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Computer Network Architect

Technology

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

Computer Science

Picture the job

Where you'd usually workA desk of screens, or a server room

  • Mostly indoors
  • Sitting for most of the day
  • Rarely dealing with the public
  • Regular working hours

An illustration of a typical workplace, not a photo. The work-style notes come from US O*NET data, so read them as a guide.

In Malaysia

Network architects in Malaysia work for telcos, banks, system integrators and the fast-growing data-centre cluster in Johor and the Klang Valley. It is a senior role; most people start as network engineers.

How people get into it here
SPM → diploma or STPM/matriculation/foundation → Bachelor's in computer/network engineering or IT → network engineer (CCNA/CCNP common) for several years → network architect.
Demand
'Computer Network Professionals' are on MyCOL 2024/2025; they were added on MDEC's recommendation even without direct survey nominations. TalentCorp MyCOL 2024/2025 (via eCentral summary)

Sources:randstad.com.myecentral.mytalentcorp.com.my

Pay in Malaysia

Starting in the role

RM15,000 – RM25,000

per month

Experienced

RM25,000 – RM35,000

per month

From a published Malaysian salary guide. Actual offers vary by employer, city and experience. This is a senior role: people usually reach it after several years in a related job.

Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide · Dec 2024

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

Quick answers

How do you become a Computer Network Architect in Malaysia?

SPM → diploma or STPM/matriculation/foundation → Bachelor's in computer/network engineering or IT → network engineer (CCNA/CCNP common) for several years → network architect.

What should I study to become a Computer Network Architect?

Related fields of study: Computer Science. SPM subjects that help most: Computer Science / ICT, Electrical & Electronic Eng. Studies, Physics and Additional Mathematics.

How much does a Computer Network Architect earn in Malaysia?

Published figures put pay for someone new to this role at RM15,000 – RM25,000 a month, and RM25,000 – RM35,000 with experience (source: Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide, Dec 2024).

What you'd do all day

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

  1. 1Develop disaster recovery plans.
  2. 2Develop or recommend network security measures, such as firewalls, network security audits, or automated security probes.
  3. 3Develop and implement solutions for network problems.
  4. 4Maintain networks by performing activities such as file addition, deletion, or backup.
  5. 5Coordinate network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  6. 6Coordinate installation of new equipment.
  7. 7Monitor and analyze network performance and reports on data input or output to detect problems, identify inefficient use of computer resources, or perform capacity planning.
  8. 8Develop network-related documentation.
  9. 9Develop and write procedures for installation, use, or troubleshooting of communications hardware or software.
  10. 10Participate in network technology upgrade or expansion projects, including installation of hardware and software and integration testing.
  11. 11Design, build, or operate equipment configuration prototypes, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
  12. 12Adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  13. 13Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
  14. 14Develop conceptual, logical, or physical network designs.
  15. 15Evaluate network designs to determine whether customer requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
  16. 16Communicate with vendors to gather information about products, alert them to future needs, resolve problems, or address system maintenance issues.
  17. 17Develop plans or budgets for network equipment replacement.
  18. 18Communicate with customers, sales staff, or marketing staff to determine customer needs.
  19. 19Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
  20. 20Prepare detailed network specifications, including diagrams, charts, equipment configurations, or recommended technologies.
  21. 21Supervise engineers or other staff in the design or implementation of network solutions.
  22. 22Research and test new or modified hardware or software products to determine performance and interoperability.
  23. 23Estimate time and materials needed to complete projects.
  24. 24Design, organize, and deliver product awareness, skills transfer, or product education sessions for staff or suppliers.
  25. 25Explain design specifications to integration or test engineers.
  26. 26Develop procedures to track, project, or report network availability, reliability, capacity, or utilization.
  27. 27Coordinate network or design activities with designers of associated networks.
  28. 28Prepare or monitor project schedules, budgets, or cost control systems.
  29. 29Prepare design presentations and proposals for staff or customers.
  30. 30Use network computer-aided design (CAD) software packages to optimize network designs.
  31. 31Visit vendors, attend conferences or training sessions, or study technical journals to keep up with changes in technology.
  32. 32Develop or maintain project reporting systems.
  33. 33Maintain or coordinate the maintenance of network peripherals, such as printers.

Also known as

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

  • IT Analyst
  • NOC Engineer
  • WAN Engineer
  • Cloud Architect
  • Network Analyst
  • Server Engineer
  • Telecom Analyst
  • Network Designer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Architect

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 Electronics94%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Engineering and Technology85%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Telecommunications85%

    Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesComputer Science / ICT

  • English Language76%

    English

  • Education and Training66%
  • Design64%

    Visual Art (PSV)Technical Comm. GraphicsEngineering Drawing

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 peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherRarely
  • Noisy environmentRarely

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.

20%

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.

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.

Computer Network Professionals · Shortage indicators met: INSUFFICIENT DATA

What beginner adverts asked for

We read 82 internship and fresh-graduate adverts in related fields (August 2026). A small sample from one job site, not every vacancy.

56 of 82 were internships

Allowance or pay, when stated

RM800 – RM2,900

47 of 82 adverts printed an amount: usually between RM800 and RM2,900 a month. Many print none.

Minimum CGPA asked

2.00 to 3.50

Stated in 8 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.

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: Computer Network Architects

Source: Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide · as of Dec 2024

Check the salary figures yourself:Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide

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