Malaysia Broadens Diaspora Strategy, Taps Global Malaysian Expertise to Strengthen Local Talent

• TalentCorp establishes MyHeart Global Connect, a global advisory council of distinguished Malaysians overseas, to strengthen Malaysia's talent agenda.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia is broadening its approach to engaging Malaysians overseas, moving beyond a traditional focus on talent return towards a more coordinated national strategy that harnesses global Malaysian expertise to strengthen local talent and national competitiveness.

As part of this next chapter, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), today established MyHeart Global Connect, a global advisory council comprising 15 Malaysians based in 10 countries, during Salam Dari Malaysia @ Singapore.

Officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato' Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan on 7 August 2026, and attended by H.E. Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, the event brought together 250 Malaysian professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academics, students and community representatives living and working in Singapore.

Speaking at the event, YB Dato' Sri Ramanan said Malaysia's talent ecosystem extends beyond its borders and engaging Malaysians overseas must become a coordinated national effort.

"Malaysia's talent story does not end at our borders. Malaysians overseas remain an important part of our country's talent ecosystem. As we strengthen local talent, we must also strengthen our engagement with Malaysians around the world so their expertise, experience and global networks can complement our nation's development."

The Minister said the MADANI Government remains committed to building a stronger, more competitive and future-ready workforce through quality jobs, stronger industry collaboration and investments in future skills.

He added that TalentCorp has been tasked to work closely with KESUMA, other ministries and agencies, Malaysian diplomatic missions, industry partners and the Malaysian diaspora to shape the next chapter of Malaysia's diaspora engagement.

"We already have strong foundations through TalentCorp's Returning Expert Programme and MyHeart. The next step is to build on those foundations through a more coordinated national approach that enables Malaysians overseas to continue contributing to Malaysia's development while complementing our efforts to strengthen talent at home," he said.

MyHeart Global Connect brings together accomplished Malaysians from around the world to provide strategic insights, international perspectives and global networks that support Malaysia's talent agenda. The council will strengthen collaboration between Government, industry, academia and the Malaysian diaspora, while creating more opportunities for mentorship, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and international collaboration.

The initiative complements the Government's broader efforts to strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness through initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to attract high-value investments, create quality jobs and expand opportunities for Malaysians.

TalentCorp Group CEO Ms Biruntha Mooruthi said the establishment of MyHeart Global Connect reflects a new chapter in Malaysia's engagement with its global talent.

"Many Malaysians overseas have built exceptional careers, expertise and international networks. MyHeart Global Connect gives us a structured way to bring that global expertise into national conversations, strengthen collaboration with Government, industry and academia, and ensure it complements the development of talent here at home."

She added that Singapore remains one of TalentCorp's strongest diaspora communities, with almost 4,000 Malaysians registered on MyHeart, while also being the largest source of applications under the Returning Expert Programme.

The programme also featured a special sharing session by Malaysian filmmaker Raymond Tan, director of ITAM: A Sun Bear Story, Malaysia's first feature-length wildlife documentary to receive a nationwide cinema release. As he prepares to return to Malaysia after building his career internationally, Tan shared how global exposure, experience and networks can create new opportunities for Malaysia's creative ecosystem and inspire the next generation of local talent.

Following the launch, the Minister participated in an open dialogue session with members of the Malaysian community in Singapore, where participants shared ideas and perspectives on strengthening Malaysia's talent ecosystem and enhancing engagement with Malaysians overseas.

TalentCorp will continue expanding MyHeart Global Connect, working with KESUMA, Government agencies, Malaysian missions abroad, industry, academia and diaspora communities to ensure global Malaysian expertise continues to complement local talent development and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia's long-term growth and competitiveness.

For more information on MyHeart, visit www.myheart.my

SINGAPORE, Aug. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia is broadening its approach to engaging Malaysians overseas, moving beyond a traditional focus on talent return towards a more coordinated national strategy that harnesses global Malaysian expertise to strengthen local talent and national competitiveness.

As part of this next chapter, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp), the strategic think tank under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), today established MyHeart Global Connect, a global advisory council comprising 15 Malaysians based in 10 countries, during Salam Dari Malaysia @ Singapore.

Officiated by the Minister of Human Resources, YB Dato' Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan on 7 August 2026, and attended by H.E. Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, the event brought together 250 Malaysian professionals, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academics, students and community representatives living and working in Singapore.

Speaking at the event, YB Dato' Sri Ramanan said Malaysia's talent ecosystem extends beyond its borders and engaging Malaysians overseas must become a coordinated national effort.

"Malaysia's talent story does not end at our borders. Malaysians overseas remain an important part of our country's talent ecosystem. As we strengthen local talent, we must also strengthen our engagement with Malaysians around the world so their expertise, experience and global networks can complement our nation's development."

The Minister said the MADANI Government remains committed to building a stronger, more competitive and future-ready workforce through quality jobs, stronger industry collaboration and investments in future skills.

He added that TalentCorp has been tasked to work closely with KESUMA, other ministries and agencies, Malaysian diplomatic missions, industry partners and the Malaysian diaspora to shape the next chapter of Malaysia's diaspora engagement.

"We already have strong foundations through TalentCorp's Returning Expert Programme and MyHeart. The next step is to build on those foundations through a more coordinated national approach that enables Malaysians overseas to continue contributing to Malaysia's development while complementing our efforts to strengthen talent at home," he said.

MyHeart Global Connect brings together accomplished Malaysians from around the world to provide strategic insights, international perspectives and global networks that support Malaysia's talent agenda. The council will strengthen collaboration between Government, industry, academia and the Malaysian diaspora, while creating more opportunities for mentorship, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and international collaboration.

The initiative complements the Government's broader efforts to strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness through initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to attract high-value investments, create quality jobs and expand opportunities for Malaysians.

TalentCorp Group CEO Ms Biruntha Mooruthi said the establishment of MyHeart Global Connect reflects a new chapter in Malaysia's engagement with its global talent.

"Many Malaysians overseas have built exceptional careers, expertise and international networks. MyHeart Global Connect gives us a structured way to bring that global expertise into national conversations, strengthen collaboration with Government, industry and academia, and ensure it complements the development of talent here at home."

She added that Singapore remains one of TalentCorp's strongest diaspora communities, with almost 4,000 Malaysians registered on MyHeart, while also being the largest source of applications under the Returning Expert Programme.

The programme also featured a special sharing session by Malaysian filmmaker Raymond Tan, director of ITAM: A Sun Bear Story, Malaysia's first feature-length wildlife documentary to receive a nationwide cinema release. As he prepares to return to Malaysia after building his career internationally, Tan shared how global exposure, experience and networks can create new opportunities for Malaysia's creative ecosystem and inspire the next generation of local talent.

Following the launch, the Minister participated in an open dialogue session with members of the Malaysian community in Singapore, where participants shared ideas and perspectives on strengthening Malaysia's talent ecosystem and enhancing engagement with Malaysians overseas.

TalentCorp will continue expanding MyHeart Global Connect, working with KESUMA, Government agencies, Malaysian missions abroad, industry, academia and diaspora communities to ensure global Malaysian expertise continues to complement local talent development and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia's long-term growth and competitiveness.

For more information on MyHeart, visit www.myheart.my

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Malaysia Broadens Diaspora Strategy, Taps Global Malaysian Expertise to Strengthen Local Talent

New Prospa and YouGov research finds SMEs would put an average of nearly $9,400 a month through a rewards-enabled payment platform, while only 8% currently route B2B payments through platforms offering rewards

SYDNEY, Nov. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian small and medium businesses could be missing out on rewards from thousands of dollars in necessary business spending each month, as rising operating costs continue to put pressure on margins.

New research from Australian fintech Prospa and YouGov found 84% of Australian SMEs have experienced rising operational costs, while 80% say unavoidable expenses have squeezed their margins over the past 12 months.

With businesses already paying suppliers, bills and other operating costs, the findings suggest SMEs are increasingly looking for ways to get more value from spending they cannot avoid.

Two in three Australian SMEs would use a rewards-enabled payment platform if given the option, yet only 8% currently use one for B2B payments. SMEs said they would put an average of $9,398 a month through a platform that offered rewards.

Beau Bertoli, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Prospa, said: "Every business has regular expenses that need to be paid, regardless of the economic environment. This research shows there is an opportunity for business owners to get more value from those everyday payments, rather than viewing them as simply a cost of doing business.

"Australian SMEs are looking for more value from the unavoidable costs of running a business. Two in three would put overheads through a rewards-enabled payment platform if given the option, yet only 8% currently route B2B payments through one. That gap shows rewards-enabled business payments remain a largely untapped opportunity."

Most SMEs are not earning rewards on B2B payments

The research found Australian SMEs currently use several methods to earn value from business spending:

• 23% use a business card that earns points, cashback or rewards.
• 14% negotiate rebates or loyalty benefits directly with suppliers.
• 8% use a B2B payment platform that offers rewards.
• A further 20% are actively looking for ways to get value or rewards from money they already spend.

"The results show that rewards are already part of how some SMEs approach business spending, although the methods used differ," Bertoli said.

"For some businesses, this means using rewards cards to get more value from everyday spending. Others are negotiating rebates with suppliers or routing B2B payments through platforms offering rewards. The opportunity is to give more SMEs practical ways to get greater value from spending that is already part of running their business."

SMEs would put thousands through rewards-enabled business payments

The amount Australian SMEs would put through a rewards-enabled payment platform varied by business size and structure:

• Across all SMEs surveyed, the average was $9,398 a month.
• Non-sole traders would put through an average of $14,682 a month.
• Sole traders would put through an average of $6,214 a month.
• One in five SMEs would put at least $10,000 of monthly business spending through one.

Non-sole traders were also more likely to actively look for value or rewards from money they already spend, at 27%, compared with 16% of sole traders.

"The level of interest naturally depends on the size and structure of each business, as every business faces its own unique expenses and payment volumes. That's why it's important to recognise that solutions need to be flexible to meet these diverse needs," Bertoli said.

"We launched Prospa Rewards because small businesses told us they want their everyday spending to work harder. Business owners already have suppliers, bills and other operating costs to pay. This is about helping them get something back from the spending that is part of their business."

About Prospa Rewards

The findings come following the launch of Prospa Rewards, a business rewards platform designed to help eligible Australian small businesses earn value from eligible business payments and transactions they already make.

Eligible customers can earn one Prospa Point for every $1 paid on eligible transactions. Prospa Points can be redeemed for selected business essentials and gift cards, or converted to Qantas Frequent Flyer Points.

Eligibility criteria, transaction requirements and redemption terms apply.

 

About Prospa

Prospa is a leading fintech committed to unleashing the potential of every small business in Australia and New Zealand. We do this by developing fast, flexible, stress-free lending solutions and financial management tools that help businesses thrive.

At Prospa, we're deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on the small business community and on our people. Since 2012, Prospa has helped over 45,000 small businesses access over $5 billion in business funding, working with over 20,000 partners, including brokers, accountants, and aggregator partners, to help unlock business funding for their small business clients.

In addition to our commitment to supporting SMEs, Prospa has also been recognised for its workplace practices, culture, and values, culminating in our certification as a Great Place to Work in Australia, a Great Place to Work in Technology, and, in 2025, a Great Place to Work for Women.

For more information about Prospa, visit prospa.com

Methodology

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 500 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th July – 13th August 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian business owners and primary decision makers of businesses with fewer than 50 employees (aged 18+).

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Prospa research: Two in three Aussie SMEs want rewards on their bills, yet only 8% are cashing in on supplier payments