The public data points to an exponential growth of Malaysian brain drain over the last four decades.
According to global empirical research, one of the systematic impacts of the brain drain on its home country is a decline in the quality of education.
At the same time, poor implementation and execution of the affirmative policy in education is profoundly featured in empirical research as one of the key push factors behind the Malaysian brain drain (refer to "Malaysian brain drain – don’t go chasing waterfalls").
Both factors can severely impede tertiary enrollment among capable students who now may prefer educational options abroad.
Fresh graduates earn less salary than those working in the gig economy.
According to the president of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman, the average starting salary of graduates holding an honours degree is approximately RM2,700 (refer to "Employers unable to meet fresh grads' high salary expectations" from May 19, 2023).
Meanwhile, a Grab driver can make around RM4,000 monthly (refer to "Employers unable to meet fresh grads' high salary expectations" from May 5, 2022).
Such a disparity in earnings has become a compelling factor for the younger generation when considering career paths potentially steering individuals towards the gig economy rather than pursuing traditional tertiary education routes.
A misconception among youngsters that gig work can offer sustainable livelihood.
A misconception that gig work can offer a desired lifestyle might be rooted in inadequate information about the long-term implications of such employment and a lack of proper financial planning - retirement savings, future family support and economic safety net.
