An Econometric Analysis of the Post-study Inclinations among Malaysian Students in the United (2014)

Undergraduate: Yi Rong Hoo

Faculty Advisor: Clement Joubert
Department: Economics

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This paper investigates post-study inclinations of Malaysian students currently studying in the United States after they complete their education in the US the concept of a push-and-pull model. Students studying abroad in host countries are thought to be a source of brain drain among developing countries. In a survey administered throughout the course of this research, respondents were asked if they are inclined to return to Malaysia immediately, remain in the United States temporarily or remain in the United States permanently after completing their studies. It is found that more than half of the respondents are more inclined to remain in the United States either temporarily or permanently. Also, students who are scholars sponsored by various institutions in Malaysia are more inclined to return to Malaysia immediately suggesting that scholarship programs are viable policy tools to counter the brain drain phenomenon in Malaysia. Interestingly, students who did not attend public national schools in Malaysia are more inclined to remain in the United States begging the question if the structure of Malaysia¿s political economy has an even greater influence on Malaysia¿s brain drain predicament than previously thought in the literature. Lastly, using a simulation method, it is found that awarding students with US permanent residence will significantly increase the proportion of students who will be more inclined to remain in the US permanently.