Bringing Malaysian talents home

The Star

25-05-2025

Strategies to reverse the brain drain
In today's increasingly globalised economy, Malaysia, like many of our Asean neighbours, grapples with the challenge of brain drain. We are losing some of our brightest talents to opportunities abroad.
The search for better prospects is only natural as everyone wants to have financial security and an improved quality of life.
Migration at times goes hand-in-hand in the search of better prospects particularly for those who go abroad to further their studies. The motivations behind migration are clear: perceived better prospects, faster career progression, and more dynamic job markets.
But while the benefits of working abroad seem attractive, the cost to Malaysia is the steady erosion of our intellectual and professional capital.
At the same time, underemployment and a mismatch between academic training and market needs push young graduates to explore global options.
To bridge the gap between higher education and industry demands, universities must actively engage with employers to co-develop curricula, invest in real-world skills development, and incorporate internships and research placements which align with current market expectations.
Regular curriculum reviews, guided by industry insights, can help ensure education remain relevant and future-ready.
Magnet for returnees
But reversing brain drain is not just about preventing talent from leaving, it is also about creating the right conditions for them to come back. This is more than just matching salaries.
Returnees often look for a combination of professional challenge, supportive infrastructure, quality of life, and opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
I was in the United Kingdom last month, speaking at the Judge Business School at Cambridge and the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, encouraging the Malaysian students to come back after their studies or after working to gain experience overseas.
It is clear they are attracted to the much higher salaries, not necessarily thinking of the higher cost of living as well. We need to make the environment more attractive for these young professionals to come back.
It is important to invite Malaysian professionals abroad to return, not simply to fill roles, but to lead, innovate, and inspire. Returning talents bring with them a wealth of experiences which include advanced technical knowledge, exposure to global standards, intercultural communication skills, and a fresh perspective on innovation.
By integrating these professionals into local industries, startups, and institutions, Malaysia can accelerate its transformation into a globally competitive nation.
Under the Returning Expert Programme (REP), TalentCorp offers various incentives such as tax benefits, and permanent resident status for eligible dependents, to encourage skilled Malaysians to return home. TalentCorp also offers the Career Comeback Tax Exemption to encourage women to return to the workforce with tax exemptions for up to 12 months.
Whole nation approach
Tackling brain drain requires a multi-stakeholder effort. Government, private sector, academia, and civil society must work together to foster a robust ecosystem where Malaysian talents see a future at home.
By inviting our talents to come back and by giving them room to thrive, we can cultivate a workforce that is not only highly skilled but globally competent.
Beyond economics, it is about national pride, purpose, and potential. These returnees can be the bridge between Malaysia and the world, elevating our industries, inspiring the next generation, and building a workforce worthy of a world-class future.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer at Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer's own.