PETALING JAYA: The president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (KLSCCCI), Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, has called for immediate action to stem the increasing trend of skilled Malaysians seeking employment overseas.
Ng highlighted the brain drain as a critical issue, particularly as Malaysia continues to attract significant foreign investments but faces a shortage of local talent.
Speaking at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) 78th annual general meeting on Sunday (Oct 13), which was also attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Ng stressed the need for comprehensive measures in the upcoming Budget 2025 to retain skilled professionals.
“Last year, Bank Negara reported that nearly 500,000 Malaysians, mostly skilled professionals, are working overseas. To become a global leader in high-tech industries, addressing this brain drain is crucial,” Ng said.
To tackle the issue, he proposed introducing tax breaks and work visas as incentives to attract and retain talent in the country. He also suggested that the government implement policies encouraging foreign graduates from Malaysian institutions to begin their careers locally.
“By granting work visas to foreign graduates in specialised fields, we can strengthen our workforce and stimulate economic growth. This initiative should target roles that are difficult to fill, ensuring local talent is not sidelined,” he added.
Ng argued that such policies would benefit the education sector by making Malaysia a more attractive destination for international students and enhancing the country’s reputation as a hub for skilled professionals.
“This strategy not only addresses the brain drain but also solidifies Malaysia’s role in promoting regional cooperation and advancement during our Asean leadership,” he said.
Ng also called for additional funding in the Budget 2025 to support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital to Malaysia’s economy. He proposed increasing grant support and creating more flexible financing options for key sectors such as manufacturing and services.
“We recommend more funding in Budget 2025 to drive digital integration and boost efficiency. Establishing clear guidelines and a proper follow-through process will ensure these grants are accessible and utilised effectively,” Ng said.
While expressing gratitude for the government’s ongoing support, particularly through initiatives like the SME Digitalisation Grant, Ng emphasised the need for further efforts to bolster SMEs' resilience amid rising costs.
“Providing tax cuts and grants to SMEs can help ease financial pressures and promote job creation. This will allow SMEs to invest in new technologies, expand operations, and remain competitive both locally and globally,” he said.
