For many Malaysians, we had already passed almost half of the year 2021 yet it just seemed like time flies like a snap of a finger with us feeling numb and hopeless. Pandemic drives everyone in this world crazy as we are in a lockdown, movement control where we cannot do any economic activities normally anymore. No more dine-ins, compulsory wearing face masks and practising social distancing at best measures.
Students across the nation are struggling to keep up their homeworks and family’s financial burden as many families in Malaysia are facing difficulties to sustain their livelihood.
According to one news site, a student starved herself until her intestines were ruptured and bleeding. Other horror stories emerged, such as students who could only afford one plate of instant noodles each day. There are even people starving without any food for days or maybe eating bread only or salt with rice for a few days consecutively.
The reason that the students might not be able to sustain their lifestyles might come from their lack of financial knowledge and the bad financial management. Needless to say, this problem is real and happening that we cannot overlook surely. Especially during this recession period, students need to measure beyond their own limits to find means for ends.
This is why it is vital for students to come out and seek for workable and effective solutions to their financial problems. It’s either they work short term during their semester breaks or they can just work throughout the year, as we witness a lot of university students experience them.
Many reasons are given for why such a significant percentage of students are having financial issues. One of them was the fact that some students used some of their PTPTN loans or scholarships to aid their financially disadvantaged families.
Some have expressed worries that working part-time may impair a student’s academic achievement. Part-time jobs do, however, have the potential to interfere with college life. As a result, being disciplined and highly meticulous in your time management is critical. As a part-time student, you must be ready to give up certain things, such as your social life with friends.
There is no gain without suffering, as the saying goes. If you are a student who is in dire need of cash or just wants to have extra pocket money in case of emergency or buying your desired items, here are 8 helpful recommendations for you.
So, in today’s topic, we will discuss How to Earn Money as a Student in Malaysia (8 Ways).
Many Malaysian students are seeking ways to supplement their income while studying for a variety of reasons. Some are earning money to purchase educational materials, while others are attempting to relieve their parents’ financial burden.
This post is for you if you want to make some additional money for whatever reason. Students in Malaysia can make money in these 8 ways.
What are the 8 ways how to earn money as a student?
Here are the 8 ways you can earn pocket money as a Malaysian student.
Have an online business – be an entrepreneur
Who doesn’t go to online stores to buy the essential items nowadays? Then it’s only right to have an online business since the opportunities are abundant in this age.
Being an entrepreneur is very beneficial from the perspective of a student. It’s easy to build on and you can choose where, what and when you decide to have your online business. The decision is yours.
Online business equals a broad range of customers from local and international, which brings more profit into your business. The most crucial point is that an entrepreneur is that you are your own boss. You have the freedom and flexibility.
You just need to start to prepare some capital, your niche, competition research, range of products you provide, any good and consistent supplier, stock management and marketing strategies.
In summary, having an online business might look like it is easy or handy, but what comes behind it takes a lot of time and effort as much as a physical business. You have to be ready with precise planning, constructive goals and a collaborative team to help you succeed in your online business.
Conduct tutor classes
University classrooms are not nearly as crowded as those in primary and secondary schools.
In other words, following university courses, you tend to have more free time. Instead of watching TV, utilise your leisure time to tutor your classmates or juniors!
This is one of the most common ways for students in Malaysia to supplement their income.
You can also hold lectures and workshops outside of the university, instructing elementary or secondary school kids in the neighbourhood! It doesn’t have to be academic; you may also offer your expertise in other areas such as foreign languages, music, painting, or public speaking. Decide on an hourly charge and plan on having daily or weekly interactive sessions with your pupils. You may be able to reinforce your knowledge while aiding a student in need when teaching or tutoring. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
This is one of the most popular and straightforward ways for an undergraduate or graduate student to make money because it does not need a lot of muscle or physical exertion. Since you are the tutor, you can compare the market prices to gauge how much you should charge based on your own skills. Fees can range from RM30 up to RM150 per class, depending on what kind of subject or skill you are teaching.
Sell ANY products online (used, handcrafted, customized & personalized)
You may begin simply and modestly by selling your own used products that you no longer use, such as textbooks, stationery, or clothing.
Lelong, Mudah, Carousell and Lowyat are some of the online marketplaces where you may start selling your used items. Otherwise, you may create a Facebook page to promote your offer.
Aside from selling used things, handcrafted items such as handmade soap, toiletries, and gift packs are in high demand, especially as door presents for special events.
You may also explore into the corporate gift industry, where you make tiny promotional products such as printed T-shirts, pens, or umbrellas to promote a specific brand. Of course, you’ll have to spend some time finding producers for these items, but after you’ve done that, the remainder of the business won’t take long.
Take online surveys
Signing up as a market survey participant is another simple option for you to earn some additional cash as a student. Big businesses pay market research firms to evaluate potential customers’ reactions to new products, marketing techniques, a new TV commercial concept, or a rebranding of a company’s image. You may earn between RM150 and RM200 for a two-hour survey.
Participants who complete their surveys are compensated by a number of research firms. We must, however, caution you to constantly double-check the authenticity of such questionnaire sites.
Some people may gain access to your personal information and bank account numbers without paying you. Be careful before you disclose the confidential data.
SInce the demographic demands of these market research sessions are frequently extremely precise, you’ll have to fit into a specified age range, ethnicity, or gender.
You may do online surveys from reputable companies such as Panel Place and iPanel Malaysia; while the rewards from each survey are tiny, if you stick with it, you can make a decent sum to pay off some daily essential expenses. You can get some free snacks and groceries on your way.
Be an e-hailing driver
Another way to kill two birds with one stone is to use this approach. Are you intending to leave after courses to go somewhere else? Find those who have no personal transport and make some extra cash!
If you succeed in launching an e-hailing business with a fully working app, you can rest assured that the future has something unique in store for you! Expand your e-hailing company by recruiting more interested drivers and riders.
However, starting an e-hailing business is going to take a long windy path and requires a lot of planning and researching. It might eat up a lot of your study time, hence it might be wise for you to join an existing firm that provides such service.
Grab is one of the e-hailing services that you may test out.
Try your hand at being a Grab driver if you own a valid driver’s licence and the necessary qualifications. You may improve your soft skills while meeting new people and building relationships, in addition to earning money.
Delivery services
Delivery services are when a customer requires a parcel, food or document to be delivered quickly. This can either be done in your neighbourhood, your campus or working under a delivery company. The benefit of it is its flexibility. If you’re too busy because of your assignments or final exams, you can choose to not take up the jobs and still be able to protect your job position there.
A kind reminder to all the delivery riders out there is to always follow the rstreet rules and drive safely, especially during rush hours which might make the road conditions more congested.
Alternatively, consider beginning your own delivery service if you possess a vehicle, bike, or even a bicycle. Put up posters on your campus and on college forums to market your services the old fashioned manner.
Since you are the one who moves from a point to another point, you may have the option of charging normal courier rates or charging by the distance travelled.
Be a Youtuber or Social Media Influencer
If you often watch videos on YouTube, why not make some of your own? The beauty of it is that there is no limit as to what you want to post online. Allow your imagination to go wild as you experiment with different forms of video material, such as vlogs, tutorials, performances, and short films. The abilities you’ve learned will come in handy for school assignments as well!
While studying or hurrying through homework, many students enjoy company. YouTubers are increasingly filming hours of footage while reading or doing schoolwork.
Search for “study with me” on YouTube’s homepage and you’ll discover vlogs of YouTubers and their followers studying all night for their finals.
This form of vlogging necessitates basic video editing abilities, allowing you to concentrate more on your academics. All you have to do now is ignore the camera and focus on taking notes and memorising information.
Prepare to make money while passing your degree with flying colours!
Other than that, a lot of companies and brands know how influential close friends and families are when it comes to purchasing decisions. This is why social media influencers get to have monetised content to not only get some money from creating content for followers, but also to be able to share the great products and services to like-minded people.
The most crucial point is to influence sincerely, genuinely and legitly.
Fix broken things in your campus/neighbourhood
Do you have an interest in automobiles? Are you able to fix laptops or pumps? Then it’s time to get your own little small repair business ongoing. There will almost certainly be broken cars, computers, or other electrical equipment on campus, so create your own little workshop to provide technical assistance to fellow students for a reasonable charge.
You must be prepared to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since problems can develop at any time of day or night, and your clients want you to respond immediately. You can start your business by putting out advertisement flyers around the campus so that people know what service you provide and where to contact you.
If you are studying at home, you can definitely offer this same service to your neighbourhood. There must be some aunties or uncles who are in need of help with gadgets or technology problems. Charge them when you offer help so that they can pay a cheaper price and at the same time get their problems in the quickest time under trusted hands.
Conclusion
That concludes the discussion on how to earn money as a student in Malaysia. A list of activities you may do to supplement your income while in college. Remember to always keep your work and study in balance so that you wouldn’t risk your school because of your hectic work life. Have to keep things balanced like Hannah Montana.