Why Are More Malaysians Becoming Singaporeans?

Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, Senior Fellow, Malaysia Studies Programme and Regional Economic Studies Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute

12-Aug-25 07:45

Why Are More Malaysians Becoming Singaporeans?

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The Ministry of Home Affairs recently revealed a surge in the number of Malaysians renouncing their citizenship for Singapore, reviving concerns about the brain drain to other countries. We speak to Dr. Lee Hwok Aun of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute about the push and pull factors that result in skilled labour leaving Malaysia and whether reframing the narrative would help.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Produced by: Natalie Tan

Presented by: Elaine Boey, Wong Shou Ning, Shazana Mokhtar

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Categories: politics, government, international, environment

Tags: nationality renunciation, labour migration, brain drain, singaporeans, malaysians,

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