The Malaysian government's focus on development of education has not only helped in the country's development but has also assisted other countries to emulate similar success, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Muhyiddin said improvements in the national education system was the country's biggest investment, so as to churn out students with knowledge, skills and expertise to assist in the development of the nation.
The national education system has produced many intellectuals in almost all fields such as doctors and engineers which is a reason why Malaysia has progressed into an almost developed nation.
He said a blueprint was developed for the sake of the future of Malaysian children who were invaluable assets for this blessed land as the nation's progress would be placed in their hands.
Muhyiddin said what was important was that the final goal of the implementation of programmes was to produce human capital that can contribute to the rapid growth of the country, taking into account sustainable development as well.
"There are about a million Diaspora overseas. They are specialized professionals, experts and specialists in their respective fields. Although Malaysia is a developing country, education is always top on its priority," he
said during a meeting with the Malaysian community, here on Sunday.
However, Malaysia still needed professionals who are based overseas to come home after completing their term of contract or studies.
"To overcome the shortage of professionals and technical experts in the country, towards creating a world-class workforce in Malaysia, particularly in the context of driving the Economic Transformation Programme, the Talent Corp has been formed to look at addressing talent requirements of the economic transformation," he said.
Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said though many countries had faced an economic downturn, Malaysia still registered an economic growth of more than six percent last year.
"That was one of the reasons we had to 'import' unskilled workers. More than two million foreign workers were needed to cater for the demands in various sectors. Malaysia offers employment for not only its own population but also foreigners to the extend of illegal immigrants sneaking into the country in search of employment.
"Malaysia is heaven for many. Only some Malaysians believed Malaysia is not good enough for them," he said.
Muhyiddin said the government had always taken steps to ensure Malaysia can attract foreign investment, with last year's total foreign investment reaching RM216 billion.
"Malaysia has become an industrialized nation to attract investment and the country has a ranking internationally. Firstly, Business Environment Ranking 2014 by the Economist Intelligent Unit, Malaysia are 19th in the four-year period (2014-2018), up from 24th in the previous period out of 182 countries that participated. Better than United Kingdom, Japan and Korea," he said.
He said for World Bank Group's International Finance Corporation (IFC) Doing Business in 2016, Malaysia ranked 18th this year, up from 20th in 2013 in a key World Bank survey of 189 countries.
"Institute of Management Development (IMD) in 2014 World Talent, Malaysia ranked fifth among 60 countries, beating other notable countries like Singapore and the United States," he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said for the World Competitiveness Yearbook (WYC) 2014 by IMD, Malaysia ranked 12th among 60 countries while for 2014 Visa Restrictions Index by Henley and Partners, Malaysian passport ranked the eight best in the world for travellers.
"The 2014 Global Services Location Index (GSLI) by A.T. Kearney, Malaysia ranked third. 2014 Global Retirement Index by American Publication International Living, listed Malaysia's healthcare system as third best. World Bank's 2014 Ease of Doing Business, Malaysia has improved its ranking from 12th to sixth spot," he said.
Muhyiddin arrived in Japan on Friday for a four-day working visit.
Bernama
Mon Mar 16 2015
MUHYIDDIN: improvements in the national education system was the country's biggest investment. - File pic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.