“There are two main programmes targeting the repatriation of human capital. The first is to encourage citizens with expertise residing overseas to return to Malaysia. The other, involving the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, is the ‘brain gain’ programme to increase the number of researchers, scientists and engineers (RSE).
The plan is to achieve a ratio of 50 RSE : 10,000 labour force in priority areas by 2010. The programme, launched in December 2006, “suffers many weaknesses”.
These offers have not been taken up. If their families’ needs are not looked after, the workers will not return. Bureaucratic procedures and the time taken for approval of applications are another setback.
The process can take more than six months (to apply for tax exemption and permanent residence for non-Malaysian spouses and children). Malaysian scientists working in developed countries expected salaries five times higher than that paid locally. Also, the lack of sophisticated scientific facilities or state-of-the-art equipment, laboratories and facilities are disincentives.
A holistic and a more attractive package that includes opportunities for career advancement and job satisfaction is needed. An open economy with investor- and business-friendly policies is more likely to attract them back.
Establish world class research centres and ensure our universities are free from overt controls. The package of incentives must also encompass assistance for job searches, business start-ups and family relocation.
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