Malaysia Sets Out to Win Back its High-flying International Professionals

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 14, 2013

Malaysia is looking at initiatives to attract back nationals who have acquired international experience in key professional sectors such as finance and technology, to return home and contribute to developing its economy, says a new report. It found a growing trend across Asia of countries trying to recruit national professionals who have gained valuable professional experience abroad, so that their countries benefit from the skills and experience these expats have acquired.

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The Global Professionals on the Move 2013 report conducted by global specialist recruiter Hydrogen, highlights the value of international experience for professionals. A theme to emerge in the report is the rising value of Asian professionals with international experience. Asians who have worked away from home, and whose home countries are now becoming economic powerhouses, are exceptionally valuable, as they combine international skills and training with a profound understanding of local culture and customs. Malaysia is leading the way with its Returning Expert Programme.

"This was set up to help overcome shortages of expertise and to build a world class workforce in Malaysia", explains Simon Walker, Managing Director for Asia, Hydrogen. "It offers return-homers income tax breaks, tax-free ownership of two Malaysian-made cars, fast-track residency for foreign spouses and children, and priority entry to the best schools for children."

This reverse brain drain in Asia is a shift in global professional migration patterns and raises the question whether those without local origins will increasingly lose the chance to work in the region. Simon Walker thinks not, "Employers across the region will start profiling the type of expat they want. Those with an advantage will have lived or be currently living in Asia and understand the local culture. Ultimately it will be the skills and the local knowledge which count, so an expat with this experience will be on a par with a return-homer."

Hydrogen's Global Professionals on the Move 2013 report, is based on a survey of over 2,000 professionals in 90 countries and is conducted by ESCP Europe. It looks at the experience, attitudes and priorities of highly qualified, high earning professionals with regard to working abroad. Key findings were: