GEORGE TOWN – Fresh graduates from overseas universities prefer to remain put due to the lack of quality jobs and the country’s political instability, a recent survey found.
The online survey was conducted by Shun Wen, a masters’ degree holder in International History from the London School of Economics who recently returned to Penang.
The results of the survey of 54 people were highlighted by the Penang Institute think-tank.
“First, the survey focused on those who conducted their higher education overseas as they were more likely to have the sought-after qualifications. Some 96% of the respondents do not want to return to Malaysia after graduating and prefer to stay overseas,” he said.
“They cited better healthcare, higher salary, LGBT freedom, less racism, and – most of all – exasperation with Malaysian politics. Also almost half of the participants who returned to Penang are not looking for work. Most, however, were put off by Malaysian politics, and how it stifles the country’s potential.”
Shun said some even cited a fear of being stuck in Malaysia once they start working here, while others believe that their first job will define their careers, which leads them to want to seek employment overseas if possible.
He added that approximately 76% of the respondents in the survey would consider returning to Malaysia if the political situation were better, despite the lower pay and fewer benefits.
“In completing this survey, I got the feeling that these youths were neither feeling entitled nor being unrealistic, as they do understand the tough economic environment and the competitive nature of working overseas.
“They want to give it a shot at building a brighter future for themselves. If they can secure a job, indications are that they will most likely be a loyal worker, as most 73% of them stick with the same job for at least five years before even considering moving elsewhere.”
Shun said Malaysia has never been short of talent, citing his university in London where many smart, savvy, and forward-thinking Malaysians are pursuing their postgraduate degrees.
“Many have opted to return to their home country to bide their time or to take stock of their options. As I spent my quarantine in Kuala Lumpur, I wondered if the sheer number of students returning to Malaysia posed a potential reversal of the traditional brain drain.
“The problem of course, is that many of these smart people are just too smart to come back home after receiving their prized qualifications, largely because there are enough international companies eager to employ such Malaysian talents.”
He decided to conduct an online survey – and the results yielded some evidence supporting long-running arguments that explained why Malaysian youth seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Another finding was that young Penangites showed a positive view of Penang, as more than 70% said they would consider returning, citing their desire to stay close to family, the proposed good infrastructure, exciting lifestyles, and investments inflow comparable to Kuala Lumpur.
At the same time, some respondents identified Penang’s major weakness as being substandard digital infrastructure in the state.
“However, we hope that 2021 will see the beginning of the reversal of bad fortune for Malaysia and the world.” – The Vibes, March 25, 2021
