Brain Gain Malaysia (BGM)

What is Brain Gain Malaysia (BGM)?

In short, it is a program encouraging Malaysian citizens with expertise residing overseas to return to Malaysia. BGM was launched in 2006 by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Malaysia (MOSTI). The main mission of BGM, is to fast-track Malaysia's transition to an innovation-led economy, by leveraging the talent pool of Malaysian Diaspora and/or foreign Researchers, scientist, Engineers and other experts residing abroad through incentive offerings for mutual benefit. 

How BGM works?

Effective from 2001, BGM has attracted close to 700 successful applicants. Mostly in the medical& health and ICT field Malaysians overseas have returned to Malaysia to share their expertise and helped to build a more innovation driven Malaysia. These experts have enjoyed lavish tax incentives and other remunerations. By applying for one of the programmes MOSTI will connect experts with organizations in Malaysia through a matchmaking process. Typically these projects last from 2 weeks to 3 months.

What programmes are there in BGM?

There are seven (7) different programmes available.

(i)                 R&D Collaboration programme

Incentives to eligible scientists and researchers residing abroad to undertake applied R&D that generates scientific discovery / laboratory proof of concept (POC) with industrial application potential.

(ii)              Distinquished visitor programme

Incentives to Researchers, Scientists, Engineers and other experts. Malaysian and non-Malaysian residing abroad to visit and collaborate with local institutions. The aim is to share expertise and transfer of knowledge, in advisory, supervisory and consultative capacity, for period between 2 weeks to 3 months.

(iii)            International Fellowship & Post Doctoral

Enable eligible scientists (locally based Malaysian scientists) to gain research exposure and build collaborative networks internationally. The selected scientist will be offered remuneration for the duration of one year of Fellowship or Post-doctoral work at the chosen of higher learning or research institute overseas.

(iv)            Back to Lab

Enable eligible scientists (locally based Malaysian scientists) to return to the field of research after exiting for other non-research endeavors. This program will provide collaboration opportunities with the public institution of higher learning and research institutes.

(v)               Industry Cluster Development Support

Enable eligible scientists (locally based Malaysian scientists) to return to the field of research after exiting for other non-research endeavours. This program will provide collaboration opportunities with the public institution of higher learning and research institutes.

(vi)            Diaspora Innovation Partnership

Provides bridging commercialization incentive commercialize promising research outcomes through proof of concept development, technology development and business development. It aims to attract Malaysians and non-Malaysians residing abroad with high-potential commercialization ready scientific / technological innovations to relocate to Malaysia as technopreneurs.

(vii)          Transfer of Knowledge Through Malaysian Expatriates

Offers incentives to eligible scientists / researchers / experts residing abroad to transfer knowledge / expertise to Malaysian Ministries in an advisory / consultative / visiting expert capacity.

How should I proceed if I want to apply for this program?

Please contact the Malaysian diplomatic mission nearest to you. You should also visit bgm.mosti.gov.my to register as a portal user. In Finland the Embassy of Malaysia is pleased to provide further information and guidance - tel:+358 (0) 969697142 or email: info.malaysia@kolumbus.fi.