Recently, our Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that the brain drain phenomenon can benefit our country. Really?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines brain drain the departure of educated or professional people from one country, economic sector, or field for another usually for better pay or living conditions.
Why did our people move on to other countries even decades ago? I believe they somehow lost confidence in this country after seeing the disparity among the races in terms of education, employment and their future prospects. So, they decided to take a chance and relocate themselves. They knew that it would be tough but they were willing to work hard for their own future. Today, we have successful Malaysians in many parts of the globe.
Many Malaysians who have left this country decades ago are now known internationally. They have also made Malaysia proud. Some who have made a name for themselves include Datuk Jimmy Choo (a Penangite) who is famous for his handmade shoes. He catapulted to fame designing shoes for the late Princess Diane. Then we have Datuk Zang Toi, a Kelantanese designer. His fashion designs have been well received by famous people like Ivana Trump, Fergie and Sharon Stone. Yuna, a singer-songwriter hails from Alor Setar, Kedah. Today, Yuna is a well-known American artist/ band. We must also not forget Datuk Michelle Yeoh who recently won the Golden Globe Award in the Best Actress. In addition, we have quite a few who have gained recognition as scientists, inventors and ministers in various countries. This brain drain which started decades ago has not benefitted us. Malaysia’s loss is indeed their gain.
It has been reported that the University of Malaya has been losing 30 of its brightest medical graduates to Singapore every year. It is imperative and urgent that we look into the woes of our contract doctors and medical personnel. We are having an inflow of foreign labourers but an outflow of local professionals.
I hope we can soon put a plug to this brain drain by providing a more level playing field for all. If we have meritocracy as our standard of admission to institutes of higher learning, in promotions and career advancement, we can reduce the brain drain in our nation. Then we can be assured of having the best brains to propel our nation in the days ahead.
By Mei Wong
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