Should you accept an unpaid internship in Malaysia? My honest take
by Jia Yi Lee·May 24, 2026
Short answer: only in very specific circumstances, and even then, think carefully.
When it might be acceptable:
- The company is significant enough that the CV value is demonstrably high
- You need the specific portfolio piece and no paid alternative exists
- It's genuinely part-time and you can sustain yourself otherwise
When it's not okay:
- Full-time commitment for no pay is exploitation. You're providing economic value.
- When the "exposure" they're offering is vague
- When other companies in the same sector are paying interns
Legal dimension: Internships for students don't fall cleanly under Employment Act protections, but the spirit of the law is that work has value and should be compensated.
You deserve to be paid. If they can't afford to pay you, be very clear about what you're getting in return before accepting.