I was surprised to read that brain drain has become a popular topic of conversation in Malaysia. During the 78th United Nations General Assembly in September, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that the government is exploring ways to attract skilled Malaysians to return. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul also called for overseas students to come back to Malaysia and contribute to the country. As a Malaysian studying overseas, I find this conversation interesting. When I visit home, I often get asked whether I plan to return or work abroad.
According to Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar, Malaysia’s brain drain is at 5.5% of the population, which is higher than the global average of 3.3%. Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia reveals that most Malaysians working abroad are in Singapore, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Malaysia faces tough competition for talent from countries like Taiwan and Singapore, mainly due to better pay and benefits packages.
Among my peers, the main reasons for staying overseas are better pay and career development opportunities. For example, as an engineering student, I can attest that starting salaries for junior engineers in Malaysia are often below RM2,000 a month. Although the starting salary has increased over the years, it hasn’t kept up with the national inflation rate. Failing to address such issues will put Malaysia at a disadvantage in attracting foreign expertise.
Furthermore, Malaysians who pursue niche courses such as Fine Arts or Speech and Language Therapy find limited opportunities to practice their desired profession back home. The local job market does not justify the investment made in their education. It is crucial for the government to address these issues to prevent further brain drain and attract talented individuals.
Accelerating economic growth, upskilling industries, increasing employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and raising incomes are broader goals that need to be prioritized. Streamlining efforts and encouraging interministerial collaboration can also be beneficial. Additionally, creating a transparent and accountable environment will provide fair opportunities for all Malaysians.
Ultimately, the government must ensure a fair and level playing field to retain and nurture talent. When our leaders demonstrate wisdom, tangible improvements in the country, and reduced polarization, it gives hope to Malaysians abroad. Returning home becomes an act of patriotism when there is a belief that the country can provide attractive job opportunities and a conducive environment for growth. It is important for our leaders to inspire hope and for us to work together to develop Malaysia’s fullest potential.
Jonathan Lee, a Malaysian youth advocate, began his writing journey with The Star’s BRATs program in 2016. The views expressed here are his own.
