Networking Integral In Engaging Malaysian Professionals Abroad

By Joshua Foong LONDON, March 31 (Bernama) -- In dealing with the professional Malaysian diaspora, networking is the name of the game. This has been the theme underlying Talent Corp's efforts to engage with Malaysian professionals abroad. The Royal Horticultural Halls in Westminster on Friday were filled with prominent Malaysian corporate figures mingling with those who have been building their careers in the United Kingdom, primarily London. For Talent Corp chief executive officer Johan Mahmood Merican, the main idea is "ultimately a drive for those based in the UK to gain an insight about the prospects of returning home or even contributing as a Malaysian expatriate." "Our role here is mainly to facilitate that conversation. It is not just plainly about asking them on when our Malaysian talents abroad are coming back," he said in an interview on Friday. For Johan, a more effective strategy to tackle the brain drain among Malaysians is to build a "professionally anchored" network, opening up opportunities for fellow Malaysians to consider back home. Johan's vision has also been shared by the 20 reputable Malaysian-based firms who have taken this trip across the globe seriously by sending their top guns, including PwC Malaysia executive chairman Johan Raslan, Ernst and Young country managing partner Rauf Rashid, BDO Malaysia managing partner Gan Ah Tee and CIMB Group corporate resources head Hamidah Naziadin. Given that most of the 300 attendees were professionals in the accounting, finance, services and technology sectors, both employers and employees found the networking dinner not only relevant but an opportunity not to be missed. For BDO Malaysia's Gan, it was "a gold mine" of talent, and if the time is right for any of them, he is confident that they will definitely find a highly suitable position in a firm back home. "It is no harm for our Malaysians to try to grow their careers overseas. In fact, adding an international flavour to it will be valuable and highly sought after by top Malaysian firms," he said. Accountant Cheong Yen Li, 25, who has been with Deloitte UK for almost three years, said she was considering her options, especially the opportunities available back home. "The propositions have never been made clearer to my fellow Malaysian friends and I. Having the opportunity to directly engage the top corporate leaders in conversation about the prospects back home has given me a greater understanding and fresh confidence about returning to continue to build my career," she said. Dinners will also be held in Glasgow and Dublin for other professionals next Wednesday and Friday respectively. On April 7, a networking dinner specially for Malaysian medical professionals will also be held here. -- BERNAMA