Umno delegate calls for global network to fight brain drain

 The UK delegate from the Overseas Umno Club says Malaysia must not end up producing talented people whose expertise is enjoyed by other countries.

Talent migration should not be feared, but Malaysia must ensure they have a way to return and contribute to their homeland, said Amir Ikram Mohd Fadil.

KUALA LUMPUR:

The Overseas Umno Club has proposed the establishment of a global talent network by which talented Malaysians working abroad could be brought home to contribute to national development.

The club’s UK delegate, Amir Ikram Mohd Fadil, said many highly skilled Malaysians in engineering, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and professional fields are working abroad.

“In our effort to make Malaysia a skills nation, we must address the challenge of brain drain. We must not end up producing talented Malaysians while other countries enjoy their expertise,” he said at the Umno general assembly today.

Talent migration should not be feared, but Malaysia must ensure they have a way to return and contribute to their homeland. “Instead of brain drain, we must move toward brain gain and brain circulation, where Malaysian talent goes global while still contributing to the country,” he said.

He also suggested that the Overseas Umno Club be empowered to act as a community emergency response team to connect Malaysian embassies with local communities during emergencies.

The Malaysian community abroad must be empowered in terms of security, particularly when facing geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, flight disruptions, and food supply issues. “When any emergency happens, we can quickly identify who needs help, who has young children, and who is cut off from food supplies,” he said.

He said Australia hosts more than 19,000 Malaysian students, followed by the UK with over 12,000, and Egypt with nearly 7,000. - FMT