“The most glaring one is the difference in income. A Malaysian graduate can expect a good starting salary of RM1,800 whereas a Singaporean graduate commands at least S$2,500 (RM5,750). Let’s not even mention those in more developed countries. In fact, a graduate’s salary here has not changed much over the past decade”. A less explicitly mentioned reason is the arguably discriminatory policies and practices in the public sector” – Clement Hii

Let’s not forget what MYDIN boss says.

not matter what we argue about staying in country, the trend seems to be migrate, migrate, migrate!

Solve brain drain problem
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BRAIN drain has been an issue of concern for Malaysia in the past decade and is far from being solved. In fact, it does not look like it will be solved any time soon. Despite the many pleas from the Government, calls on patriotism and the different carrots dangled, the number of people leaving the country has doubled over the past few years. There are easily more than 30,000 highly qualified Malaysians working abroad to date. Malaysia has lost many scientists, doctors, academics and professionals, who it badly needs, to Singapore, Australia, the United States, Britain and other countries.

Now even our skilled and semi-skilled workforce is flying off to greener pastures while Malaysia, ironically, grows highly dependent on foreign labour. After all, neighbouring countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore offer much better pay, incentives and benefits, and their own citizens are unwilling to take up such jobs. The many migration agents in Kuala Lumpur will tell you that Australia offers great employment opportunities for individuals with “in-demand” skills including hairstylists, chefs and mechanics. In fact, some 4,000 Malaysians had migrated there last year.

Malaysia is already facing a shortage in frontline staff in the hospitality and service industry. If this trend continues, we will go deeper into the red where human resource is concerned.

Certain ministries have drawn up special programmes to reverse the brain drain. The Finance Ministry is giving personal and vehicle tax exemptions. The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) has reviewed incentives to lure back Malaysian scientists living abroad. The Human Resources Ministry is making venture capital, financial assistance and research development facilities more accessible. However, all these efforts seem to be missing the mark. The Human Resources Ministry needs to do thorough and honest research if it wants nothing but the truth. The truth may hurt, but any proposed remedies have to address the problems directly.

I would say there are a few obvious reasons for the brain drain. The most glaring one is the difference in income. A Malaysian graduate can expect a good starting salary of RM1,800 whereas a Singaporean graduate commands at least S$2,500 (RM5,750). Let’s not even mention those in more developed countries. In fact, a graduate’s salary here has not changed much over the past decade.

A less explicitly mentioned reason is the arguably discriminatory policies and practices in the public sector. For instance, many talented academicians have left local universities because, in the past, they felt that priority was given to bumiputras for promotions and research funding. Top students who do not get their course of choice at public universities are not only accepted by foreign universities but also given scholarships to study there.

Singapore is attracting many of our public university (IPTA) rejects, after which the fresh graduates are required to work there for at least three years. By that time, most Malaysians would have gotten used to the income and lifestyle, and would receive permanent resident status. There are also those who feel they are migrating for a better quality of life. Australia and New Zealand, for example, provide wonderful retirement benefits for its citizens and permanent residents. Human rights are also seen to be stronger in those countries, which is not surprising why many of our intellectuals have moved there.

The root of the problem has been obvious for a while now, but nobody has been willing to take a direct look at it. It is time we do something and not continue to stick our heads in the sand.

Datuk Clement Hii is executive deputy chairman of LLL Lifelong Learning Network Sdn Bhd which promotes and coordinates lifelong learning among Malaysians.