Hello mates, I'm currently in the midst of seeking an industrial placement for Year 3. I heard from a senior of mine that its currently a hiring freeze for interns among the big electronic engineering companies. Is this the general vibe right now in the job market, and if so how long till it thaws? For context I am required to do intern starting from July so I've been job hunting in bigger companies to no avail. Am saving smaller firms as a contingency plan ofc.

From my knowledge, yes, more prominent companies are now harder to penetrate, but many Small or mid companies are hiring more now as businesses start to pick up already. So it's really up to you whether you want to just shake your legs and wait or just try to find a job meanwhile waiting for a better offer.

Those big MNC is freezing everything...

Cost saving measures.... They also not very confident with Malaysia environment & economy...

As long don't close shop is good enough already (those still holding position in those MNC)....

SME have some chances ...
But don't expect to get high pays.... Since internship... Close eye & get place first....

If possible try to join big company, if no choice just accept the small company offers. Either way is fine actually. Join small company definitely helps enhance your skill, helps you explore wider job scope and will have higher influence in the company. Join large company will have better benefits, less stress and better reputation.