HR Ministry: 5,234 Malaysians working abroad have returned via REP since 2011

An undated file photograph shows the TalentCorp logo at its office in Kuala Lumpur. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 11:27 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — A total of 5,234 Malaysians working abroad have returned to work in Malaysia through the Returning Expert Programme (REP) from 2011 until August this year.

The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in a written reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, stated that throughout that period, the REP implemented by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) received 12,850 applications, with 8,093 of them approved.

The programme serves as a mechanism to attract highly skilled Malaysians back to contribute to the national economy.

KESUMA added that to strengthen these efforts, TalentCorp also implements the MyHeart initiative to connect highly skilled Malaysian diaspora with job opportunities matching their experience, expertise, and skill levels.

“As a new component, MyHeart Global Connect (MGC) brings together selected diaspora experts to provide advisory services, share expertise, and explore collaboration opportunities with stakeholders in Malaysia, with an initial focus on artificial intelligence (AI), technology and entrepreneurship, healthcare, and Malaysia-Singapore strategic priorities,” it said.

KESUMA was answering a question from Shaharizukirnain Abd Kadir (PN-Setiu) who wanted to know the effectiveness of the REP based on application statistics, approvals, and the number of experts who have returned to work in Malaysia.

The ministry stated that to facilitate the return of diaspora talent along with their families, the government — through cooperation between KESUMA, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Malaysian Immigration Department, and TalentCorp — has also provided Entry Permit Application Guidelines under the REP category.

The guidelines aim to provide clearer references regarding the entry permit application procedures for dependents of REP participants, thereby boosting the confidence of highly skilled talent to return to Malaysia with their families.

Meanwhile, for local talent development, KESUMA through TalentCorp implements MyBakat SkillsLab, which as of August 2026 has helped 2,794 participants secure job placements with starting salaries five to 15 per cent higher than the average. — Bernama