news report - RM3000 is considered urban poor. I believe many fall into this category lol.

That's why we are all considered underpaid also.

Software engineer is just a nicer name for programmer. When ppl hear that you are a programmer, automatically the stereotype comes in their mind that programmer is generally has a lower status than the title of software engineer. They are just the same.
So it's no wonder that software engineer is lower paid than others since what they do is basically similar to what programmers do - coding.

Is it SAP related job? If it's then it's no wonder the pay scale.
Looking to venture into SAP but no relevant experience and no cert (can't afford)...

I bet you must have tons of experience handling both the functional and the technical sides hence the 12.5k. Good for you. Once the contract ends there will bigger paycheques waiting for you.

since everybody has got a degree, you should too!

time for you to jump to either Singapore or M'sia.
Hmm...I thought Brunei is a rich country full of oil with its rich citizens...
Do you have to pay taxes?

Time for you to jump with your 3 years of related experience.
Congrats to u on your increment.

Well how do you see your current company in a year or two? Do you think it will grow and expand? Or would it stay stagnant? With your experience, I think you can fetch at least RM3.5k to RM4k or even more if you are lucky if you jump.

But reality-wise it's best to start searching for greener pastures while the current one is drying up.

Pls read carefully...
Experience before joining : 4 yrs exp and 1yr+ in an international company
considered fresh?
I don't think so.

Anyway Lysze, u are grossly underpaid.
I'd find a new one if I were you unless you are aiming for big commissions instead of high base salary.

Go for bigger pay la...Don't spoil the market, and don't be exploited

You shouldn't use the period of yours in yesteryears to compare with current market values. You could order a fried noodle with RM 2.5 - RM 3 within KL centres during those days. Can you do the same today?

With the inflation rates that we are having (I don't believe the govt bull statistics), it is a sheer exploitation of worker/staff/labour force where they are squeezing hard to live even within the means of every life.
If you want to attract new customers, you have make sure that the customers have extra $$ to spend on your products, especially when your products aren't staples like food/electricity/cigs/gas.

M'sians market generally see a wider gaps between the rich and the poor. More middle-class are moving towards the lower end due to the inflations and stagnation of constant pay. And we do see a lot of articles highlighting the squandering of public funds into projects like PKFZ and political campaigns and the mooting of subsidy cuts to fatten the executives and their cronies pockets. All in all, we are not moving in terms of the living standards as compared to Sing/Hong Kong and Aust. I shudder to think if the current situation persists and employers continue to press down the wages disregarding the financial welfare of the proletarians.

So what are you waiting for? Jumping is the KEY!
Anyway I'm almost like in your situation and now looking for jumping 'spring'.

But you still haven't mentioned about your qualifications. You might be a top achiever from the Ivy Leagues or holding a masters which might be a distinctive advantage over the rest of the crops. Or you might be a Sing PR?