Malaysia's food and beverage (F&B) sector is expanding steadily, driven by rising domestic consumption, tourism, and export opportunities. This growth creates a consistent demand for skilled professionals at all levels.
From culinary arts and hospitality management to supply chain logistics and marketing, the F&B industry in Malaysia offers a wide range of career paths for various skill sets and interests.
Malaysia's rich multicultural environment provides a unique platform to work with diverse cuisines and international food trends, making the industry dynamic and globally relevant.
The Malaysian government supports SMEs and start-ups, particularly in the F&B sector. This makes it an attractive space for aspiring entrepreneurs to launch new concepts and grow their businesses.
As demand for skilled workers increases, many companies offer competitive pay, incentives, and career development programs to attract and retain talent.
With many global F&B brands and international hotel chains operating in Malaysia, professionals have opportunities for cross-border collaborations and international career advancement.
Government initiatives, such as the Halal certification program and industry-specific grants, boost the sector's credibility and global competitiveness, enhancing job security and long-term prospects.
Malaysia’s multicultural heritage fosters innovation in food, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences. International candidates can contribute fresh perspectives and introduce global flavors to this evolving culinary scene.
The growth of specialty coffee shops, craft bakeries, and artisanal beverage brands provides a platform for creative talents to experiment with presentation, ingredients, and branding.
There's an increasing demand for organic, plant-based, and sustainable F&B offerings. International professionals with expertise in health-focused or eco-friendly food trends are highly valued in this niche.
Tech-driven food concepts such as cloud kitchens, smart vending, and digital menu customization are gaining traction. International candidates with experience in food tech and digital integration can thrive in this space.
Themed restaurants, pop-up dining experiences, and interactive food events are becoming popular in urban centers. Creative professionals can lead or contribute to these experiential dining ventures.
Malaysia is a global hub for Halal-certified products. International chefs and developers with an interest in Halal gourmet innovation can play a role in modernizing traditional dishes for international appeal.
With the rise of food influencers, cooking content, and branded storytelling, international creatives skilled in photography, video production, or culinary writing can find freelance or full-time roles in Malaysia's F&B industry.
These include chefs, sous chefs, pastry chefs, and kitchen assistants. Opportunities exist in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and catering services across various cuisines.
This category includes waiters, bartenders, baristas, and sommeliers. These roles focus on customer service, presentation, and product knowledge in dining establishments.
Jobs such as restaurant managers, floor supervisors, and F&B operations managers involve overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Hotels often offer roles like banquet managers, room service staff, and F&B coordinators to support both casual dining and large-scale event catering.
Positions include food technologists, quality control officers, and production line supervisors, often found in factories or food manufacturing companies.
Roles such as F&B sales executives, brand managers, and digital marketers are vital for promoting products, increasing brand awareness, and driving business growth.
Professionals in this field manage sourcing, logistics, and inventory for food ingredients and beverages, ensuring timely and cost-effective operations.
Nutritionists, dietitians, and food scientists contribute to product development, menu planning, and health-focused food innovations.
Creative roles such as food stylists, event caterers, and menu consultants are in demand for private events, weddings, and media production.
Opportunities exist for owning or managing F&B franchises, food trucks, or start-up concepts tailored to Malaysia’s diverse culinary market.
Job Title |
Average Monthly Salary (MYR) |
USD |
INR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Executive Chef |
10,000 |
2,100 |
180,000 |
|
Sous Chef |
7,000 |
1,470 |
126,000 |
|
Pastry Chef |
6,000 |
1,260 |
108,000 |
|
Restaurant Manager |
8,000 |
1,680 |
144,000 |
|
F&B Manager (Hotel) |
9,000 |
1,890 |
162,000 |
|
Bar Manager |
6,500 |
1,365 |
117,000 |
|
Bartender |
3,500 |
735 |
63,000 |
|
Barista |
3,000 |
630 |
54,000 |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
2,800 |
590 |
50,400 |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
2,500 |
525 |
45,000 |
|
Food Technologist |
6,500 |
1,365 |
117,000 |
|
Nutritionist |
6,000 |
1,260 |
108,000 |
|
Food Quality Control Officer |
5,500 |
1,155 |
99,000 |
|
F&B Sales Executive |
6,000 |
1,260 |
108,000 |
|
Brand Manager (F&B) |
8,500 |
1,785 |
153,000 |
|
Procurement Executive (F&B) |
6,800 |
1,428 |
122,400 |
|
Logistics Coordinator (F&B) |
5,800 |
1,218 |
104,400 |
|
Catering Manager |
7,000 |
1,470 |
126,000 |
|
Franchise Manager (F&B Chain) |
9,000 |
1,890 |
162,000 |
|
Food Stylist |
6,000 |
1,260 |
108,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Visa / Employment Pass |
Must obtain a valid Employment Pass sponsored by a Malaysian employer. |
|
Job Offer from Malaysian Employer |
Required before applying for a work visa. Must be for a skilled role. |
|
Relevant Qualifications |
Diploma, degree, or certification in culinary arts, hospitality, food tech, or related fields (based on role). |
|
Work Experience |
2–5 years of relevant experience typically preferred; higher roles may require more. |
|
Language Proficiency |
English is commonly required. Knowledge of Malay is an advantage but not mandatory. |
|
Health and Medical Clearance |
Medical check-up and health clearance required for visa approval. |
|
Skills Certification |
Specific roles (e.g., chef, food safety) may require professional certification or training. |
|
Age Requirement |
Typically between 23–50 years old, depending on visa type and employer. |
|
Halal Knowledge (for some roles) |
Understanding of Halal food preparation may be required in Halal-certified environments. |
|
Clean Criminal Record |
Background checks are conducted during the visa application process. |
|
Sector Approval |
Some F&B jobs may require additional approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs or Immigration Department. |
Job Profile |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Executive Chef |
Oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, staff supervision, cost control, and food quality. |
|
Sous Chef |
Assists the executive chef, manages kitchen staff, ensures food quality and timely preparation. |
|
Pastry Chef |
Prepares baked goods and desserts, manages pastry section, develops dessert menus. |
|
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
Prepares ingredients, follows recipes, maintains cleanliness, supports chefs in cooking. |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
Assists with basic food prep, cleaning, and inventory handling in the kitchen. |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Manages daily restaurant operations, staff scheduling, customer service, and budgeting. |
|
F&B Manager (Hotel/Resort) |
Oversees all F&B outlets in a hotel, ensures quality service, handles staffing and financial targets. |
|
Bar Manager |
Manages bar staff, drink inventory, customer service, and ensures compliance with liquor regulations. |
|
Bartender |
Prepares and serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, maintains bar area, engages customers. |
|
Barista |
Prepares coffee and specialty drinks, maintains cleanliness, and provides customer service. |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
Takes orders, serves food and beverages, ensures customer satisfaction, manages table setup. |
|
Catering Manager |
Plans and manages catering services for events, coordinates staff and logistics, ensures quality. |
|
Food Technologist |
Develops and improves food products, ensures compliance with safety standards, and tests ingredients. |
|
Quality Control Officer |
Inspects food production for safety and quality standards, maintains records and certifications. |
|
Nutritionist |
Provides dietary advice, plans menus for health or wellness goals, works in F&B product development. |
|
F&B Sales Executive |
Markets and sells food products to clients, maintains relationships, and achieves sales targets. |
|
Brand Manager (F&B) |
Develops brand strategy, marketing campaigns, and ensures consistent brand messaging in the market. |
|
Procurement Executive (F&B) |
Sources ingredients and equipment, negotiates with vendors, manages inventory and purchase orders. |
|
Logistics Coordinator (F&B) |
Manages supply chain logistics, ensures timely delivery of goods, coordinates with vendors. |
|
Franchise Manager (F&B Chain) |
Oversees franchise operations, ensures brand standards, trains franchisees, monitors performance. |
Job Profile |
Minimum Education |
Experience Required |
Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Executive Chef |
Culinary Degree/Diploma |
8–10 years |
Strong leadership & international kitchen experience |
|
Sous Chef |
Culinary Diploma/Certificate |
5–7 years |
Experience in specific cuisine type preferred |
|
Pastry Chef |
Diploma in Pastry/Baking |
4–6 years |
Skilled in baking, decorating, and pastry arts |
|
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
Basic Culinary Certificate |
1–3 years |
Familiarity with kitchen tools and food safety |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
High School / Informal Training |
0–1 year |
Willingness to work under pressure and learn |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Degree/Diploma in Hospitality Management |
4–6 years |
Strong leadership & communication skills |
|
F&B Manager (Hotel/Resort) |
Degree in Hospitality / F&B Management |
6–8 years |
Hotel or resort management experience preferred |
|
Bar Manager |
Diploma in Hospitality or Bartending Course |
3–5 years |
Knowledge of alcohol laws & stock management |
|
Bartender |
Bartending Course or Hospitality Diploma |
2–4 years |
Mixology skills and customer service experience |
|
Barista |
Barista Training / Certification |
1–2 years |
Knowledge of espresso machines and specialty coffee |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
High School / Diploma in Hospitality |
0–2 years |
Basic service skills and English communication |
|
Catering Manager |
Degree/Diploma in Catering or Hospitality |
4–6 years |
Event coordination and vendor management skills |
|
Food Technologist |
Degree in Food Science / Food Tech |
3–5 years |
Knowledge of food safety regulations and R&D |
|
Quality Control Officer |
Degree in Food Tech / Microbiology |
2–4 years |
Familiarity with ISO, HACCP, and QA procedures |
|
Nutritionist |
Degree in Nutrition or Dietetics |
2–3 years |
Certification from recognized board may be required |
|
F&B Sales Executive |
Degree in Business / Marketing / F&B |
2–4 years |
Client relationship and negotiation skills |
|
Brand Manager (F&B) |
Degree in Marketing / Business |
4–6 years |
Experience in brand development & digital marketing |
|
Procurement Executive (F&B) |
Degree in Supply Chain / Procurement |
3–5 years |
Vendor management and cost control experience |
|
Logistics Coordinator (F&B) |
Degree in Logistics / Supply Chain |
2–3 years |
Strong coordination and communication skills |
|
Franchise Manager (F&B Chain) |
Degree in Business / Hospitality Management |
5–7 years |
Multi-outlet operations and franchise experience |
Job Profile |
Minimum Experience Required |
Preferred Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
|
Executive Chef |
8 years |
10+ years (including leadership) |
|
Sous Chef |
5 years |
6–8 years |
|
Pastry Chef |
4 years |
5–7 years |
|
Line Cook / Commis Chef |
1 year |
2–3 years |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
0 years |
1–2 years |
|
Restaurant Manager |
4 years |
5–7 years |
|
F&B Manager (Hotel/Resort) |
6 years |
8+ years (hotel industry) |
|
Bar Manager |
3 years |
4–5 years |
|
Bartender |
2 years |
3–4 years |
|
Barista |
1 year |
2–3 years |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
0 years |
1–2 years |
|
Catering Manager |
4 years |
5–6 years |
|
Food Technologist |
3 years |
4–6 years |
|
Quality Control Officer |
2 years |
3–5 years |
|
Nutritionist |
2 years |
3–4 years |
|
F&B Sales Executive |
2 years |
3–5 years |
|
Brand Manager (F&B) |
4 years |
5–7 years |
|
Procurement Executive (F&B) |
3 years |
4–5 years |
|
Logistics Coordinator (F&B) |
2 years |
3–4 years |
|
Franchise Manager (F&B Chain) |
5 years |
6–8 years |
Company Name |
Industry Type |
Hiring Focus (International Candidates) |
|---|---|---|
|
Marriott International |
Hotel & Hospitality |
Executive chefs, F&B managers, restaurant staff |
|
Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
Hotel & Hospitality |
Culinary roles, F&B supervisors, catering managers |
|
Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts |
Luxury Hospitality |
Sous chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers |
|
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) |
Global Hospitality |
F&B executives, chefs, bar staff, service team |
|
Four Seasons Hotel |
Luxury Hotel |
Specialty chefs, food stylists, F&B leadership roles |
|
Berjaya Food Berhad |
F&B Retail / Franchising |
Franchise managers, brand consultants, procurement executives |
|
Kenny Rogers Roasters Malaysia |
Restaurant Chain |
Outlet managers, kitchen staff, brand and operations roles |
|
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Malaysia |
Coffeehouse Chain |
Baristas, store managers, F&B trainers |
|
Starbucks Malaysia (Berjaya Group) |
Coffeehouse Chain |
International baristas, store trainers, operations management |
|
Dome Café Malaysia |
Casual Dining Café |
Chefs, café managers, baristas |
|
Sodexo Malaysia |
Food Services & Facilities |
Catering managers, executive chefs, nutritionists |
|
Nestlé Malaysia |
Food Manufacturing |
Food technologists, QA officers, nutrition professionals |
|
F&N (Fraser & Neave) |
Beverage Manufacturing |
Production supervisors, food scientists, logistics managers |
|
Genting Malaysia Berhad |
Hospitality & Resorts |
F&B executives, banquet staff, event catering roles |
|
Sunway Hotels & Resorts |
Integrated Hospitality Group |
Culinary leaders, F&B planners, outlet managers |
|
Carl’s Jr. Malaysia |
Quick-Service Restaurant |
Outlet managers, kitchen crew, international trainers |
|
Nando’s Malaysia |
Casual Dining Chain |
Branch managers, chefs, operations team |
|
TGI Fridays Malaysia |
Casual Dining Chain |
Bartenders, kitchen supervisors, service trainers |
|
Delicious Group Malaysia |
Premium Dining |
Pastry chefs, floor managers, brand consultants |
|
QSR Brands (KFC & Pizza Hut) |
Fast Food / Franchising |
Restaurant managers, supply chain specialists, trainers |
Job Profile |
Average Salary (MYR/month) |
Job Requirements |
Roles & Responsibilities |
Top Hiring Companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Executive Chef |
10,000 |
Culinary degree, 8–10 yrs experience |
Oversee kitchen operations, menu planning, team leadership |
Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La |
|
Sous Chef |
7,000 |
Culinary diploma, 5–7 yrs experience |
Assist executive chef, supervise kitchen, maintain quality |
IHG, Four Seasons, Sunway Hotels |
|
Pastry Chef |
6,000 |
Diploma in pastry arts, 4–6 yrs experience |
Prepare baked goods, innovate desserts, manage pastry team |
Dome Café, Four Seasons, Marriott |
|
Commis Chef / Line Cook |
3,500 |
Basic culinary training, 1–3 yrs experience |
Assist with food prep, follow recipes, maintain hygiene |
Shangri-La, TGI Fridays, Nando’s |
|
Kitchen Assistant |
2,500 |
No formal education required, 0–1 yr experience |
Basic prep work, cleaning, support kitchen staff |
KFC, Pizza Hut, Kenny Rogers Roasters |
|
Restaurant Manager |
8,000 |
Degree/diploma in hospitality, 4–6 yrs experience |
Oversee restaurant operations, manage staff, handle customer service |
Nando’s, Starbucks, TGI Fridays |
|
F&B Manager (Hotel) |
9,000 |
Hospitality degree, 6–8 yrs experience |
Manage F&B outlets, coordinate events, financial reporting |
Hilton, Genting Malaysia, Sunway Hotels |
|
Bar Manager |
6,500 |
Bartending/hospitality diploma, 3–5 yrs experience |
Manage bar staff, stock control, ensure legal compliance |
TGI Fridays, Dome Café, Marriott |
|
Bartender |
3,500 |
Bartending certificate, 2–4 yrs experience |
Mix and serve drinks, customer interaction, maintain bar area |
TGI Fridays, Nando’s, Hilton |
|
Barista |
3,000 |
Barista training, 1–2 yrs experience |
Brew coffee, maintain cleanliness, provide service |
Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Dome Café |
|
Waiter/Waitress |
2,800 |
Basic education, 0–2 yrs experience |
Take orders, serve food, ensure guest satisfaction |
KFC, Pizza Hut, Marriott |
|
Catering Manager |
7,000 |
Catering/hospitality degree, 4–6 yrs experience |
Plan and execute events, manage team and logistics |
Sodexo, Genting Malaysia, Sunway |
|
Food Technologist |
6,500 |
Degree in food science, 3–5 yrs experience |
Develop food products, ensure safety and compliance |
Nestlé, F&N, QSR Brands |
|
Quality Control Officer |
5,500 |
Degree in food tech/microbiology, 2–4 yrs experience |
Inspect food production, ensure quality standards |
Nestlé, F&N, Berjaya Food Berhad |
|
Nutritionist |
6,000 |
Degree in nutrition, 2–3 yrs experience |
Advise on diets, develop health-focused menus |
Nestlé, Sodexo, hospitals |
|
F&B Sales Executive |
6,000 |
Degree in marketing or F&B, 2–4 yrs experience |
Promote products, manage client relationships, achieve sales targets |
Berjaya Food, QSR Brands, F&N |
|
Brand Manager (F&B) |
8,500 |
Degree in marketing, 4–6 yrs experience |
Build brand identity, plan campaigns, manage media |
Nestlé, Coffee Bean, Nando’s |
|
Procurement Executive |
6,800 |
Degree in supply chain, 3–5 yrs experience |
Source supplies, negotiate contracts, manage inventory |
Marriott, Nestlé, Berjaya Food |
|
Logistics Coordinator |
5,800 |
Degree in logistics/supply chain, 2–3 yrs experience |
Handle food deliveries, inventory tracking, vendor coordination |
F&N, QSR Brands, Sodexo |
|
Franchise Manager |
9,000 |
Degree in business/hospitality, 5–7 yrs experience |
Manage franchise outlets, train staff, ensure brand compliance |
Starbucks, Kenny Rogers Roasters, QSR Brands |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Valid Duration |
Key Features / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Employment Pass (Category I) |
High-level professionals (e.g., Executive Chef, F&B Manager) |
2–5 years |
Requires a monthly salary ≥ MYR 10,000; renewable; spouse/family allowed |
|
Employment Pass (Category II) |
Mid-level roles (e.g., Sous Chef, Restaurant Manager) |
Up to 2 years |
Salary between MYR 5,000–9,999; renewable; spouse/family allowed |
|
Employment Pass (Category III) |
Entry-level/skilled workers (e.g., Waiter, Barista, Commis Chef) |
Up to 12 months (renewable once) |
Salary between MYR 3,000–4,999; limited renewal; no dependent pass |
|
Professional Visit Pass (PVP) |
Short-term F&B consultants, trainers, or chefs |
Up to 12 months |
Temporary employment with Malaysian sponsor; not a permanent work permit |
|
Temporary Employment Pass |
Low- to semi-skilled workers in permitted sectors |
1–3 years |
Typically for foreign workers in government-approved roles via recruitment agencies |
|
Dependent Pass (DP) |
Spouses/dependents of EP Category I & II holders |
Same as main EP duration |
Cannot work unless apply separately for own work pass |
|
Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) |
Retirees, entrepreneurs (not job seekers) |
5–10 years (renewable) |
Not meant for employment; may be used to open F&B businesses under certain conditions |