Teenagers weigh if grass is still green in Malaysia or greener abroad

Is there a future in Malaysia? This is, of course, debatable, depending on your background, upbringing, exposure, and expectations. Just asking the question can get some people boiling mad. With many youngsters aiming to study and remain overseas, this topic is worth exploring.

Ahmed Ilm, 14, explained why some may eye foreign countries.

“The prices of imported foods like snacks and drinks have been skyrocketing,” he said.

Although the increase in the prices of consumer products may benefit those in the import businesses and even the merchants stocking them, it has added more stress to the public and impacted their spending power.

Nevertheless, it’s not enough to turn one into a sceptic. Ahmed believes there is a future in Malaysia.

“The Malaysian economy is slowly and steadily improving, especially with many tech companies investing in the country. My parents have encouraged me to study abroad and even work abroad, as long as I have the proper credentials and do the required research.

“I have many family members who went to study abroad, and some stayed there to work because the foreign currency was stronger. Besides, it is an excellent experience, and those who have worked abroad highly recommend it,” he said.

Admitting that Malaysia, like any other country, does have room for improvement, he nevertheless believes the facilities and infrastructure here are better now.

“Of course, it is not perfect, but it is much better than most people think, even though there will always be nations that have better facilities, such as Germany.”

In fact, if Ahmed does move abroad, it will probably be to Germany, which offers many job opportunities and a strong currency.

Amber Peh, 16, plans to study overseas in a country that offers a good education and stable income.

However, she believes that globalisation has made it easier for the younger generation, and that while some Malaysians may prefer to go abroad, those from other countries may prefer working and living here.

“One of my mum’s friends moved from China to Malaysia for a better job opportunity. She is working in Kuala Lumpur and was transferred here due to a partnership with international institutions,” said Peh.

According to Dr Sobana Gopalakrishnan, 36, some of her university peers from Sri Lanka also chose to remain in Malaysia after graduating. They are working in government hospitals.

They have chosen to stay and work here because of the political challenges in their home country.

While Dr Sobana also believes there is a future in Malaysia, it may not be for everybody.

“Due to social and cultural differences, certain groups, despite having the qualifications, are not given the opportunities required to succeed.”

Often, they lack resources and the chance to pursue their professions, leaving many to migrate to other nations, leading to the issue of “brain drain”.

According to Dr Sobana, some doctors have migrated to Australia and New Zealand for better prospects.

Career advancement is, of course, important for youngsters and fresh graduates. Singapore, Australia, and Canada are among the few countries that offer opportunities in fields that Malaysia lacks.

Some of the things that attract youngsters to go abroad include courses that are not available here, job opportunities, and better salaries. Others prefer going overseas because of lifestyle preferences.

A teacher in an international school, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Malaysia has so much room for improvement.

Commenting on countries that offer more attractive opportunities, he cited Singapore as an example. Culturally and geographically, it seems like the best option for Malaysians to move to. Language, food, and lifestyle would not be much different from here. Plus, going home would be just a drive away.

“We can be on a par with Singapore if we strive to, but there are many social and educational restrictions that prevent us from reaching that goal. Those who leave our country do so for their own benefit and goals. At the end of the day, Malaysia in general is a very unique place, unlike others,” he said.

He believes Malaysia can offer our youths a better future. But it starts with the education system.

“We must have concrete plans, regulate the teachers, monitor them, and prevent our schools from being understaffed… and our teachers and the next generation from being undereducated.”

Separately, Peh agreed that improvements were necessary within the education system. She highlighted that government schools and universities may lack the resources and global rankings of top institutions, limiting access to world-class education.

She feels that Malaysia’s healthcare system, which, while affordable for many, doesn’t sufficiently reach out to those in rural areas.

“We need to alleviate these inadequacies in infrastructure and quality,” she added.

“There is definitely a future here for young people. Malaysia offers a relatively affordable cost of living, strong family-oriented values, and rich cultural diversity, making it an attractive place for those with family ties.

“While education and healthcare are accessible, job opportunities and living costs vary, particularly in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur,” said Peh.