How is Talent Corp going to deal with push factors?

Each time we read news about a former Malaysian being appointed to a high position overseas or having an exceptionally well managed and profitable business, we are proud to highlight the fact they are ex-Malaysians and at the same time bemoan about it as 'brain drain'. But when we analyze it, those people did not get to where they are today by staying in Malaysia. They have proven themselves in a foreign country based on their own merits. Could they have done the same in Malaysia? NO. Not just because they were likely to have been pushed overseas because of local discrimination based on race: in education, employment and business; but also because the positions they are now holding are foreign: as an Australian state minister, or a US public prosecutor. They have the necessary qualifications, ability and experience which might serve them well locally, if given the chance to prove themselves here, but they had for some reasons chosen to live overseas. We cannot have an Australian minister or American public prosecutor in Malaysia though we can have their knowledge and expertise but probably they cannot fit in because of being unfamiliar with local situations and language. Moreover, to be able to hold such positions in a foreign country, they are already citizens of that country.

We do have people who are just as good, if not better than them, who have chosen or simply do not have a choice but to stay on in Malaysia, but unfortunately not given the chance to shine.

Kamahl became famous in Australia. Would he be world famous as a singer based in Malaysia? What I am trying to get at is that certain professions or industries are better known overseas and Malaysians who went there are given the chance to develop their talents. It can never be the same, no matter how intelligent, talented or capable if you remain here. For those who felt they were pushed out because of discrimination, they felt such unfortunate policies turned out to be blessings in disguise.

On the other hand, other countries are envious of our world class badminton champions, squash champion and bowling champions. We could have world class intellectuals too, if conditions were more conducive and fair. What we have now in local universities are mostly of one favoured race who are likely not to take kindly to those from overseas, with excellent credentials, and who are offered positions lest they outshine them. We can build a replica of Harvard University campus but we cannot replicate its academia.

Every year, Singapore has been scouting for intelligent Malaysian students, via education fairs, admission examinations, and so on, offering scholarships to successful candidates. Almost all of these students would graduate and gain employment in the government or private sectors of Singapore, and after a number of years, would likely become their Permanent Citizens.

We cannot stop Singapore or any other countries from offering such sweet deals, nor can we stop our students from applying for them. But can we offer them something similar? Yes, to a certain extent, but what we could offer have proven to be affected by racial discrimination and probably favouritism too. What we cannot offer is also foreign experience, facilities and even favourable exchange rates.

Many of Singapore's ministers, judges and other crème de la crème are former Malaysians. They are where they are because of reasons which would include 'push factor' in racial discrimination in Malaysia as well as 'pull factors' like educational and employment opportunities in Singapore.

I just cannot imagine how Talent Corporation could prevent Malaysians from leaving for better opportunities, which must also be the reason why they are concentrating on attracting those who are already overseas, by offering sweet deals in the form of free import duties for cars and even lower tax rates. I still cannot see how these could be attractive enough for them unless they are actually quite prepared to come back, because of economic downturn in Europe and US for instance. These incentives have already created some resentment among those who have stayed behind in the first place, so much for being 'patriotic'!

As a parent who has children who have studied overseas under 'FaMa scholarship', Talent Corp should (if not already in place), make known that they will consider providing scholarships to those intending to do post-graduate courses and encourage those who wish to but face financial hurdle, to apply. Sometimes, they are discouraged even before applying because of past discrimination and unfair and unfriendly practices.

It is quite obvious to me that we should catch them young, if not, when they are looking for post-graduate opportunities, with strict conditions that they must return to serve our government. There were so many cases of those who graduated under scholarships who were not offered jobs! How could this be possible when we are continually crying out for talent and complaining about brain drain? I would perceive it as some form of deliberate discrimination by those in charge in our government departments. Can Talent Corp change the mindset of those in charge of recruitment, as well as change the working environment to make it more conducive to those who intend to come back? I honestly doubt it.
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