Brain drain phenomenon can benefit country - Fadillah

JAKARTA: The brain drain phenomenon in Malaysia must be looked at from a different angle because the government can still benefit by utilising their expertise said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah who is also the Minister of Agriculture and Commodities said among factors involved in brain drain is in the field of research and the complete facilities and support services in places like the Silicon Valley in the United States can enhance their expertise and potential.

"In Malaysia, many have moved to other countries, especially those in the field of science and technology due to the lack of 'the whole value chain' that can provide a conducive environment for them.

"Brain drain need to be looked at from a different angle, that is how we the citizens who are abroad can contribute to our country. To me if there is a declaration for the purpose, it will be good," he said after a dinner with the Malaysian diaspora in Indonesia, here last night in conjunction with his three-day working visit to Indonesia..

Apart from establishing a close relationship between Malaysia and the country they live in, Fadillah said the benefit from the results of their research can be used by Malaysia.

Fadillah and his delegation arrived at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 6.40 pm (7.40 pm Malaysian time).

Today, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs to discuss issues related to palm oil.

The discussions will include strategies needed to overcome the clearing of forest by the European Union and ways to enhance relationship among Palm Oil producing countries (CPOPC).

-- BERNAMA