JAKARTA: The government is encouraging Malaysians living and working abroad to return home and contribute their expertise, experience and international networks towards the country’s development.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the government had introduced initiatives to facilitate the return of Malaysian professionals, including the Returning Expert Programme (REP) managed by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp).
He said Malaysians overseas could also explore employment opportunities through MYFutureJobs, a portal operated by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), which currently lists more than 400,000 job opportunities.
“For me, the principle is simple, and this is something I always remind every KESUMA officer. If we want Malaysian talent to return, we must make it easier, not make it more difficult.
“We are here to facilitate, not to complicate matters,” he said at the Salam Dari Malaysia @ Jakarta programme on Monday night.
Ramanan said the government should not expect Malaysians abroad to return if the process was complicated and involved unnecessary difficulties.
He said returning home was often a major decision involving not only career considerations but also spouses, children, education and family commitments.
“We cannot tell them, ‘Come back to Malaysia’, but when they want to return, the process is so complicated that eventually they say, ‘Never mind. I’ll just stay in Jakarta.’ That is what we do not want,” he said.
During the programme, Ramanan also launched the Guidelines for Applying for an Entry Permit under the Returning Expert Programme, which was developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Immigration Department.
He said the guidelines were intended to provide clearer information and streamline the entry permit application process for Malaysians returning under the REP.
According to Ramanan, the initiative is expected to reduce the estimated processing period from about six months to around four months or less.
He said the government recognised that returning to Malaysia involved considerations beyond employment.
“The decision to return is not as simple as buying a plane ticket. There are careers to consider. Sometimes there are spouses, whether a wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend.
“Some have children who are in school, commitments and a family’s future to consider. That is why, when the government talks about bringing Malaysian talent home, we cannot look only at the individual. We also need to consider their families,” he said.
The REP, introduced in 2001 and placed under TalentCorp’s management in 2011, is aimed at facilitating the return of Malaysian professionals who have established their careers overseas.
Malaysians interested in the programme can submit their applications through the MyHeart.my online platform.
Ramanan also encouraged Malaysians who remain overseas to contribute to the country even if they were not ready to return permanently.
He said their international experience, expertise and networks could help Malaysian companies expand into overseas markets and create new opportunities for local talent.
“If you have expertise, please share it with Malaysia. If you have connections in Indonesia, or if you see opportunities for Malaysian companies or talent in Indonesia, please help us open those doors.
“Even if you are abroad, the experience you have gained here can still benefit Malaysians,” he said.
Ramanan said Malaysians abroad could play an important role in strengthening connections between Malaysia and international markets.
The Salam Dari Malaysia @ Jakarta programme brought together Malaysian representatives and stakeholders in the Indonesian capital.
Also present were Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta Datuk Muzaffar Shah Mustafa, TalentCorp Group Chief Executive Officer Biruntha Mooruthi and PERKESO Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
The government’s efforts are aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s talent pool by encouraging skilled Malaysians overseas to return and contribute their expertise, while also creating avenues for those who remain abroad to support the country’s economic development.
-Bernama
