Employment Department

Creating Pathways to Self-Sufficiency

Connecting refugees with dignified work and livelihood opportunities

Our Mission

The Employment Department of Zomi Association of Malaysia is dedicated to helping refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency through job placement, vocational training, and livelihood development. We work to connect Zomi refugees with dignified employment opportunities while advocating for their right to work and fair treatment in the workplace.

In Malaysia, refugees face significant barriers to formal employment due to legal restrictions, yet they must find ways to support themselves and their families. Our department addresses this challenge by identifying refugee-friendly employers, providing job skills training, facilitating work permit processes when possible, and helping refugees develop alternative livelihood strategies.

Department History

The Employment Department was established in 2011 to address the critical need for livelihood support among the Zomi refugee community. What began as informal job referrals has grown into a structured program with employer partnerships, skills training initiatives, and comprehensive employment support services.

Over the years, we have helped hundreds of refugees find stable employment, develop marketable skills, and navigate the complex landscape of work opportunities in Malaysia. Our approach has evolved to emphasize both immediate job placement and long-term career development.

ZAM Employment Department Team

Our Employment Department team and job training participants

200+
Job placements annually
75+
Employer partners
12
Years connecting refugees with jobs

Our Employment Services

Comprehensive support for refugee livelihoods

Job Matching

We connect job-seeking refugees with refugee-friendly employers, matching skills and experience with appropriate positions. Our job database includes opportunities in various sectors including hospitality, manufacturing, services, and more.

  • Skills assessment
  • Employer matching
  • Interview preparation
  • Placement follow-up

Vocational Training

We provide vocational skills training in high-demand areas, helping refugees develop marketable abilities that lead to better employment opportunities. Training programs are designed to meet both employer needs and refugee interests.

  • Hospitality skills
  • Construction trades
  • Food service training
  • Basic professional skills

Workplace Readiness

Our workplace readiness program prepares refugees for employment through training in job search strategies, resume development, interview skills, workplace expectations, and communication in professional settings.

  • Resume workshops
  • Interview practice
  • Workplace etiquette
  • Professional communication

Digital Skills Training

We offer training in essential digital skills that enhance employability in today's job market, including computer literacy, basic office software, online communication tools, and digital entrepreneurship platforms.

  • Basic computer literacy
  • Office software skills
  • Internet navigation
  • Online work platforms

Workplace Language

We provide specialized language training focused on workplace vocabulary, professional communication, and sector-specific terminology to help refugees overcome language barriers to employment.

  • English for work
  • Malay for the workplace
  • Industry-specific terminology
  • Professional communication

Entrepreneurship Support

For refugees interested in self-employment, we provide entrepreneurship training, business planning assistance, microloan connections, and mentorship to help launch and sustain small businesses.

  • Business plan development
  • Micro-enterprise guidance
  • Market access strategies
  • Financial management

Our Employment Process

How we connect refugees with job opportunities

1

Initial Assessment

We conduct a comprehensive assessment of the job seeker's skills, experience, education, language abilities, work preferences, and any constraints they may face in employment. This helps us understand their unique profile and needs.

2

Preparatory Training

Based on the assessment, we identify any skill gaps or preparation needed and connect job seekers with appropriate training programs. This may include vocational skills, language improvement, or workplace readiness training.

3

Job Matching

We match job seekers with appropriate employment opportunities from our network of refugee-friendly employers. This involves considering not just skills, but also logistics like location, work hours, and specific needs.

4

Application & Interview Support

We assist with resume preparation, application processes, and interview preparation. When needed, we also provide interpretation during interviews and help explain refugee documentation to potential employers.

5

Placement & Onboarding

Once a placement is secured, we help facilitate a smooth transition into the workplace, including orientation support, clarification of expectations, and mediation of any initial challenges that arise.

6

Follow-Up Support

We maintain contact with both employee and employer to ensure a successful placement, address any issues that arise, and provide ongoing support for workplace integration and growth opportunities.

Our Employer Partnerships

Organizations creating opportunities for refugee employment

We have developed relationships with over 75 employers across various sectors who recognize the value, skills, and dedication that refugee workers bring to their businesses. These partnerships are built on mutual benefit, clear communication, and ongoing support.

Food & Hospitality

Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and food production companies hiring for kitchen staff, service positions, housekeeping, and food preparation roles.

Manufacturing

Production facilities, factories, and workshops offering positions in assembly, packaging, quality control, and warehouse operations.

Retail & Services

Shops, markets, and service businesses providing opportunities in sales, customer service, cleaning, and maintenance.

Construction

Building companies and contractors offering work in construction, renovation, painting, and skilled trades for those with experience.

"Our refugee employees bring incredible work ethic, reliability, and diverse perspectives to our team. Working with ZAM has made the hiring process smooth and ensured good matches for our company's needs. What began as a social responsibility initiative has become a key part of our staffing strategy."

- Ahmad Yusof, Restaurant Owner & Employer Partner

Benefits for Employer Partners

Dedicated Workers

Access to motivated employees with strong work ethic and commitment

Ongoing Support

Assistance with orientation, communication, and workplace integration

Diverse Perspectives

Enhanced workplace diversity and unique cultural insights

Social Impact

Contribution to refugee self-sufficiency and community development

Employment Success Stories

Real experiences of refugees finding dignified work

From Day Labor to Skilled Chef

"When I first arrived in Malaysia, I could only find occasional day labor jobs that were physically demanding, unreliable, and poorly paid. Through ZAM's Employment Department, I enrolled in their hospitality training program and learned basic kitchen skills. They matched me with an entry-level kitchen job at a small restaurant, where I worked for two years and learned more advanced cooking. With ZAM's continued support, I was able to move to a larger restaurant where I've been promoted to assistant chef. I now earn a stable income that supports my family, and I've developed a career path that gives me dignity and purpose."

Thang, Restaurant Chef

Thang

Assistant Chef at a Malaysian Restaurant

Digital Skills Opening Doors

"I had a teaching background in Myanmar but couldn't find similar work in Malaysia. The Employment Department's digital skills program taught me computer basics, office software, and online platforms. After completing the program, they connected me with a small business needing administrative help. I started with data entry tasks but gradually took on more responsibilities. Now I manage their online orders, customer communications, and basic accounting. The digital skills I learned opened a completely new career path that I never would have discovered without ZAM's guidance. I'm continuing to learn new skills and hope to advance further in this field."

Mary, Office Administrator

Mary

Office Administrator for an E-commerce Business

Building a Micro-Enterprise

"Finding consistent employment was difficult for me because I needed to care for my elderly mother. The entrepreneurship program at ZAM helped me see that I could create my own livelihood. I participated in their business training workshops, where I learned about product development, pricing, and marketing. With their guidance, I started producing traditional Zomi snacks that I sell to the refugee community and local Malaysian markets. ZAM connected me with a small business grant to purchase equipment and helped me develop packaging and food safety practices. My business now provides a flexible income that allows me to work from home while caring for my mother."

Esther, Food Entrepreneur

Esther

Owner of a Home-Based Food Business

Employment Challenges & Solutions

Addressing the obstacles to refugee employment

Legal Restrictions

Malaysia does not officially allow refugees to work, creating legal uncertainties and limitations for both job seekers and potential employers.

Our Solution:

We work with refugee-friendly employers who understand UNHCR documentation, advocate for work rights, and help navigate informal work arrangements while supporting policy change efforts.

Language Barriers

Limited English and Malay language proficiency creates significant barriers to employment, particularly in customer-facing roles and professional settings.

Our Solution:

We provide workplace-specific language training, identify positions with lower language requirements initially, and offer ongoing language support for career advancement.

Documentation & Recognition

Many refugees lack documentation of their prior education and skills, and Malaysian employers may not recognize foreign qualifications.

Our Solution:

We help document skills through alternative assessment methods, provide skills certificates through our training programs, and educate employers about refugee backgrounds.

Exploitation Risk

Due to their vulnerable status, refugees are at higher risk of exploitation, including underpayment, poor working conditions, and job insecurity.

Our Solution:

We carefully vet employer partners, educate refugees about their rights, provide a channel for reporting workplace issues, and mediate when problems arise.

Join Our Employment Team

The Employment Department welcomes volunteers who can contribute to our job placement and training programs. Whether you have connections in the business community, training skills, or career development expertise, your contribution can help refugees achieve self-sufficiency.

We Need:

  • Skills trainers and workshop facilitators
  • Business connections and employer outreach
  • Resume and interview coaches
  • Digital skills instructors
Learn About Volunteering Contact Us Today

For Potential Employers

Partner with us to hire skilled and dedicated refugee workers

If you are an employer interested in hiring refugee workers, we invite you to partner with our Employment Department. We can connect you with skilled, motivated employees while providing support throughout the hiring and onboarding process.

How We Support Employers:

  • Candidate Matching: We identify candidates whose skills and experience match your specific needs
  • Documentation Guidance: We explain refugee documentation and status to ensure clarity and compliance
  • Communication Support: We provide translation and cultural orientation during onboarding when needed
  • Ongoing Mediation: We remain available to help address any concerns or questions that arise

Many of our employer partners have found that refugee employees bring exceptional dedication, loyalty, and unique perspectives to their workforce. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how hiring refugees can benefit your business while making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Become an Employer Partner

"Hiring through ZAM's Employment Department has been one of the best decisions for our business. The refugees we've employed are hardworking, punctual, and eager to learn. ZAM's support throughout the process makes everything smooth, from interviewing to onboarding. I'd encourage any business to consider this untapped talent pool."

Employer Testimonial

Mei Ling

Manufacturing Supervisor & Employer Partner

Contact Our Employment Department

Reach out for job opportunities or employer partnerships

Phone

(603) 2142 6659 ext. 5

For job seekers and employer inquiries

Email

employment@zam.org.my

For job listings and partnership opportunities

Visit Us

155 (A), 1st Floor, Jalan Maharajalela
50150 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Job consultation hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Department Head

Joseph Kam

Employment Coordinator

Current Training Schedule

  • Mondays: Workplace Readiness Workshop - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Tuesdays: Digital Skills Training - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Wednesdays: Hospitality Skills Training - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
  • Thursdays: English for the Workplace - 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
  • Fridays: Job Search Support - 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

All programs are free for registered community members. Registration is required to participate in training programs.

Looking for Work or Workers?

Whether you're a refugee seeking employment or an employer looking for dedicated staff, we're here to help connect you.

Contact Us Today