How to Become a Freelance Data Analyst in Malaysia (2025)
The need for freelance data analysts in Malaysia is on the rise. Companies from various industries are more focused on data analytics to understand the trends in their industry and make data-driven decisions to grow their company.
Not only websites but various tech devices like smartphones are collecting data in real-time to identify new opportunities and emerging trends in consumer behaviour.
Data analysis has become a trend in the tech world. Many people are actively pursuing a career in data analytics. Even software developers are actively switching their careers to become data analysts. Although most companies are looking for full-time data analysts, there is a huge demand for freelance data analysts as well.
As a freelance data analyst, you could offer your expertise to companies or businesses on a contractual basis. When we look at the future of work, freelancers will be the biggest workforce in the next 5 to 10 years. Moreover, almost 50% of millennials are looking for freelance work as it provides freedom and flexibility in working.
The following data analyst job stats might not be applicable in Malaysia.
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, data analyst jobs will see a growth of 20% from 2018 to 2028. This is because the need for better market research is high in demand in various industries.
In Malaysia, the demand for data analysts has been growing as well. According to Eduspiral, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) unveiled a plan supported by seven public and private institutes of higher education (IHLs), to increase the number of data analysts from 80 to 2,000 by the year 2020.
What Is Data Analysis?
You can always see that data analytics is often combined with data science. But there is a significant difference between these two concepts.
Data science involves both programming and statistical analysis which leads to the development of algorithms and predictive mathematical models. It’s commonly used to process and manipulate data.
Data analysis is a process of identifying, cleaning, analyzing, transforming, and modelling data into useful information. This information is used by companies to make effective business decisions. The main purpose of data analysis is to extract and collect useful information from data and develop solutions through the data analysis process.
For example, a company is looking to launch a product in a new country. Data analysis can provide insights to understand the consumer behaviour of that country and make necessary changes to their marketing campaign.
Why You Should Become a Freelance Data Analyst in Malaysia?
Being a freelance data analyst allows you to take on different clients rather than working full-time for a company. You will have the flexibility to work on your terms and timing when you’re working on freelance data analysis projects.
Moreover, you can have a better work/life balance and have the freedom to choose the clients or projects that you want to work with.
However, with great benefits comes great challenges. When you work as a freelancer, the workflow of your projects can be unpredictable. You also need to constantly market your services and build your personal brand to attract more clients. Your freelance data analyst career should be treated as a business if you want to stand out from the crowd.
What Skills Do You Need to Become A Successful Freelance Data Analyst in Malaysia?
More than 90% of data analysts have a background with solid statistical knowledge. The main tasks of a freelance data analyst often require cleaning data sets, inserting data into online systems or spreadsheets, developing dashboards for key metrics, and turning those data into rich content for reports or visualization purposes.
You need to master at least one data processing language like:
- Tableau
- SQL
- Excel
Other than that, you need to have the following knowledge and skills to be successful as a freelance data analyst:
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Analytical mindset
- Niche expertise
- Business knowledge
- Data visualization
In addition to the above knowledge and skillset, a freelance data analyst requires entrepreneurial skills. You need to think like a businessperson. And that’s why you also need to have good knowledge of sales, copywriting, marketing, personal branding, finance, and budgeting.
With the rapid growth in EdTech, you don’t need to get a degree in data science to become a data analyst. There are tons of free and paid resources available on the Internet for you to learn. Following are some of the best sites to learn about data analysis:
- Data Analyst with R (DataCamp)
- Big Data Analytics with Tableau (Pluralsight)
- Data Analytics Bootcamp x Microsoft
- Data Analysis and Visualization Foundation Specialization (Coursera)
- Python Programming for Beginners (360DigitTMG)
Other than these courses, there are certification data analytics courses offered by training institutions in Malaysia (some HRDF claimable!):
- Data Analyst Course by Knowledge Hub
- Certified Data Analyst by Databyte
- Professional Certificate in Data Analytics
How Can You Get Started with Freelance Data Analyst Career in Malaysia?
This might sound difficult for some. But this is the best way to get started with your freelance data analysis career. First, you need to build an online portfolio. If you’re keen to build a personal website and publish your past works you can learn how to do it with these resources:
- The Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Freelancer Website
- How to build a Freelance Portfolio website without Clients (for beginners)
Some might find this overwhelming.
It is good to have a website developed as it will help you attract your target audience and convert them to paying customers. But you can get started with LinkedIn as well.
If you still don’t have a LinkedIn profile, create it right away. You need to include:
- Headshot
- Headline
- Summary
- Experience
- Connections
- Stay active
LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools you need to take advantage of as a freelancer.
Other than LinkedIn, register with top freelance platforms:
You can also find gigs on Facebook groups.
How Much Can You Earn as A Freelance Data Analyst in Malaysia?
As a freelancer, you have unlimited earning potential. You will be setting your rates. But it is essential to know the average price for the services you’re offering to stay competitive.
According to Payscale, the average data analyst salary in Malaysia is RM44,669/year (~RM3,722/month) with a range from RM37,000/year (~RM3,083/month) to RM80,000/year (~RM6,667/month).
Freelancers, however, often earn more. On Upwork, a freelance data analyst earns from $36 (RM150) to $200 (RM840) per hour or $400 (RM1,760) per project.
You can increase rates by learning niche languages like Spark, Scala, Hadoop.
When You Should Start Working as A Freelance Data Analyst?
Don’t quit your job immediately. Freelancing takes time to build stable income. Save enough to cover expenses first.
Start small on platforms like Upwork, evenings/weekends, and grow into full-time once you have steady clients. Build samples, blog about your expertise, and market yourself constantly.
Final Words
Now you have a good understanding of how to become a freelance data analyst in Malaysia. Stay updated with industry trends, keep learning, and focus on delivering value.
Once you complete more projects, you’ll establish yourself as an experienced freelance data analyst and attract more clients.
