Exploring professionalisation through the lens of Malaysian translators

Despite its vital role in enabling cross-cultural communication and global cooperation, translation practice remains marginalised in many parts of the world, often lacking professional recognition, visibility, and societal status. In Malaysia, the level of professionalisation in the translation sector remains relatively low, with ongoing challenges related to status, credibility, quality control, and efficiency. This study investigates Malaysian translation practitioners’ readiness for and attitudes towards professionalisation, while also exploring how professionalisation might be shaped in the local context. Drawing on data from a national survey of 260 translation practitioners, the study addresses two key objectives: (1) to profile the socio-demographic and occupational characteristics of translators in Malaysia, and (2) to examine their views on professionalisation. The findings portray a workforce that is predominantly freelance, part-time, and academically qualified, though often not in translation-specific fields. While respondents expressed confidence in their capabilities, they also reported concerns regarding low pay, irregular work, and limited public recognition. Notably, there was strong support for the introduction of professional certification, institutional backing, and flexible, practice-oriented education. These findings underscore a clear desire for formal structures that can strengthen the profession, offering a foundational step towards building a more coherent and sustainable translation industry in Malaysia.