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Systems Analyst

Technology

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

Computer Science

What you'd do all day

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

  1. 1Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  2. 2Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
  3. 3Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
  4. 4Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
  5. 5Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
  6. 6Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
  7. 7Analyze information processing or computation needs and plan and design computer systems, using techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, and information engineering.
  8. 8Review and analyze computer printouts and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by correcting codes.
  9. 9Consult with management to ensure agreement on system principles.
  10. 10Specify inputs accessed by the system and plan the distribution and use of the results.
  11. 11Expand or modify system to serve new purposes or improve work flow.
  12. 12Interview or survey workers, observe job performance, or perform the job to determine what information is processed and how it is processed.
  13. 13Train staff and users to work with computer systems and programs.
  14. 14Supervise computer programmers or other systems analysts or serve as project leaders for particular systems projects.
  15. 15Assess the usefulness of pre-developed application packages and adapt them to a user environment.
  16. 16Determine computer software or hardware needed to set up or alter systems.
  17. 17Develop, document, and revise system design procedures, test procedures, and quality standards.
  18. 18Read manuals, periodicals, and technical reports to learn how to develop programs that meet staff and user requirements.
  19. 19Recommend new equipment or software packages.
  20. 20Confer with clients regarding the nature of the information processing or computation needs a computer program is to address.
  21. 21Define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing logical operational steps of programs.
  22. 22Prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to aid in decisions on system implementation.

Also known as

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

  • ISA
  • IS Auditor
  • IS Planner
  • IT Analyst
  • IT Auditor
  • Virus Tech
  • ADP Planner
  • EDI Analyst
  • PKI Analyst
  • IS Consultant

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 educationAssociate'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 Electronics93%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • Customer and Personal Service74%
  • English Language70%

    English

  • Mathematics65%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Administration and Management64%

    BusinessEconomics

  • Education and Training60%

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 peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicHigh
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never

Where this job is heading

Newer tasks O*NET has flagged for this occupation, a hint at how the role is changing.

  • Write code to perform desired actions.

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.

12%

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.

2.05%

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.

Computer Systems Analysts · Shortage indicators met: 5/12

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: Computer Systems Analysts

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