing database user needs to estimate time and cost required to accomplish project.
  21. 21Write and code logical and physical database descriptions, and specify identifiers of database to management system or direct others in coding descriptions.
  22. 22Develop or maintain archived procedures, procedural codes, or queries for applications.
  23. 23Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
  24. 24Establish and calculate optimum values for database parameters, using manuals and calculators.
  25. 25Train users and answer questions.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Developer
  • Data Miner
  • ADP Planner
  • PKI Analyst
  • Data Analyst
  • Data Manager
  • Data Modeler
  • Data Officer
  • Data Engineer
  • Data Architect

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

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

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Design & Technology (RBT)Draws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics86%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Engineering and Technology79%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Design74%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

  • Mathematics73%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • English Language63%

    English

  • Administration and Management57%

    BusinessEconomics

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsOften
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

24%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

0.20%

Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work

Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

On Malaysia's official shortage list

TalentCorp and ILMIA's Critical Occupations List — evidence of a real hiring shortage in Malaysia right now.

Matched to a related occupation on the list, not this exact job title.

Database Designers and Administrators · Shortage indicators met: INSUFFICIENT DATA

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post
See pay for a related career: Cybersecurity Analyst

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.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

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

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

Related careers

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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.

O*NET occupation: Database Architects

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