“We must capitalise on this opportunity to attract professionals who not only invest here but also bring their skills and knowledge.” Wong Shu Qi
MALAYSIA is gaining traction as a preferred destination for international talent due to the country’s lower cost of living and its well-developed infrastructure.
Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp) chairman Wong Shu Qi highlighted states like Johor as one of Malaysia’s competitive advantages, making it appealing to expatriates.
“Many global talents are seeking destinations that provide not only excellent opportunities but also safety and a favourable living environment.
“We are more affordable compared to other countries in the region, with less congestion than in their major cities,” she said when met after witnessing the signing of a partnership between Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd and X Park Malaysia in Kluang.
Wong, who is also Kluang MP, noted that current geopolitical uncertainties also worked in Malaysia’s favour.
She also emphasised the crucial role foreign talent played in boosting the national economy.
“We must capitalise on this opportunity to attract professionals who not only invest here but also bring their skills and knowledge.
“Most talent comes based on a company’s needs so the types of opportunities we offer matter.
“This underscores the necessity for both foreign and domestic investments to drive local talent growth and attract expatriates,” she added.
Wong said TalentCorp had indirectly helped businesses save millions of ringgit by reducing red tape associated with hiring global talent.
“We have reduced the processing time for work passes from six months to just three to five days.
“This significantly lowers costs for businesses, allowing them to have their foreign talent start work much faster.”
The agency, she said, would continue working with businesses to develop local talent while making Malaysia more attractive to foreign professionals.
On the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Wong said it was important for Johor and the Federal governments to work together to attract professionals to the zone.
“This is not something one agency can do alone; we need to work together,” she said.
Wong added that the agency was also working closely with Johor Talent Development Council to nurture local talent.
