SINGAPORE: Malaysia is broadening its approach to engaging Malaysians overseas, shifting from a traditional focus on talent repatriation towards a more coordinated national strategy that harnesses the expertise of Malaysians around the world to bolster local talent and enhance national competitiveness.
Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Minister of Human Resources, with participants of the Salam Dari Malaysia @ Singapore programme, held at the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore.
As part of this new chapter, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), today launched MyHeart Global Connect, a global advisory council comprising 15 Malaysians based in 10 countries, during the Salam Dari Malaysia @ Singapore event.
Officially launched by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, on 7 August 2026, and attended by H.E. Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to Singapore, the event brought together 250 Malaysian professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academics, students, and community representatives residing and working in Singapore.
Speaking at the event, YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan stated that Malaysia’s talent ecosystem extends beyond its borders, and engaging Malaysians overseas must become a coordinated national effort.
“Malaysia’s talent story does not end at our borders. Malaysians overseas remain a vital part of our country’s talent ecosystem. As we develop local talent, we must also strengthen our engagement with Malaysians worldwide, so their expertise, experience, and global networks can support our nation’s progress.”
The Minister affirmed that the MADANI Government remains committed to building a stronger, more competitive, and future-ready workforce through quality employment opportunities, enhanced industry collaboration, and investments in future skills.
He added that TalentCorp has been tasked with working closely with KESUMA, other ministries and agencies, Malaysian diplomatic missions, industry partners, and the Malaysian diaspora to shape the next phase of Malaysia’s diaspora engagement.
“We already have solid foundations through TalentCorp’s Returning Expert Programme and MyHeart. The next step is to build on these by adopting a more coordinated national approach, enabling Malaysians abroad to continue contributing to Malaysia’s development while supporting our efforts to grow local talent,” he said.
MyHeart Global Connect unites accomplished Malaysians worldwide to offer strategic insights, international perspectives, and global networks that advance Malaysia’s talent agenda. The council will foster collaboration between government, industry, academia, and the Malaysian diaspora, creating opportunities for mentorship, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships, and international cooperation.
This initiative complements broader government efforts to boost Malaysia’s competitiveness, such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to attract high-value investments, generate quality jobs, and expand opportunities for Malaysians.
TalentCorp Group CEO Ms Biruntha Mooruthi commented that the establishment of MyHeart Global Connect marks a new chapter in Malaysia’s engagement with its global talent pool.
“Many Malaysians abroad have built exceptional careers, expertise, and international networks. MyHeart Global Connect provides a structured platform to incorporate that global expertise into national conversations, strengthen collaboration with government, industry, and academia, and ensure it complements the development of talent here at home.”
She also highlighted that Singapore remains one of TalentCorp’s strongest diaspora communities, with nearly 4,000 Malaysians registered on MyHeart, and it is also the largest source of applications under the Returning Expert Programme.
The programme featured a special session by Malaysian filmmaker Raymond Tan, director of ITAM: A Sun Bear Story, Malaysia’s first wildlife documentary to receive a nationwide cinema release. As he prepares to return to Malaysia after building an international career, Tan shared how global exposure, experience, and networks can create new opportunities for Malaysia’s creative sector and inspire the next generation of local talent.
Following the launch, the Minister participated in an open dialogue with members of the Malaysian community in Singapore, exchanging ideas on strengthening Malaysia’s talent ecosystem and deepening engagement with Malaysians abroad.
TalentCorp will continue to expand MyHeart Global Connect, working closely with KESUMA, government agencies, Malaysian missions overseas, industry, academia, and diaspora communities to ensure that Malaysian expertise worldwide continues to support local talent development and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s long-term growth and global competitiveness.-pr/BNN
