Scrum Master & Project Manager in Malaysia: How Do They Work Together?
In Malaysia's evolving project landscape, both Scrum Masters and Project Managers are becoming increasingly important. Yet, confusion often arises: Do their roles clash, or do they complement each other? In reality, when these two professionals collaborate effectively, they can drive project success in ways that benefit businesses across sectors, from banking and fintech to manufacturing and government-linked companies (GLCs). This article explores how Scrum Masters and Project Managers work together, what makes their collaboration valuable, and how Malaysians can benefit from understanding these dynamics.
The Two Roles in Focus
A Scrum Master is not a traditional "manager." Instead, they are an agile enabler who facilitates Agile practices, acting as a servant leader to remove roadblocks for the development team. They also serve as a culture shaper, ensuring teams embody values like transparency, adaptability, and continuous improvement. In Malaysia, Scrum Masters are commonly found in IT, fintech, and digital transformation projects, such as those at Maybank's digital labs, Axiata's tech initiatives, or within new startup ecosystems in Cyberjaya.
By contrast, a Project Manager is a strategic driver and more of a traditional leader. They are responsible for defining the overall scope, schedule, and budget of the project. A Project Manager also manages resources and stakeholders to ensure deliverables align with business goals and reports progress to senior management. In Malaysia, project managers are deeply embedded in sectors like construction (e.g., MRT Corp, Gamuda) and energy (e.g., Petronas, TNB). They are also evolving into hybrid roles within tech firms that are adopting Agile methodologies.
Where Their Roles Overlap
In many Malaysian companies that are transitioning to Agile, both roles often coexist, especially during the crucial stages of a project.
For planning and execution, the Project Manager sets the overall roadmap, including major milestones, deliverables, and timelines. The Scrum Master then ensures the development team can break these large milestones into smaller, manageable sprints, keeping the pace realistic.
In terms of stakeholder engagement, the project manager manages the "big picture" by coordinating with clients, regulators, or senior management. Meanwhile, the Scrum Master works to ensure the team's voice is heard and that communication flows smoothly from the bottom up as well as the top down.
When it comes to risk and problem-solving, the project manager looks at risks from a strategic perspective, addressing potential budget overruns or compliance issues. The Scrum Master, in contrast, addresses day-to-day risks like team burnout, miscommunication, or technical blockers.
Finally, they measure success differently. The project manager measures project success based on whether it was delivered within the predefined scope, time, and cost. The Scrum Master, however, measures success based on team productivity, customer satisfaction, and the team's ability to adapt quickly to changes.
The Malaysian Context: Why This Collaboration Matters
Collaboration between Scrum Masters and Project Managers is particularly critical in Malaysia due to several factors. Many companies operate in hybrid work environments, where they are not "fully Agile." For example, a bank may use Scrum for its app development but still require traditional Project Managers oversight for regulatory reporting.
Furthermore, Malaysian workplaces often value hierarchy and clear roles. Having both a Project Manager and a Scrum Master provides a balance: the Project Manager offers the necessary structure and authority, while the Scrum Master empowers the team. This dual-role approach addresses the demands of specific industries as well. Large-scale infrastructure projects like the MRT or ECRL need strict project manager control, while the digital components within these same projects benefit from a Scrum Master driving Agile delivery.
A real-life example of this is a Malaysian telecommunications company rolling out a new mobile app. The Project Manager reported to the board, ensured budget allocation, and liaised with regulatory bodies. At the same time, the Scrum Master facilitated sprint planning for the app developers, resolved blockers like server issues, and kept the team motivated. The result was an app that launched on time with the flexibility to add new features post-launch, satisfying both management and customers.
Conclusion
In Malaysia, Scrum Masters and Project Managers don't compete; they complement each other. The Project Manager ensures a project aligns with strategic goals and complies with regulations, while the Scrum Master ensures agility and team efficiency. For Malaysian professionals, understanding both roles can open up career opportunities in traditional sectors like construction and oil & gas, as well as in fast-moving industries like fintech and e-commerce. In short, the best results happen when the Project Manager sets the vision, and the Scrum Master empowers the team to achieve it.
