PETALING JAYA: About 63% of applications under Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd’s (TalentCorp) returning expert programme have been approved from 2011 to May 31 this year.
Human resources minister Steven Sim said TalentCorp received 11,068 applications for the programme, aimed at reversing the brain drain.
Of the total applications, 6,969 have been approved.
The programme was introduced in 2001 to encourage Malaysians working abroad to return and work here. TalentCorp took over the management of the programme in 2011.
“With the ministry’s support, TalentCorp is committed to offering incentives to attract high-skilled Malaysians to return home,” Sim said in a written parliamentary reply.
“This includes 15% income tax cuts for five consecutive years; tax exemptions on all personal belongings brought into Malaysia, limited to one shipment; and excise duty exemptions for the purchase of a completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicle, limited to RM100,000.”
Tan Kok Wai (PH-Cheras) had asked Sim about the ministry’s short- and long-term measures to reverse Malaysia’s brain drain and stem the loss of skilled talents.
Sim also said TalentCorp had launched the Malaysia@Heart initiative (MyHeart) to provide Malaysians working abroad with networking opportunities and employment options, among others.
“MyHeart offers comprehensive avenues for Malaysians living and working abroad to reconnect with their homeland, whether they are considering returning or not,” he said.
