Nations have long measured the movement of their people as loss or gain, but Malaysia is attempting something more nuanced: a formal recognition that its citizens abroad are not absent, but extended. On August 7th, in Singapore, the Malaysian government launched MyHeart Global Connect — a fifteen-member advisory council drawn from ten countries — to weave diaspora expertise into the country's talent strategy without demanding return as the price of contribution. It is a quiet but consequential reframing, one that treats the scattered as still belonging, and belonging as still useful.
The Manila Times
· Aug 08, 2026
· governance
· 3 min read
High
Sourcing: Characterized
Malaysia Launches Global Advisory Council to Harness Diaspora Expertise
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Politics & Governance
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Bias & Framing
⚖
Article presents Malaysia's diaspora engagement initiative with largely promotional framing, minimal critical analysis, and government-favorable perspective.
Bias Direction
center-right
Confidence
HIGH
Government press release format with official statements dominating narrative; presents policy initiative as unambiguously positive without examining potential challenges, costs, or alternative viewpoints.
broadening its approach
next chapter
distinguished Malaysians
strengthen local talent and national competitiveness
stronger, more competitive and future-ready workforce
Concerns about brain drain or whether diaspora engagement adequately addresses it
Skepticism from domestic workers about diaspora competition for opportunities
Implementation challenges or historical outcomes of similar programs
Opposition voices or alternative policy approaches
Independent expert analysis on effectiveness of diaspora councils
Perspective from Malaysians who left due to economic/political reasons
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
Malaysia establishes MyHeart Global Connect to systematically integrate diaspora expertise into national competitiveness strategy, signaling shift from brain drain mitigation to leveraging global Malaysian networks.
Escalation Risk
low
Confidence
HIGH
Malaysia
Singapore
Southeast Asia
10 countries with diaspora council members
Malaysia strengthens soft power and economic competitiveness by formalizing diaspora engagement, positioning itself as a talent hub coordinator rather than talent-losing nation. This enhances regional influence through knowledge networks and cross-border professional ties, particularly relevant in ASEAN context where talent mobility is competitive advantage.
Similar to India's diaspora engagement strategy (NRI programs) and China's Thousand Talents initiative, which successfully leveraged overseas nationals for technological and economic advancement, though Malaysia's approach is more collaborative than competitive.
Economic Lens
📈
Malaysia establishes MyHeart Global Connect advisory council to leverage diaspora expertise for national competitiveness, signaling shift toward knowledge transfer and global talent network integration.
Market Signal
bullish
Confidence
MED
Human Resources & Talent Management
Technology & Innovation
Education & Skills Development
Professional Services
Entrepreneurship & Startups
Malaysian workers and job seekers benefit from expanded talent networks, knowledge transfer, and potential career opportunities through diaspora connections; consumers may see improved service quality and innovation from enhanced workforce competitiveness.
Signals government commitment to talent retention and attraction through diaspora engagement; may lead to policies supporting remote work, digital collaboration, investment incentives for overseas Malaysians, and bilateral talent exchange agreements with other nations.