Are you a Malaysian living abroad, feeling a pull to come home but overwhelmed by the perceived red tape? You're not alone. For many, the dream of returning to Malaysia is shadowed by concerns about bureaucracy and finding the right opportunities. But here's some good news: TalentCorp, the agency dedicated to bringing skilled Malaysians back, has been working hard to make that dream a reality. They've already facilitated the return of almost 5,000 Malaysians in the last 15 years, and that number is only expected to grow as Malaysia's economy strengthens.
Outgoing Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad group chief executive officer Thomas Mathew is optimistic about the future. "We are optimistic that the number of returnees will increase as the Malaysian economy grows and offers more attractive prospects," he stated. Even if a return isn't immediate, TalentCorp's MyHeart initiative keeps Malaysians connected and contributing from afar. Think of it as a way to stay involved and informed until the timing feels right. And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about attracting people back; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem for them to thrive.
TalentCorp, operating under the Human Resources Ministry, shoulders the crucial task of attracting skilled Malaysians back to contribute to the nation's growth. Their commitment is encapsulated in a simple yet powerful message from a recent Instagram post: "Malaysia Misses You!" It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with Malaysians scattered across the globe.
During his five-year tenure as CEO, which concluded recently, Mathew oversaw the Returning Expert Programme (REP). As of September, the program had received 11,992 applications, with 7,550 approvals. That's roughly 520 approvals each year since the REP's inception. Of those approved, a significant 4,931 have already made the move back to Malaysia.
To streamline the application process and alleviate concerns about bureaucratic hurdles, TalentCorp has embraced digitalization. Since December of last year, REP applications have been fully digitalized. Documentation requirements have been simplified, and coordination with key agencies like the Immigration Department and the Inland Revenue Board has been streamlined. This means less paperwork, less waiting, and a smoother overall experience. The enhanced REP is now integrated into the Malaysia@Heart (MyHeart) platform, acting as a one-stop online portal. Malaysians abroad can now apply, upload documents, and track their application status from anywhere in the world. The platform also serves as a comprehensive digital hub, providing access to job opportunities, connections with Malaysian employers and schools, and valuable relocation resources.
"We have heard the feedback of Malaysians on their concerns about bureaucracy and we have acted on it," Mathew emphasized. "Our goal is simple. We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring returnees worldwide can reintegrate with confidence and make coming home a smooth, future-ready and rewarding experience." This commitment addresses a major pain point for many overseas Malaysians: the fear of getting bogged down in administrative complexities.
But here's where it gets controversial... TalentCorp acknowledges that certain professions, particularly those in regulated fields like medicine, require additional approvals from their respective regulatory bodies before the full benefits of the REP can be realized. While this ensures professional standards are maintained, it can also add extra steps and potential delays. TalentCorp is committed to working with these agencies to ensure applicants understand these requirements and navigate them effectively. Do you think these extra requirements are a necessary safeguard, or an unnecessary hurdle that discourages qualified professionals from returning?
Importantly, about 96% of the 4,931 Malaysians who returned home are gainfully employed in key sectors, demonstrating the program's success in matching talent with opportunity.
A 2021 study revealed that 85% of Malaysians abroad are eager to return if the right opportunities exist. "We found that job matching is a critical obstacle. Many would hesitate to move without a suitable position lined up for them," Mathew explained. To address this, TalentCorp launched the MyHeart Career & Facilitation Fest (MyHeart CaFe) series in 2022. These quarterly events connect Malaysian professionals overseas directly with local employers, facilitating networking and job placement. These fairs have already engaged 1,499 returning Malaysians and filled 1,981 job vacancies, showcasing their effectiveness.
TalentCorp also offers attractive incentives to entice Malaysians to return. These include a 15% flat tax rate on chargeable employment income for five years, a tax exemption of up to RM100,000 for the purchase of one locally manufactured Complete Knocked Down vehicle, and tax exemption for one shipment of personal belongings brought into Malaysia. Furthermore, foreign spouses and children under 18 are eligible to apply for permanent residency. "This means returning Malaysians can bring their family with the assurance of a long-term path to integration and significantly reduce repeated visa renewals that they previously faced," Mathew pointed out. These incentives aim to make the transition back to Malaysia as financially appealing and logistically seamless as possible.
Moving forward, TalentCorp will be led by new CEO Edward Ling, who brings over two decades of experience in driving business transformation and digital innovations from companies like LinkedIn, Waze, and Google. His expertise is expected to further enhance TalentCorp's efforts in attracting and retaining Malaysian talent. Given his background, what specific improvements or initiatives do you anticipate under his leadership?
So, if you're a Malaysian professional abroad considering a return home, TalentCorp is actively working to make the process easier and more rewarding. The digitalized application process, simplified requirements, job matching initiatives, and attractive incentives are all designed to address common concerns and facilitate a smooth transition. What are your biggest concerns about returning to Malaysia, and what additional support would make the decision easier for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
