KULN Propose Global TVET Talent Network As Bridge To Woo Talented M'sians Living Abroad Back Home

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- The Overseas UMNO Club (KULN) has proposed the establishment of the Global TVET Talent Network as a global bridge to channel Malaysian talent worldwide back to contribute to national development.

United Kingdom KULN delegate Muhammad Amir Ikram Mohd Fadil said the network is essential to ensure that the expertise of Malaysians working and gaining experience abroad can continue to be utilised for the country's development.

He said that Malaysia currently has many highly skilled talent in engineering, technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and professional fields abroad, but Malaysia must have a mechanism to ensure these talents do not solely contribute to other nations' economies.

"In our effort to make Malaysia a skills nation, we must address the challenge of brain drain. We must not end up producing talents while other countries enjoy their expertise," he said when debating a motion at the 2026 UMNO General Assembly (PAU26) here today.

According to him, Malaysia should not view talent migration as something to be feared, but rather ensure they have pathways to return and contribute to their homeland.

"Instead of brain drain, we must move toward brain gain and brain circulation - Malaysian talent goes global while still contributing to the country," he said.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Amir Ikram said the Malaysian diaspora community abroad needs to be empowered in terms of security, particularly when facing geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, flight disruptions, and food supply issues.

Therefore, he suggested empowering KULN to act as a Community Emergency Response for Malaysian delegations abroad to help connect embassies with local communities during emergencies.

"We are not taking over the duties of the embassy, but acting as a bridge between the embassy and the community on the ground. When any emergency happens, we can quickly identify who needs help, who has young children, and who is cut off from food supplies," he said.

According to him, the number of Malaysians abroad highlights the need for a stronger community network, with Australia hosting more than 19,000 Malaysian students, followed by the United Kingdom with over 12,000, and Egypt with nearly 7,000.

-- BERNAMA