The rich countries also contribute to the brain drain from developing countries by more willingly accepting people with higher skills. These are people who could have contributed more to the development of their own countries than unskilled immigrants, had they remained in their home countries.
– Ha-Joon Chang, South Korean economist and academic
In recent years, Malaysians are leaving the country to more favourable locations that provide better job opportunities and security. They are relocating because of better salary, more benefits, or better potential for advancement in their careers.
They usually experience a higher standard of living and think can better contribute to their fields of expertise and be appreciated and recognised. Many too, I believe, are moving out of the country to get better educational opportunities for their children.
Malaysia is faced with a profound shortage of skilled professionals, especially engineers and doctors. The exodus of talent threatens to impede the nation’s progress. If our leaders don’t act fast to stop the brain drain, development and progress will stagnate.
At the heart of this issue lies several factors, including the allure of greener pastures abroad. Malaysians, disillusioned by stagnant opportunities, race-based recruitment and a lack of recognition, are seeking overseas opportunities.
They are drawn by promises of better salaries, enhanced benefits, and the prospect of advancement within their chosen fields. Also, the pursuit of quality education for their children, I believe, compels them to seek opportunities abroad.
One of the challenges that exacerbates the brain drain is the failure of the country’s system to acknowledge and reward the skills and expertise of its citizens, irrespective of race or creed. This short-sighted approach drives talented individuals into the waiting arms of countries that value and are more appreciative of their contributions.
Sarawak Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian recently voiced his concern about the ‘double jeopardy’ threat facing the nation’s healthcare sector – rapid aging and brain drain of nurses and doctors.
The shortage of healthcare professionals, compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on nursing school intakes, paints a grim picture for the nation’s health infrastructure.
According to data from worldpopulationreview.com, Malaysia finds itself among 176 nations grappling with the brain drain phenomenon. With a rating of 4.4 out of 10, indicating a moderate propensity for professionals to seek opportunities abroad, Malaysia is at a crossroads.
Australia had the lowest (0.4) number of professionals wanting to emigrate for better opportunities. Others are Singapore (1.6), New Zealand (1.4), Canada (0.8), Norway (0.7), Sweden (0.6), Switzerland (1.0), Qatar (1.2), Finland (1.5), Denmark (1.0) and Spain (1.1).
The countries where their skilled workers and professionals scramble to leave are Samoa (10.0), Jamaica (9.1), Palestine (8.8), Somalia (8.7), Micronesia (8.7), El Salvador (8.4), Albania (8.3), Haiti (8.2), Syria (8.1), Guyana (8.1), Afghanistan (8.0) and Chad (8.0).
While countries like Australia and Singapore boast negligible emigration rates, Malaysia wrestles with the departure of its skilled workforce, particularly to its island neighbour.
Singapore emerges as an attractive destination for Malaysian talent, offering not just better remuneration but also permanent residency and citizenship. A recent Malaysian government study revealed the adverse repercussions of this brain drain, highlighting its detrimental effects on the nation’s economy. This brain drain, if unchecked, could stifle Malaysia’s growth prospects and disrupt its economic stability.
Addressing this crisis requires an approach that encompasses political stability, equitable remuneration, and an end to race-based recruitment practices. Malaysia must create an environment where talent is nurtured and appreciated, irrespective of ethnic background. Only then can the tide of emigration be stemmed.
Encouragingly, Sarawak has embarked on proactive measures to reverse the brain drain and entice its talent to return home. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s initiatives have borne fruit, with a growing number of Sarawakian professionals heeding the call to return and contribute to their homeland’s growth.
The establishment of specialised healthcare facilities, such as the forthcoming 300-bed hospital focusing on cancer and neuroscience treatment, is proof of Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
Yet, the challenges persist on a national scale. Nearly two million skilled Malaysians work overseas, with Singapore emerging as the favoured destination. While initiatives like the Malaysian government agency TalentCorp’s Returning Expert Programme offer incentives for them to return, they must be bolstered by broader structural reforms to effect lasting change.
The brain drain is no longer confined to the Chinese and Indian communities, but is also now seen in the Malay community – at least among the professional and highly educated groups.
Britain’s AECC University College Associate Professor in dietetics Hazreen Majid, 48, told a Singapore-based newspaper that he left Malaysia in 2023 to pursue better career opportunities.
He finds that employers abroad value meritocracy instead of familial connections when it comes to promotions.
“Malaysia is always home for me and my family. But to progress, I needed to migrate. Here, my progression is based on hard work instead of nepotism. Someone’s position isn’t dictated by being the child of a former university dean, or something like that,” the newspaper quoted him saying.
Hazreen’s account exemplifies Malaysia’s brain drain trend, as even Malay professionals seek opportunities abroad, driven by a desire for meritocracy and equitable advancement.
In the healthcare sector, in particular, the allure of foreign pastures is potent, fuelled by a lack of training opportunities and economic disparities. Singapore’s robust healthcare system, coupled with favourable exchange rates, appears irresistible to our healthcare professionals.
The time for action has come. Our leaders must reform the country’s policies, dismantle barriers to advancement, and foster an environment where talent is nurtured and appreciated. Only then can the nation hope to stem the tide of emigration and chart a course towards sustainable development and prosperity for all.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of tyui New Sarawak Tribune.
