x x x

The following are true stories:

A Malaysian political leader had a heart surgery in Singapore.

The operation was successful. During his recuperation period, the political leader would like to thank three skilful doctors, including an anaesthesiologist.

He said: “Thanks to the Singaporean doctors...”

“I'm sorry, sir. I'm from Malaysia,” interrupted a doctor.

“Me too.”

“Me as well.”

x x x

A Malaysian company wanted to develop a new town abroad, it entrusted the project to a Singapore multinational company.

The first time when they met, the Singapore company sent a team of seven people, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Architect and Chief Finance Executive.

The meeting went smoothly. They relaxed and chatted.

The Malaysian company's Director said: “Durians from my hometown Kuala Pilah, Seremban taste the best. I'll treat you all next time when you come.”

“Really? What area in Kuala Pilah? I'm from Kuala Pilah, too!” said the Singapore company's Chief Executive Officer.

Next, one by one, the other six from the Singaporean team revealed their identities.

“I'm from Malacca.”

“I'm from Kuala Kangsar, Perak.”

“I grew up in Segamat.”

“My hometown is...”

And all of them were actually “made in Malaysia”.

x x x

There are countless similar stories around us.

And there is always another story behind each story.

Some were rejected by domestic universities while some were rejected by the government scholarship.

They couldn't get it even with 10 As while others got only 10 Bs. As leaving might be better than staying, they just went to a different world after crossing the bridge.

There is a deep feeling for every story.

x x x

According to the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) statistics, a total of about 785,000 Malaysians are currently working abroad and 44% of them are working in Singapore while the rest are working in other countries, including Hong Kong, China, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

And two-thirds of them are professionals.

At the same time, most of the 2 million guest workers in Malaysia are from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India and Vietnam.

They are engaged in labour industry which does not require high educational background but just a little bit of brains. Low skill, low knowledge and of course, low wages.

Malaysia has become a country that exports brains while importing labours, resulting in a serious deficit in knowledge trade.

x x x

The government started to call on talent backflow in 2000 by offering a variety of incentives, including tax concessions and other conditions.

It has been nearly 10 years of time but only 770 people responded, with an average of 80 talents return a year. The 770 people are just a small number of the total number of people working abroad.

However, many of the small group of people still choose to leave again even they have returned.

While many young people are not able to realise their dreams here and thus, they are packing and preparing to pursue their dreams in unfamiliar countries.

x x x

And they said that Malaysia wants to become a high-income country. (By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/Sin Chew Daily)