New global advisory council of overseas Malaysians seeks to strengthen Malaysia's talent agenda

The council, which comprises 15 Malaysians based in 10 countries, aims to create a structured avenue for Malaysians abroad to contribute to national development, for instance through knowledge sharing and international collaboration.

Malaysia is looking to strengthen its local talent agenda by drawing on the expertise, experience, and global networks of those overseas.

As part of this effort, Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) has established MyHeart Global Connect, a global advisory council comprising 15 Malaysians based in 10 countries, during Salam Dari Malaysia @ Singapore.

The council will provide strategic perspectives and international insights in support of Malaysia’s talent agenda, while facilitating stronger collaboration among Government, industry, academia and Malaysian diaspora communities. The aim is also to create avenues for mentorship, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and international collaboration that can benefit talent development in Malaysia.

The launch event was officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, on 7 August 2026, and attended by H.E. Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore. It brought together 250 Malaysian professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academics, students and community representatives living and working in Singapore.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ramanan said Malaysia’s talent ecosystem extends beyond its borders, and Malaysians overseas remain an important part of the country’s broader development efforts.

“Malaysia's talent story does not end at our borders. Malaysians overseas remain an important part of our country's talent ecosystem.

"As we strengthen local talent, we must also strengthen our engagement with Malaysians around the world so their expertise, experience and global networks can complement our nation's development.”

TalentCorp will work with the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), relevant ministries and agencies, Malaysian diplomatic missions, industry partners and diaspora communities to support this next phase of diaspora engagement.

MyHeart Global Connect complements wider national efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to attract high-value investments, create quality jobs and expand opportunities for Malaysians.

Commenting on the new initiative, Biruntha Mooruthi, Group CEO, TalentCorp Group, shared that the council provides a platform to connect Malaysians overseas with national conversations on talent and workforce development.

“Many Malaysians overseas have built exceptional careers, expertise and international networks. MyHeart Global Connect gives us a structured way to bring 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 added that Singapore remains one of Malaysia’s largest and most active diaspora communities with almost 4,000 Malaysians registered on MyHeart, while the country is also the largest source of applications under the Returning Expert Programme.

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Lead image / TalentCorp Facebook