As the demand for remote and cost-effective workforce solutions continues to grow globally, virtual assistants (VAs) have become an essential component of modern business strategies. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a startup founder, or part of a scaling enterprise, hiring a VA can help offload critical yet time-consuming tasks, allowing you to focus on growth and innovation.
One of the most established destinations for outsourcing VAs is the Philippines, home to thousands of highly skilled professionals ready to support businesses across industries. In this guide, we’ll explore why the Philippines continues to be a top VA outsourcing destination, what services VAs offer, and how businesses are now expanding their remote teams to include virtual talent from emerging markets like Malaysia.
Content Outline
Key Summary
Philippines Leads the VA Industry in 2025
The Philippines remains a global hotspot for virtual assistant outsourcing due to its skilled English-speaking workforce and strong remote work culture.
Virtual Assistants Offer Scalable Business Support
VAs handle a wide range of tasks, including admin, customer service, marketing, and bookkeeping, freeing up business owners to focus on growth.
Top VA Companies Offer Diverse Specializations
From real estate-focused firms to healthcare-trained assistants, top Philippine VA providers cater to niche business needs with flexible hiring models.
Businesses Are Exploring VA Talent Beyond the Philippines
Rising demand and talent saturation in the Philippines are pushing companies to diversify and explore alternative talent hubs like Malaysia.
FastLaneRecruit Connects You with Skilled Malaysian VAs
FastLaneRecruit helps companies hire virtual assistants in Malaysia offering cost savings, English proficiency, and end-to-end HR support.
What Is a Virtual Assistant (VA)?
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a remote professional who provides support services to businesses, entrepreneurs, and executives from a distance. VAs are typically hired as contractors or through outsourcing firms and are capable of handling a wide range of tasks depending on their skills and experience.
Unlike full-time, in-house employees, virtual assistants can offer flexible hours and services, making them a popular choice for businesses aiming to reduce overhead costs while maintaining operational efficiency. VAs may serve a single client exclusively or take on multiple clients, depending on their capacity and the nature of the tasks.
Top Services Offered By Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants are versatile professionals capable of providing both generalist and specialist services. Common services include:
- Managing emails, calendars, and appointments
- Bookkeeping and basic accounting
- Customer support and live chat management
- Research and data analysis
- Database management and CRM updates
- Social media content scheduling and engagement
- Graphic design and digital marketing support
- Light proofreading, editing, and documentation
- Website updates and maintenance
- E-commerce product listing and order tracking
The services can be tailored to the business’s size, industry, and goals, making VAs a scalable support option across different operational areas.
Read: Why Do Companies Choose to Outsource?
Top 20 VA Companies in the Philippines
1. VirtualStaff.ph
VirtualStaff.ph provides one of the largest selections of pre-vetted Filipino virtual assistants. By removing intermediaries, the platform allows clients to connect directly with VAs and manage the hiring process independently. Their Enterprise Solution includes recruitment support, a dedicated Client Success Manager, and payroll processing, offering a seamless end-to-end hiring experience.
2. Connext Global Solutions
Since 2014, Connext has been delivering affordable back-office outsourcing solutions. Based in the Philippines, they specialize in building high-performing remote teams tailored to meet client-specific needs, enabling companies to scale operations while keeping overhead costs low.
3. OnlineJobs.ph
OnlineJobs.ph is a direct-hire job marketplace where you can post roles and hire Filipino VAs without agency involvement. As one of the most visited VA platforms in the Philippines, it gives employers access to a large talent pool. However, clients must manage job postings, payroll, and productivity tracking independently.
4. MyOutDesk
MyOutDesk caters specifically to real estate firms, offering VAs trained in prospecting, cold calling, and marketing. Ideal for scaling without expanding HR budgets, they help real estate professionals grow their brands through remote talent support.
5. Virtual Staff Finder
A veteran in the VA recruitment space, Virtual Staff Finder has facilitated the hiring of over 8,000 VAs to date. After clients submit job descriptions, the service shortlists top candidates for interviews and thorough screening, making the hiring process efficient and risk-free.
6. eVirtualAssistants
eVirtualAssistants simplifies the hiring process by enabling real-time communication between clients and applicants. Businesses can post job ads, receive applications, and conduct interviews directly, offering full transparency and control over talent selection.
7. Virtual Assistant Talent
Virtual Assistant Talent focuses on helping small businesses and startups build remote teams. Their process starts with a consultation call to assess business needs, followed by curated VA recommendations. Once a candidate is selected, invoicing and onboarding begin seamlessly.
8. Pepper Virtual Assistants
Located in Manila, Pepper Virtual Assistants offers services in web design, admin support, marketing, and customer service. Clients can test the waters with a free five-hour trial before committing. They provide flexible payment plans based on actual hours worked.
9. Virtual Done Well
Operating from Davao City, Virtual Done Well offers nationwide access to Filipino VAs skilled in scheduling, inbox management, and customer service. Their team reviews client requirements and begins talent sourcing immediately through an easy-to-use intake form.
10. Remote Workmate
Although based in Australia, Remote Workmate focuses on Filipino VA placements. Their services include recruitment assistance, job description creation, and resume reviews. A key benefit is their “employee swap” feature, which allows clients to replace VAs at no additional cost during the early hiring phase.
11. OVA Virtual
OVA Virtual is known for its pool of talented Filipina virtual assistants, offering support in admin, HR, IT, and customer service. Their diversity of roles and emphasis on women-led talent make them a reliable partner for tailored virtual support.
12. TaskBullet
TaskBullet offers virtual assistants skilled in accounting, content creation, social media management, and admin support. Clients purchase a set number of hours upfront, and TaskBullet matches them with suitable VAs, making the onboarding process fast and scalable.
13. USource
USource is a Philippine-Australian company delivering full-time VA services in SEO, design, development, customer support, and e-commerce. They do not offer freelance or part-time roles, making them ideal for businesses seeking dedicated, long-term team members.
14. Hello Rache
Founded in the U.S. in 2017, Hello Rache specializes in healthcare VAs for dentists, doctors, and veterinarians. Their VAs are trained in HIPAA compliance and medical support. Services include certification and onboarding at competitive rates.
15. MultiplyMii
MultiplyMii helps connect businesses with high-performing VAs across industries. Their offering goes beyond staffing, providing training and professional development to ensure VAs continually grow their skill sets while serving clients around the world.
16. Outsource Access
Launched in 2019 by Brad Stevens, Outsource Access is based in Mindanao and caters to SMEs and solopreneurs. Despite being one of the newer players, they’ve quickly gained traction by emphasizing process documentation, leadership support, and scalability.
17. Support Shepherd
Support Shepherd functions as a headhunting agency that connects Filipino VAs with Western companies. Their direct-hire model allows VAs to work closely with clients, offering services in finance, creative, customer service, and software development.
18. Cyberbacker
A familiar name across Metro Manila, Cyberbacker provides virtual staffing services in admin support, social media, customer engagement, and marketing. Their recruitment and training systems are structured to match clients with high-performing remote professionals.
19. Athena Executive Assistants
Athena is a fast-growing VA company best known on TikTok and LinkedIn. They operate fully remotely and offer VAs an intensive training program that ensures clients receive world-class support. Their EAs are trained to work with high-level executives globally.
20. The VA Hub PH
Since 2016, the VA Hub PH has been helping Filipino professionals launch virtual careers. They offer VAs across industries, including real estate, sales, and digital marketing. The company also provides extensive training and resources to help VAs succeed.
Read: Hiring Malaysian Talent: Employer of Record Malaysia Guide
Why Businesses Should Diversify VA Teams Beyond the Philippines
While the Philippines remains a stronghold for VA outsourcing, more businesses are diversifying their remote workforce by hiring from other cost-effective regions. Talent saturation, rising salary expectations, and time zone flexibility have led companies to explore new markets for high-quality support.
One emerging destination that’s rapidly gaining traction is Malaysia. With a similar high English proficiency, a growing digital workforce, and favorable labor costs, Malaysian VAs offer a compelling alternative or complement to Philippine-based teams. Additionally, Malaysia provides greater time zone overlap with Australia and parts of Asia, improving real-time collaboration.
Businesses seeking multilingual support, expanded cultural diversity, or a backup VA source are increasingly adopting a multi-country outsourcing model, leveraging both the Philippines and Malaysia to build resilient, scalable virtual teams.
Here’s why hiring Malaysian virtual assistants is becoming the smart move for businesses that want top-tier support, cultural compatibility, and real-time collaboration, all at competitive rates.
High English Proficiency
Malaysia boasts one of the highest English literacy rates in Asia. From customer-facing communication to internal support tasks, Malaysian VAs handle English fluently, both written and spoken. This ensures smooth interactions, fewer misunderstandings, and professional service quality for global clients.
Affordable, Skilled Talent
While maintaining cost advantages similar to the Philippines, Malaysia offers an underutilized pool of digitally savvy professionals. From admin support and marketing assistance to tech and design, Malaysian VAs are well-educated and highly adaptive, making them ideal for businesses that want cost-efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Strong Time Zone Alignment with APAC
If you operate in Australia, Singapore, or Hong Kong, Malaysia’s time zone provides greater overlap for real-time collaboration compared to other outsourcing regions. Whether you’re scheduling meetings, assigning urgent tasks, or needing live customer support, Malaysian VAs are working when you are.
Cultural Compatibility & Work Ethic
With a multicultural society and global exposure, Malaysian professionals often display a strong understanding of Western and Asian business norms. Their politeness, adaptability, and proactive communication style make them a natural fit for international companies.
Diverse Talent Pool for Niche Roles
Whether you need a marketing virtual assistant, customer success specialist, or tech-savvy executive admin, Malaysia’s talent market is rich in niche skill sets. The country’s strong focus on digital literacy and higher education means you get specialized support, not just generalists.
A Strategic Addition to Your VA Team
Already hired VAs from the Philippines? Great! Adding Malaysian VAs to your remote workforce brings diversity and resilience. In today’s competitive market, a multi-country outsourcing strategy helps reduce risk, increase availability, and scale support efficiently.
Read: Building Offshore Executive Admin Team in Malaysia For Singapore Companies
Read : Building Offshore Executive Admin Team in Malaysia For Hong Kong Companies
Read : Building Offshore Executive Admin Team in Malaysia For Australian Companies
Hire Affordable Virtual Talent in Malaysia with FastLaneRecruit
If you’re looking to diversify your virtual assistant team or are seeking cost-effective support beyond the Philippines, FastLaneRecruit can help you build your remote workforce in Malaysia.
FastLaneRecruit connects international businesses with pre-screened Malaysian VAs who are trained across administrative, digital marketing, design, customer service, and technical support functions. Our recruitment experts handle everything from sourcing and onboarding to payroll compliance so you can focus on growing your business with the right support behind you.
- Competitive pricing compared to major outsourcing markets
- English-speaking talent with strong digital skills
- Fully managed onboarding and HR support
- Flexible part-time or full-time options
Contact us today to hire reliable Malaysian virtual assistants with FastLaneRecruit.
