As more Malaysians work and settle overseas, the government is stepping up initiatives to encourage their return, assuring that jobs, career guidance, and long-term opportunities await them at home.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said Malaysians abroad are free to return at any time, with support provided through Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) initiatives. “We are working on initiatives to have better opportunities for Malaysians to work in their home country,” he said during a corporate briefing at TalentCorp’s office earlier this week.
Acknowledging that neighbouring countries like Singapore offer higher salaries, Ramanan stressed that returning cannot be considered based on pay alone. “Higher wages abroad often come with a higher cost of living,” he noted, adding that Malaysia needs a holistic approach to attract local talent.
One of TalentCorp’s key tools is MyNext, a platform designed to help students, graduates, and professionals identify suitable career paths through psychometric assessments. Edward Ling, TalentCorp CEO, explained that the platform evaluates skills, values, and role suitability, and can guide users on upskilling requirements for desired careers.
TalentCorp chairperson Wong Shu Qi described the government’s strategy as promoting “brain circulation” rather than brain drain, encouraging Malaysians to gain experience overseas and return with new skills. “Our vision is to build high-value, high-growth industries that offer better wages and long-term opportunities,” she said, highlighting that returning home also enhances quality of life and family ties.
To support workforce planning, TalentCorp publishes the MyMahir Malaysia Critical Occupations List (MyCOL), identifying roles crucial to economic transformation and difficult to fill. The 2024/2025 edition lists 66 critical occupations across the country, highlighting urgent skill shortages in certain states.
Expatriates are further supported through the Malaysia Expatriate Services Centre (MYXpats), which has reduced employment pass processing times from six months to just five days.
Through these initiatives, the government aims to strengthen Malaysia’s talent ecosystem, ensuring that skills, experience, and opportunities continue to circulate rather than permanently leave the country.
