THE number of applications by Malaysians residing overseas to return home and work have increased since Pakatan Harapan took over the federal government in the 14th general election last May, said Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran.

Through the Returning Expert Programme under Talent Corporation (TalentCorp), there was a 20% increase in applications recorded for 2018.

“Normally, there are between 400 and 500 applications, but this year, we are targeting 1,000 because the numbers keep going up.

“This shows confidence towards the economy and the government. We welcome them to return and serve the country,” Kula told reporters after a visit to TalentCorp’s office in Petaling Jaya today.

He said most Malaysians living outside the country have a strong desire to return home and serve the country in their respective fields, adding that an estimated one million Malaysians make up the diaspora.

“Most of them work in the manufacturing, business services and education fields.”

In the press conference, the Ipoh Barat MP also announced the placement of TalentCorp from the Prime Minister’s Department to the Human Resources Ministry.

Kula said TalentCorp’s new goal is to focus on initiatives and interventions to create opportunities to Malaysian professionals and graduates.

“Malaysia is now faced with many challenges, including ensuring that we can meet the rising demand for the skills and experience that are in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“However, the National Statistics Department in 2017 showed that only 28% of the labour force in Malaysia are high-skilled labour.

“As such, there is an urgent need to build up a group of highly-skilled professionals in Malaysia,” he said.

TalentCorp was established in 2011 under the 10th Malaysia Plan with the aim of ensuring that the country’s labour force is equipped with high-skilled qualifications. – January 23, 2019.