Promoting Malaysian Talent Globally: A Solution to the Underemployment Crisis

Malaysia is facing a pressing issue: two million of our highly qualified graduates are underemployed. This constitutes 37% of the tertiary-educated workforce, a staggering statistic that highlights the mismatch between qualifications and job opportunities. While there is no shame in honest work, many of our young talents find themselves stuck in roles that neither match their expertise nor fulfill their aspirations.

The digital animation graduate designing wedding cards in a small print shop in Kluang, or the museum curator moonlighting as a club bouncer, are not isolated cases. Each year spent in such roles diminishes their skills and relevance in their chosen fields. This problem, far from being unique to Malaysia, mirrors global trends. Yet, it’s crucial for us to adopt proactive measures to address it, and one promising strategy is to encourage our local companies to expand overseas.

Learning from India’s Success

India provides an instructive example. Since the 1970s, its workforce has been making significant inroads in the global market, particularly in technology sectors. By encouraging their talent to seek opportunities abroad, India has not only reduced local unemployment but also built a robust diaspora contributing back to their economy.

Today, South Asians in the U.S. are among the wealthiest communities, thriving in industries that value their skills. Similarly, thousands of Filipino doctors have found better livelihoods as nurses abroad, earning significantly more than they would in their home country. These examples demonstrate that global job markets can offer solutions to local employment challenges.

The Role of Malaysian Companies

Malaysia has an opportunity to replicate this success by promoting our companies to take on projects overseas. By doing so, we create pathways for our graduates to find jobs that align with their qualifications. Whether it’s IT, engineering, healthcare, or creative industries, Malaysian talent can compete globally if given the platform.

Government support is crucial in this endeavor. Incentives for companies to bid for international contracts, strategic partnerships with foreign firms, and funding for overseas expansions can open doors for our graduates. For example, a local IT firm securing a contract in Europe could deploy Malaysian software engineers, while a construction company working in India could offer positions to our civil engineers.

The Benefits of Going Global

1. Skill Utilisation and Development: Overseas projects ensure that our graduates use their skills in relevant fields, maintaining their professional growth and competitiveness.

2. Economic Gains: Increased employment abroad means higher remittances, which can boost our economy. Moreover, returning professionals bring back global insights and networks.

3. Reputation Building: Successful Malaysian professionals and companies on the global stage enhance the country’s reputation as a hub of talent and innovation.

4. Alleviating Local Oversupply: With more graduates working abroad, the local job market experiences less strain, potentially improving opportunities for those who remain.

Addressing the Mindset Shift

However, encouraging our graduates to pursue international opportunities requires a mindset shift. Many young Malaysians expect opportunities to be handed to them or rely solely on their degrees as a ticket to success. It’s essential to foster a culture of resilience and adaptability, where graduates see themselves as the product, capable of thriving with or without their academic credentials.

The government, educational institutions, and industry leaders must collaborate to instill this mindset. Programs that combine technical training with soft skills development, mentorship initiatives, and exposure to global opportunities during study years can prepare graduates for the challenges of an international career.

Conclusion

The underemployment crisis in Malaysia is a complex issue, but promoting our local companies to take jobs overseas offers a viable solution. By tapping into global markets, we can provide our graduates with the opportunities they deserve, ensuring their skills are utilised effectively and contributing to Malaysia’s growth on the world stage. It’s time for Malaysia to think beyond its borders and embrace the global economy as a partner in solving our employment challenges.