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Database Administrator

Technology

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

Computer ScienceData Science

What you'd do all day

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

  1. 1Modify existing databases and database management systems or direct programmers and analysts to make changes.
  2. 2Plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard information in computer files against accidental or unauthorized damage, modification or disclosure.
  3. 3Plan and install upgrades of database management system software to enhance database performance.
  4. 4Specify users and user access levels for each segment of database.
  5. 5Test changes to database applications or systems.
  6. 6Test programs or databases, correct errors, and make necessary modifications.
  7. 7Train users and answer questions.
  8. 8Provide technical support to junior staff or clients.
  9. 9Approve, schedule, plan, and supervise the installation and testing of new products and improvements to computer systems, such as the installation of new databases.
  10. 10Develop standards and guidelines for the use and acquisition of software and to protect vulnerable information.
  11. 11Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system, or direct others in coding descriptions.
  12. 12Develop data models describing data elements and how they are used, following procedures and using pen, template, or computer software.
  13. 13Select and enter codes to monitor database performance and to create production databases.
  14. 14Identify, evaluate and recommend hardware or software technologies to achieve desired database performance.
  15. 15Review procedures in database management system manuals to make changes to database.
  16. 16Identify and evaluate industry trends in database systems to serve as a source of information and advice for upper management.
  17. 17Review workflow charts developed by programmer analyst to understand tasks computer will perform, such as updating records.
  18. 18Revise company definition of data as defined in data dictionary.

Also known as

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

  • DBA
  • Admin
  • SQL DBA
  • IS Admin
  • Cyber DBA
  • Data Admin
  • Data Miner
  • ADP Planner
  • Data Engineer
  • Database Tech

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).
EnglishDraws directly on English Language — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — 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 Electronics96%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language79%

    English

  • Customer and Personal Service79%
  • Mathematics71%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Telecommunications71%

    Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesComputer Science / ICT

  • Engineering and Technology70%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

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 discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicNot at all
  • 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.

29%

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.

On Malaysia's official shortage list

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

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 Administrators

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

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue