Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
The Deputy Prime Minister said the country was still far too reliant on foreign
technology, indicated by the poor number of patents applied by Malaysian residents
compared with non-residents.
<p>"Over the last five years, only a mere 26 patents were granted annually
to Malaysian residents. </p>
<p>"Malaysians should not be just content to use and respect intellectual
property, but to create it," he said in his speech at the Cambridge (Malaysia)
Foundation annual dinner here yesterday. </p>
<p>He said the country also needed to foster a more holistic and comprehensive
"brain gain" programme that would entice qualified, highly-skilled
overseas Malaysians back home. </p>
<p>"Recognising that this global war for talent was taking place, we in Malaysia
embarked on the programme a few years ago. </p>
<p>"We expected a strong flow of returnees but instead saw a steady trickle,"
he added.
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