KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): Over 6,000 professionals have returned to Malaysia under the Returning Expert Programme (REP) since its launch in 2011, according to TalentCorp Group CEO Thomas Matthew.

Citing the United Nations (UN) data, Thomas pointed out that there are currently 1.86 million Malaysians living abroad, with 1.1 million Malaysians having migrated to Singapore.

Therefore, he explained that the REP aims to encourage these 1.1 million Malaysians abroad to return to their homeland, bringing along their valuable experiences and skills.

In a news conference following the launch ceremony of Volume 1 of the Sector-Focused Industry-Academia Collaboration (IAC) Workshop Report, Thomas said that the agency has also introduced the Malaysia@Heart initiative (MyHeart) to offer returning Malaysians networking opportunities and employment options.

"I proposed to the chief human resources officers of companies that, instead of looking for expatriates, they should also consider Malaysians abroad who have the necessary skills as potential employees.

"Through the [MyHeart] platform, employers can advertise positions. Malaysians who see these opportunities and wish to return can negotiate with the advertising employers and apply for the REP incentive," he said.

Since the inception of the REP, TalentCorp has received over 10,000 applications. The agency provides support in the application process, relocation and employment.

The REP also offers incentives such as a 15% flat tax rate for five years, tax exemption and permanent residence (PR) status for family members.

Touching on the IAC workshop report, Thomas said that the publication serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in collaborating with the government, industry and academia to develop talent solutions for the country.

"We have started using the insights and findings to ensure that our new initiatives, such as the sector-based Future Skill Talent Council, are strategically aligned with industry and the nation's needs," he added.

The IAC workshop report, launched by Human Resources Minister V Sivakumar, compiles findings and insights from TalentCorp's 10 IAC workshops in 2022 across various sectors, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), tourism, animation & gaming, electrical & electronics, medical and healthcare, fast-moving consumer goods, information and communications technology, biotechnology, logistics, and oil & gas services and equipment (OGSE).

The report, based on input from 550 representatives from industry, academia and professional bodies, presents sector overviews, talent challenges, in-demand skills, case studies and recommendations for each sector discussed during the workshops.