Malaysians have always been known for their ambition and drive to seek better opportunities, whether at home or abroad.
In a recent revelation, it was reported that a staggering 1.86 million Malaysian talents have made the decision to relocate to foreign shores in search of better career prospects and personal growth.
This shift in the workforce is a significant indicator of the challenges faced by local professionals in finding opportunities that match their potential within the country.
Reported by Sinar Harian, the Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim Chee Keong, said the migration of these talents is detailed in the World Migration Report 2022 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
According to the report, Malaysia’s migration rate stands at 5.6% of the total population, far higher than the global average of 3.6%. This translates to 1.86 million Malaysians seeking a future elsewhere.
The Path of Malaysian Talent
Steven Sim elaborated on the various migration trends among Malaysians, pointing out the significant numbers of professionals moving to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
For instance, most Malaysians in the US hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and contribute their expertise to sectors such as management, business, science, arts, and professional services.
Similarly, many in the UK are working in the fields of management, medicine, hospitality, and professional services, with the majority holding at least a Bachelor’s degree.
Over in Canada, the trend mirrors this, with many involved in technical services, management, and medical sectors.
These statistics are drawn from both TalentCorp and the World Bank, with further studies set to provide detailed breakdowns of ethnicity, age, reasons for migration, and specific destinations from 2018 to 2024.
Efforts to Bring Talent Home
Despite this significant brain drain, the Ministry of Human Resources has been actively working to reverse the trend through various initiatives.
One such initiative is the Returning Expert Programme (REP), which encourages Malaysians living abroad to return home.
Since its inception in 2011, the REP has received 11,124 applications, successfully bringing back 2,011 talents to contribute to Malaysia’s growth.
The programme offers incentives such as income tax exemptions, excise duty exemptions for vehicles, and permanent resident status for family members.
With such initiatives in place, the government hopes to not only retain local talent but also create a welcoming environment for those abroad to return, thereby fostering a robust, competitive workforce in Malaysia.
What do you think about Malaysia’s brain drain, and how can we collectively address the factors that lead to such migration?
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