S-E Asia boosts efforts to lure skilled citizens back home

Singapore

WHILE thousands of skilled Asian workers emigrate each year in search of better pay or opportunities, Kwee Keong Lim decided to come home to Malaysia. Partly, it was the roti prata.

After more than 20 years abroad, Mr Lim was lured back to Kuala Lumpur by the chance to run the Asia-Pacific region for Technip SA, a French oilfield-services provider. As a bonus, he's reunited with his favourite foods, like the fried flat-bread that locals eat with curry. "Asia is a growth region, and Malaysia is investing in industries like oil and gas, so this was a natural move," said Mr Lim, 53, who returned in 2012. "I have a good job, the quality of life is good, and I can easily find roti prata anywhere. It's a big attraction."