11 Best Technical Writing Courses in Malaysia
Technical writing is a desirable professional path in today’s era. No surprise, the entry-level position is very lenient and the pay is excellent. You may also choose any field for your profession, whether it’s the software sector, healthcare, renewable energy, or anything else. There may be qualifications, but corporations are also employing novice professionals.
What is Technical Writing?
Any write-up regarding technical topics is considered technical writing. It can include but is not limited to the creation of technical manuals, handbooks, project documents, white papers, policy documents, proposals, etc.
Why Should You Learn Technical Writing?
Technical writing helps you to convey or transfer ideas, points of view, observations, instructions, and suggestions more coherently and methodically. Professionals must have strong technical writing abilities to provide reports, presentations, and documentation. Technical writing training may help you become a better teacher by instilling a variety of useful abilities that will undoubtedly improve your effectiveness as an educator.
It is also a lucrative path to follow due to the expected increase in job availability and good pay. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for technical writers will rise by 8% between 2018 and 2028. In May 2021, the median yearly pay for technical writers in the United States was $78,060.
As for Malaysians, the average salary for a technical writer is RM 54,766/year in Malaysia according to payscale.com. In contrast, the average salary for an Electrical Engineer is RM 43,805/year, a Civil Engineer is RM 39,703/year, a Mechanical Engineer is RM 42,290/year, and Software Engineer is RM 48,251/year.
How to Become a Technical Writer?
To make things simple for you to understand, I would like to give you a 6-step process as stated below:
1. Take Any of the Technical Writing Courses in Malaysia and Get Certified
First and foremost, it will help to lay a strong basis for your profession. And a solid course can provide you with the information you need to get started in this industry. They will also help to boost your professional profile and attract recruiters’ notice. You should try to get accreditation from a professional organization that will help boost your reputation significantly.
2. Improving the Skills Required
Basic writing skills are prerequisites. But it will not be good enough for recruiters, they will need more skill and value from you. An excellent technical writer should have good verbal/spoken communication abilities in addition to written communication skills because of the day-to-day interactions with others.
Furthermore, solid critical thinking, interpersonal, and managerial abilities are required for the position. You should also gain in-demand technical skills in popular software programs (such as Microsoft Office), and content management systems.
3. Read Books and Tech Articles
Before attempting to become a master, one must first learn from the masters. You do that by reading and this is essential for honing your writing talents. As a result, you should begin devouring every sort of technical knowledge relevant to your preferred field that you can get your hands on. Search the internet for real-world examples of technical writing. Search for examples of particular technical information (such as user manuals, white papers, business strategies, and more).
4. Develop your Industry Knowledge
Before you explain technical knowledge to someone from a non-technical background, you need to be very comfortable with the industry/niche that you choose to work in. You need to be well acquainted with the terminology, the internal dynamics, the trends, etc.
5. Start Writing and Create a Portfolio of Samples
There is no end to learning but you cannot wait forever to feel ready. So it becomes important to start doing the work. If it gets difficult to find paid work at the beginning of your journey, then start with doing work for free such as an internship, guest blogging, or your blog. Once you develop a portfolio by doing this, it will show potential employers the quality and reliability of your work.
6. Build up your Professional Network
Consider joining a technical writing professional association and attending networking events where experts from the IT, scientific, and medical industries may congregate. Find opportunities to exercise your talents and improve your reputation as a knowledgeable technical writer while expanding your network.
Among these 6 steps, you should start with courses. So to help you with your journey we have compiled a list of some great technical writing courses in Malaysia.
11 Best Technical Writing Courses in Malaysia
1. IIM Skills
Among the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia, the best one would be Technical Writing Master Course by IIM Skills. IIM Skills is one of the world’s leading institutions for Online Education Services. This institution’s programs have been ranked 1st by top education blogs such as Career360, CourseReport, AdvisorUncle, and CourseDekho.
In the Technical Writing Course, the curriculum covers a total of 13 modules. And the tools covered include MS Visio, MS Project, Git, Scribus, Canva, MS Powerpoint, and others. There will be 5 weeks of live online training which comprise 20 hours of lectures and 60+ hours of practical assignments.
They provide 1 month guaranteed internship and also a dedicated placement cell. They will also help you to develop your portfolio and assist you to publish your first white paper, scholarly article, book chapter, or blog post.
Mode of Learning: Online
Pricing: 839.58 Malaysian Ringgit
Contact: info@iimskills.com
2. British Council
Another one of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Technical Writing by the British Council in Malaysia. The British Council is a well-recognized institution. It is an international organization in the United Kingdom. It has grown over time and has a presence in every country.
Since 1948, the British Council has been assisting young learners in achieving the needed skills in Malaysia. It has collaborated with many other institutions, notably Malaysia’s education ministry to oversee various educational programs and give a worldwide perspective on new-age learning.
Their course outline divides the learning modules into 4 areas which include the topics on understanding your reader, processes and instructions, test and lab reports, and reviews. For further details, you can contact them or even book a free consultation.
Email: info@britishcouncil.org.my
Recommended Read: Content Writing Courses in Malaysia
3. EPM
Another one of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Technical Writing for Professionals by EPM. It is an institution that has partnered with renowned institutes such as Project Management Institute, Inc. (PMI), International Institute of Business Analysis(IIBA), Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI), and National Infocomm Competency Framework (NICF).
It is an institution that provides you with quality offline courses. So, if you are looking for offline learning, it is the service provider for you. Their course for professionals is conducted over 2 days with a total of 16 PDU. This will qualify for 16 contact hours according to PMI.
In addition to an introduction and conclusion, the curriculum also has 4 modules that cover the value of technical writing skills, five powerful traits of technical writing, applications of technical writing, and technical writing assignments. However, you also need to keep in mind that the course is provided as an event which is made available on certain dates. So, you need to get in contact with them to check the schedule and availability.
Contact: You can contact them via telephone numbers or you can go to their Contact page.
4. Training Expert
Another one of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Technical Report Writing For Engineers and Technical Personnel by Training Experts. They are willing to provide the option of physical classes for students, you have to contact them for further details on the matter.
The instructor for the course is Dr. Barrak who has extensive experience in writing policy manuals, standard operating procedures, instruction manuals, technical manuals, and guidelines for government, health, manufacturing, and service organizations since 1985.
With a strong foundation in engineering, legal language, and operational and systems management, he continues to effectively develop completely looped technical and non-technical manuals. Since 2004, he has been teaching Technical English communication classes at Mercedes-training Benz’s center in Glenmarie, Selangor. The course takes place over 2 days consisting of 9 modules covering a comprehensive syllabus.
For the date of the availability of the course and its price, you should contact them.
Email: info@itrainingexpert.com
5. Dreamcatcher
Another one of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Effective Technical Writing (CO236) by Dreamcatcher. They provide technical training in Singapore and Malaysia, and all of their courses are completely HRDF claimable. This course will teach you tried-and-true technical writing ideas and procedures that you can use on the job.
It is designed to assist technical contributors, such as engineers or technicians, in properly communicating their message to their intended audience. This course also covers strategies for creating technical papers, as well as a comprehension of the structure and style of a technical document.
This course is delivered in a workshop format with activities and case studies to help students understand the ideas covered. It is an experiential learning program in which you will participate in practicing the skills taught. You can choose to attend their course with 2 full days (9 am – 5 pm) or 4 half-days (3.5 hours/day)
You can even contact them for in-house training. If you want to attend a particular training which you cant find in your country then they will help you to fly to their location for training.
Email: enquiry@dreamcatcher.asia
Recommended Read: Digital Marketing Courses in Egypt
6. Udemy
If you are looking for technical writing courses in Malaysia and are comfortable with self-paced online learning, it will be worthwhile to look at international platforms such as Udemy. Here, you will find several different courses that would be beneficial to anyone interested to become a technical writer.
They are all self-paced courses. They will provide you with on-demand videos and provide you with a certificate of completion. Each of the courses is priced individually. However, you need to keep in mind that the certificates are not accredited. These courses may be ideal for people who want self-paced courses.
Some Examples of Courses Related to Technical Writing Would Include:
Professional Technical Writing: Advance Your Writing Skills by Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. ( $199.99)
Technical Writing: Master Your Writing Career by Joseph Phillips ($49.99)
Mastering the Art of Technical Writing by Management Study Guide. ($39.99)
Each of these instructors is an expert in the field. Check out the courses on Udemy and see which one you prefer.
Recommended Read: SEO Courses in Malaysia
7. Alison
If you are looking for technical writing courses in Malaysia and are comfortable with self-paced online learning, it will be worthwhile to look at international platforms such as Alison. Another of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Technical Writing Essentials by Alison.
The principles of technical communication and writing will be taught in this free online technical writing course. You will learn about the fundamental rules and characteristics of technical writing, the complexities and iterative nature of the writing process, and the importance of recognizing your audience and writing to meet their needs.
Among other things, you will learn how to apply strategies to increase clarity and readability. The courses on this platform are online and self-paced. The course materials are available for free but there are ads (maybe a bit too much for some) and certifications will require payment.
To pass this Certificate course and become an Alison Graduate, you must score 80 percent or above on each course exam. Once you finish this course, you can choose an official certificate, which will help you to share your achievement with other people. The course is online and self-paced.
After you complete their course, they will provide you with three options for obtaining the certificate:
Digital Certificate: It is a Certificate in PDF format that you can download.
Certificate: It is a hard copy of your appropriately branded and security-marked Certificate, that will be shipped to you for FREE.
Framed Certificate: It is a hard copy of your appropriately branded and security-marked Certificate in a stylish frame, that will be shipped to you for FREE.
8. Society for Technical Communication
If you are looking for technical writing courses in Malaysia and are comfortable with self-paced online learning, it will be worthwhile to look at international platforms such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC). The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world’s biggest and oldest professional society committed to the improvement of technical communication.
Members of the Society represent the technical communication profession and come from every industry and continent. In reality, the Society has members in almost 50 countries and is quickly expanding outside of North America and Europe. STC provides a variety of online courses for which participants can obtain a certificate of completion.
These courses allow you to delve deeply into a topic over several weeks. Aside from the real professional skills that you will get, participation in a certificate program gives you the unique chance to learn directly from an instructor while also exchanging ideas and tools digitally with the other program participants.
All course registration costs are in US dollars. The price of a course may vary based on its length. Pricing for specific courses may be found on their respective pages. However, they may be a bit hard for beginners to navigate.
Email: stc@stc.org
9. Future Learn (By the University of Sheffield)
Another one of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Technical Report Writing for Engineers by Future Learn. They are a privately held firm owned equally by The Open University and The Seek Group. The Open University has a 50-year history of distance learning and online education.
They have collaborated with other reputable institutions such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), BBC, the British Council, the British Library, the British Museum, etc. The course is taken by Andrew Garrard, a Senior University Teacher and Director of Academic Operations in the University of Sheffield’s £81 million teaching facility, the Diamond.
He is an engineer that teaches fluids, thermal, and CFD. It is a self-paced course. You’ll learn through a combination of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and hands-on activities. The progress page will keep track of your step completion and assessment scores, thus helping you to stay motivated. The expected duration for completing the course is 6 weeks, assuming a weekly study of 3 hours. You can buy the course for 59 dollars.
10. Google
If you are looking for technical writing courses in Malaysia and are comfortable with self-paced online learning, it will be worthwhile to look at international platforms such as Google. Google has several technical writing courses aimed at people in roles such as computer science students, professional software engineers, engineering adjacent roles, etc.
To do their courses, you must have some writing ability in English, but you do not need to be a good writer to attend these courses. These courses will be simpler to comprehend if you have some coding experience, however, you do not need to be an expert developer.
The courses are conducted in two parts, pre-class lessons, and in-class lessons. The pre-class lessons provide a solid educational experience, which the in-class lessons enhance by helping students integrate and practice those topics.
They Have Three Courses in Total:
Technical Writing One (Pre-class: 2 hours, In-Class 2-2.5 hours)
Technical Writing Two (Pre-class: 1 hour, In-Class 2-2.5 hours)
Tech Writing for Accessibility (Pre-class: none, In-Class: 2.5 hours)
Technical Writing One and Technical Writing Two are aimed at software engineers or computer science students. Whereas Tech Writing for Accessibility is aimed at anyone who writes technical documents such as engineers, engineering managers, product managers, technical writers, etc.
Recommended Read: Technical Writing Courses in New Zealand
11. e-LATiH
Another one of the recommended technical writing courses in Malaysia would be Technical Writing by e-LATiH. This is Malaysia’s most popular online learning which was established by HRD corp ( Human Resource Development Corporation) that offers opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The course teaches the technical writing abilities required to explain the knowledge gathered via a technical or experimental work process. The course emphasizes the elements that influence the intricacy of the language and concepts concerned. It is a self-paced course and its duration is 3 Hours and 3 Min. This is free and also provides certification of completion.
Email: elatih@hrdcorp.gov.my
FAQ
Q1. What is the average technical writer’s salary in Malaysia?
According to data gathered by payscale.com, an entry-level Technical Writer with less than 1-year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of RM 68,000 based on 7 salaries. An early career Technical Writer with 1-4 years of experience can earn an average total compensation of RM 55,378. A mid-career Technical Writer with 5-9 years of experience can earn an average total compensation of RM 55,000. An experienced Technical Writer with 10-19 years of experience can earn an average total compensation of RM 66,007.
Q2. Can I be a technical writer if I do not have a background in technology or writing?
Technical writers come from a diverse range of backgrounds. You can be a technical writer from any background if you have certain basic skills and are willing to hone them further. These will include a willingness to figure out how things work and solve problems patiently. You should have an interest in the industry you want to work in and be well acquainted with it. You should like writing, language, visuals, etc.
Q3. What are the challenges that technical writers face?
As they try to provide excellent and accurate information, technical writers encounter several hurdles. Technical writers, for example, may be required to work long hours to meet deadlines, revise previously produced material, or attend meetings, which may not be suitable for someone who wants a lot of flexibility and control over their career.
Q4. What are the skills needed to be a technical writer?
When generating technical material, a skilled technical writer must use a variety of skills. These skills include accurate word mastery, attention to detail, proper audience awareness, remarkable communication, effective issue solving, thorough research skills, document design, and industry knowledge.
Conclusion
Therefore, technical writing courses in Malaysia will teach you a distinct form of writing that provides complex information to people in a way that they can easily understand and apply, even if the reader is unfamiliar with the subject. There are many courses available out there, and we have tried to make it easy for you to choose from them.
But now it is up to you to take some time to decide which is suitable for you. You can look for other courses too if you want. But the most crucial thing is to begin. Remember, It is a valuable skill that can help you to become a contributive member of your team. And that in turn will open many opportunities for you.