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Network Support Specialist

Technology

Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.

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

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
  • Dealing with customers or 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

In Malaysia this is usually advertised as 'IT Support Engineer', 'Network Support Engineer' or 'Desktop Support'. Employers include IT outsourcing firms, banks, shared-service centres and the growing data-centre sector in Johor and the Klang Valley.

How people get into it here
SPM → Diploma in Computer Networking/IT (polytechnic, UiTM, private college) or SKM/DKM in Computer System & Network → IT Support/Network Support Executive; add CCNA or CompTIA certifications. A Degree in Computer Science/Network Engineering helps move up to network engineer.

Sources:randstad.com.myemasco.mohr.gov.mymy.jobstreet.com

Pay in Malaysia

Starting in the role

RM3,500

per month

Experienced

RM7,500

per month

From a published Malaysian salary guide. Actual offers vary by employer, city and experience.

Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide · 2025

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 Network Support Specialist in Malaysia?

SPM → Diploma in Computer Networking/IT (polytechnic, UiTM, private college) or SKM/DKM in Computer System & Network → IT Support/Network Support Executive; add CCNA or CompTIA certifications. A Degree in Computer Science/Network Engineering helps move up to network engineer.

Can I become a Network Support Specialist 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 Network Support Specialist?

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 Network Support Specialist earn in Malaysia?

Published figures put starting pay at RM3,500 a month, and RM7,500 with experience (source: Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide, 2025).

What you'd do all day

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

  1. 1Back up network data.
  2. 2Configure security settings or access permissions for groups or individuals.
  3. 3Analyze and report computer network security breaches or attempted breaches.
  4. 4Identify the causes of networking problems, using diagnostic testing software and equipment.
  5. 5Document network support activities.
  6. 6Configure wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN) routers or related equipment.
  7. 7Install network software, including security or firewall software.
  8. 8Evaluate local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) performance data to ensure sufficient availability or speed, to identify network problems, or for disaster recovery purposes.
  9. 9Troubleshoot network or connectivity problems for users or user groups.
  10. 10Provide telephone support related to networking or connectivity issues.
  11. 11Analyze network data to determine network usage, disk space availability, or server function.
  12. 12Perform routine maintenance or standard repairs to networking components or equipment.
  13. 13Configure and define parameters for installation or testing of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), hubs, routers, switches, controllers, multiplexers, or related networking equipment.
  14. 14Install new hardware or software systems or components, ensuring integration with existing network systems.
  15. 15Test computer software or hardware, using standard diagnostic testing equipment and procedures.
  16. 16Install or repair network cables, including fiber optic cables.
  17. 17Monitor industry Web sites or publications for information about patches, releases, viruses, or potential problem identification.
  18. 18Create or update technical documentation for network installations or changes to existing installations.
  19. 19Train users in procedures related to network applications software or related systems.
  20. 20Test repaired items to ensure proper operation.
  21. 21Install and configure wireless networking equipment.
  22. 22Maintain logs of network activity.
  23. 23Document help desk requests and resolutions.
  24. 24Research hardware or software products to meet technical networking or security needs.
  25. 25Create or revise user instructions, procedures, or manuals.
  26. 26Run monthly network reports.

Also known as

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

  • IT Tech
  • Field Tech
  • IT Consultant
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Help Desk Tech
  • NOC Technician
  • Deployment Tech
  • Network Analyst
  • VoIP Technician
  • Support Engineer

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 Electronics99%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Telecommunications76%

    Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesComputer Science / ICT

  • Customer and Personal Service69%
  • Engineering and Technology68%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • English Language66%

    English

  • Administration and Management62%

    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 discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicVery high
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • 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.

23%

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.

0.10%

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.

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 Support Specialists

Source: Randstad Malaysia 2025 Salary Guide · as of Jan 2025

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