Inside Malaysia’s Migrant Workforce

A talk on Migrant Labour Lives and Rights in Malaysia was held on 14th October 2025 at the Omnia Auditorium in Menara BAC, PJ. Organised by HRD Academy in collaboration with BAC, the talk brought much-needed attention to the complex experiences of the foreign workers who contribute significantly to the country’s economy.

Malaysia hosts the highest number of migrant workers in Southeast Asia, relying on labour from at least 15 countries, particularly across South and Southeast Asia. These workers support key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, domestic work and agriculture, yet many continue to face structural barriers and vulnerabilities.

The session featured creative media outputs from the MIDEQ project, a global research initiative that examines migration and inequality. Through documentaries, digital stories and visual case studies, participants were presented with a vivid, humanised look into the daily realities of migrant workers. These materials highlighted issues such as recruitment debt, workplace exploitation, access to healthcare and social isolation, bringing abstract policy discussions into clear, relatable focus.

One of the key highlights was the discussion of a successful legal case brought forward by migrant workers themselves, demonstrating both the challenges and the growing agency among labourers seeking justice. This case underscored the need for stronger protections, better access to legal recourse and more equitable labour practices.

The talk featured two distinguished speakers:

• Mr Adrian Pereira - Executive Director of the North-South Initiative - a prominent human rights organisation working on labour justice, migrant rights and grassroots empowerment.
• Associate Professor Dr Yeoh Seng-Guan - a respected scholar from Monash University Malaysia, whose work spans urban anthropology, social justice and the lived experiences of marginalised communities.

Together, they unpacked the historical, legal and sociocultural dimensions of migrant labour in Malaysia, shedding light on how policy decisions, global inequalities and local power dynamics shape the lives of foreign workers. Their insights helped participants understand not only the immediate challenges faced by migrant labourers, but also the broader systemic issues that perpetuate vulnerability.

The session emphasised the importance of rights-based approaches, ethical recruitment, community support structures and cross-sector collaboration. It also encouraged students, advocates and members of the public to reflect on Malaysia’s responsibility in ensuring fair treatment, dignity and justice for all workers who contribute to the nation’s development.

Overall, the talk provided a rich and timely exploration of migrant labour dynamics, inspiring attendees to think critically about social responsibility, human rights and the urgent need for reforms that protect the people who form the backbone of many Malaysian industries.