Emigrating from Malaysia: Opportunities and Considerations

As an expatriate in Germany, my advise to fellow Malaysians weighing the pros and cons of migrating to another country is to consider the opportunities and the reasons behind your decision. Whether you should migrate or stay in Malaysia depends on various factors, including your current job, personal circumstances, and aspirations.

Opportunities for Professionals

For highly skilled professionals, the opportunity to migrate can be particularly attractive. Entering a new country through an education pathway can open doors to better understanding and adapting to the local culture, communication, and language. This can be especially beneficial for people seeking a higher standard of living or more advanced career prospects.

Direct job offers in sought-after fields, such as information technology, are also strong incentives for migrating. For instance, an IT professional can find a highly valued and well-compensated position in a developed country, leading to a more stable and prosperous life.

Challenges of Migrating for Non-Professionals

For those entering the workforce in less skilled positions, such as fruit picking, delivery, taxi driving, or working at restaurants, the attractions of migration may be less clear. Working odd jobs can be grueling, and the daily struggle to make ends meet can lead to a constant feeling of dissatisfaction and insecurity.

Professional immigrants often find themselves in a state of constant comparison and questioning, wondering if they made the right choice. As Carl Jung famously said, Between two possible paths, take the one that seems less likely to succeed. The differences are going to be much more interesting. Embracing the unknown can lead to remarkable opportunities and personal growth.

Personal and Cultural Factors

The decision to emigrate is also influenced by personal and cultural factors. For instance, if you are of Malay heritage, there may be institutionalized privilege in Malaysia, which other races may find unfair. However, for Malay citizens who have migrated, the experience can be very rewarding.

Irsa, a non-Malaysian with a connection to Malaysia through the Kulliyyah of International Islamic Merchandise and Service Trade (KIMSySTM), finds the idea of emigration compelling. Given Malaysia's cultural and spiritual ties with the "Abode of Peace," I would recommend emigrating sooner rather than later.

Political and Economic Considerations

The political situation in Malaysia also plays a significant role. While political dynamics can affect the daily lives of Malaysians, the reality is that no government is eager to change the status quo to end Malay rights. As a result, Malays who migrate to Malaysia may find they can climb the economic and social ladder more easily than their counterparts in Singapore.

This doesn't mean that moving to Malaysia is the only path. For minority groups in Singapore or other countries who feel there are better opportunities elsewhere, migrating can be a worthwhile decision. The idea is to live life fully and not stand still; everyone's life is valuable, and everyone deserves the chance to explore and seek what they truly want.

In conclusion, the decision to migrate from Malaysia is multifaceted and depends on a range of personal, professional, and political factors. It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and to embrace the future with an open mind and a willingness to take risks.