Malaysia is one of Asia's biggest employers of foreign labour. But recently, cases of deaths, abuse and forced labour have come to light. What is going on? Who is protecting these migrant workers?
"Malaysian workers should be able to serve in any industry, any position
and yet prove to be the best in the field.
<p>"We must quickly mobilise ourselves to be a knowledge-based workforce
to remain relevant in a knowledge-based economy," he said when launching
the MCA Lifelong Learning Expo at Universiti Malaysia Sabah here yesterday.</p>
<p>He said investors searching for cheap labour to set up their factories no longer
see Malaysia as a possible candidate.</p>
<p>Liow said multinational companies hoping to locate their headquarters as well
as research and development facilities were also spoilt for choice between Singapore,
Thailand, Malaysia and India.</p>
<p>"The situation is far more serious than most of us dare to admit,"
he added.</p>
<p>Liow said the Lifelong Learning Campaign would not only assist in efforts to
ensure the nation remained competitive but also increase awareness on the need
to protect the people’s way of life, beliefs, culture, community and nation.</p>
<p>"With better education, we also begin to better value our voice to develop
a strong identity for ourselves, in relation to other cultures or nations,"
he said.</p>
<p>He said lifelong learning also provided exposure so that people would be moderate
in their thinking.</p>
<p>"We are only a small nation of 24 million people. Let us not fight among
ourselves for what we think are our just share of the pie. Let us fight to enlarge
the pie," Liow added.</p>
<p>Among those present at the Lifelong Learning expo launching was Sabah MCA Youth
chairman Chew Kok Woh
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