Skills required for a company secretary in Malaysia

Setting up a company in Malaysia is a dream for many entrepreneurs. This because Malaysia has one of the leading economies in Asia. The largest country in South East Asia, Malaysia has a booming economy. Their current GDP is $354.348 billion. This makes Malaysia rank 35^th on a global scale. Malaysia also has a high HDI at 0.802. This indicates that they have a high standard of living.

You will need at least one secretary to register a company in Malaysia. This is a law outlined in the Companies Act of Malaysia. The SSM website has a list of approved company secretaries.

Gaining approval from the SSM is a simple process. The secretarial candidate has to simple ensure they meet the following requirements:

They have to be a natural person, above the age of 18.
They are a resident of Malaysia
They hold one of the following qualifications:

MIA* registered Chartered Accountant
MAICSA** registered Chartered Secretary
SSM registered Licensed Secretary
A lawyer who is a member of the Malaysian Bar

Not in possession of a criminal record
Not in a state of bankruptcy

* Malaysian Institute of Accountants

** Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

When a candidate has been approved by the SSM for the role of the company secretary, look for the following skills. Many CEOs and hiring managers unanimously agree that these skills are incumbent. Thus, by ensuring your potential company secretary displays these skills, you are putting your company first. In turn, ensuring your company runs smoothly and at the best of its capabilities.

Skills required for a Malaysian company secretary

The ability to multitask

Multitasking is defined as the ability to be able to focus on and complete more than one task at a time. A company secretary has several tasks to complete within a day. As such, they will need to complete one or two concurrently. Thus, candidates showing strong aptitudes for multitasking are make effective secretaries.

Leadership skills

Company secretaries are officers of the company. Thus, strong leadership skills are a must. Candidates should show initiative and the willingness to take charge when the need arises. Moreover, they should display a keenness to listen to other employees. As well as have the ability to effectively delegate tasks. Candidates who displays such skills will be invaluable to the growth of your company.

Time management

Having several tasks to complete concurrently is the norm as a company secretary. Thus, candidates need strong time management skills. This in order to be able to keep up with the workload. If the candidate does not show the time management skills, the company may suffer. This is because the Companies Act in Malaysia has strict deadlines to be met. Delaying these deadlines incurs a fine for your company. Or worse, may have legal repercussions.

Objective judgment

The secretary will be often called to make a decision. Thus, the candidate should show sound reasoning. Personal issues and values should not cloud their judgement.

The ability to plan and think ahead

Successful companies are built on planning. The secretary is the one tasked to organize all meetings for the board. Making planning critical. Secretaries also need to consider the schedules of board members. Moreover, companies often have several projects lined up. As such, the company secretary needs to be able to plan their implementation out effectively.

A strong work ethic

A company secretary should display a strong work ethic. Candidates should show passion and dedication for their role. Moreover, they should also show a willingness to learn new skills necessary for the company.

Sound technical knowledge

Company secretaries need to carry out legislative matters. As such, technical knowledge is important. A good candidate should display knowledge about business, law and company policies. Moreover, they will also need to display knowledge of legislative proceedings for businesses. This skill will be incumbent when during meetings. This is because the company secretary is consulted for advice regarding the company.

Communicative skills and charisma

As company secretaries are the first point of contact for the company. Thus, they must have effective communication skills. Company secretaries also come into contact with senior members and stakeholders. Thus, they will need to display charisma in order to further the company in business terms. In addition to this, company secretaries may also need to liaise with other employees. Thus, making communication possibly the most important skill.

In summation, candidates for the position of the company secretary should not only have the qualifications. Displays of the skills outlined above are of utmost importance. As they are key factors for the smooth running of the company. Candidates with previous experience may have some of these skills mastered already. However, as a company owner, consider fresh candidates. As they often serve well as a blank canvas to learn any skills needed.