The paper describes the initiatives adopted by Malaysia to attract skilled personnel to serve the country. These measures, however, have not met with much success. An account of the findings of a recent study to review these initiatives is also given. It is suggested that adoption of future initiatives accord more emphasis to developing partnerships between local scientists and their counterparts abroad.  Publication/Conference 4th International Malaysian Studies Conference; 3-5 August 2004, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi.  Authors: K. Thiruchelvam, Kamarul Zaman Ahmad and Koh, Aik Khoon.