Overseas Umno Club proposes global talent network to combat brain drain

At the UMNO General Assembly 2026, Muhammad Amir Ikram Mohd Fadil of the Overseas Umno Club (KULN) United Kingdom proposed the creation of a ‘Global TVET Talent Network’. The initiative aims to address Malaysia’s brain drain by connecting highly skilled Malaysians working abroad with domestic institutions, agencies, and industrial sectors.

Rather than focusing solely on bringing citizens back to Malaysia, the proposal advocates for ‘brain circulation’. This approach allows professionals in fields such as engineering, technology, and artificial intelligence to share expertise, transfer knowledge, and foster international industry connections without necessarily leaving their current overseas positions.

Additionally, the delegate suggested empowering the Overseas Umno Club to serve as a community emergency response team. This would enable better coordination between Malaysian embassies and citizens during geopolitical uncertainties, natural disasters, or supply disruptions. Data noted that Australia, the UK, and Egypt host significant numbers of Malaysian students, highlighting the scale of the diaspora.