LETTERS: Recently, I had advertised for a junior professional position at a Singaporean company.
The position required only a relevant diploma and a year of working experience (however, fresh graduates were welcomed), with a monthly salary of around S$3,000 (RM9,960).
Singaporeans who applied had a relevant diploma, with one or two having a degree.
Malaysians who applied for the position surprised my colleagues and me.
All of them had relevant degrees as a minimum qualification. One even obtained her degree, master's and internship experience in the United Kingdom.
Another had a degree and worked as a professional in Malaysia.
Despite their qualifications and work experience, both applied for the junior position, for which they were overqualified.
My colleagues and I concluded that these applicants wanted to work overseas to kick-start their careers.
A friend of mine, whose child recently graduated with a medical degree from Universiti Malaya, was recruited by the Singapore government to train and work as a junior doctor there.
I understand that almost all of her medical cohort from Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia had been similarly recruited to work in Singapore. They will receive structured training, as well as a starting salary of around S$6,000, plus allowances.
Compare that with the maximum salary scale of RM5,000 for junior doctors in Malaysia.
It is no wonder that our best and brightest are being lured overseas. They are global talent that Malaysia nurtured and financed, and desperately needs.
When I speak to relatives and friends, every single one of them knows of relatives and friends who have emigrated or are contemplating it.
Malaysians only know too well the reasons for such emigration and brain drain.
Some have placed their hopes on the new administration to stem brain drain and emigration. Others, however, have noted that it seems to be business as usual.
I find it sad and disturbing that despite numerous reports, warnings and much effort over the decades, Malaysia's best and brightest are not only continuing to leave in droves but are downgrading their qualifications and experience to get a foot in the door of another country.
CHEW KOK LIANG
Foresque Residences, Singapore
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times