OMG: Singapore now offers Malaysian doctors S$110K salary, even before their graduation

[Tree]

OMG: Singapore now offers Malaysian doctors S$110K salary, even before their graduation​

ByNick Karean
May 12, 2026
theindependent.sg

SINGAPORE/MALAYSIA: A healthcare Instagram post is drawing attention to how early Singapore is now moving to secure Malaysian medical talent.

In a post published on April 18, the healthcare media platform One Milligram (OMG) Digital Health @omg_digital_health claimed that recruiters linked to Singapore hospitals are already approaching Malaysian medical students even before their final MBBS exams, offering salaries of around S$110,000 a year, along with permanent employment and pension benefits.

The claims were based on an earlier New Straits Times report published on March 29, headlined, “Brain drain worsens as trainee doctors turn to Singapore.”

Recruitment starts even before medical student graduation​

According to the Facebook page, recruitment agents have reportedly been targeting students from Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), with graduates signing Singapore employment contracts almost immediately after finishing medical school.

The page also pointed to Singapore’s recent recognition of USM graduates through the Singapore Medical Council, saying the move expanded the eligible Malaysian talent pool by an estimated 30% to 40%.

Malaysia’s healthcare brain drain worsens as trainee doctors turn to Singapore​

The New Straits Times reported that only 529 out of 5,000 housemanship placements offered by Malaysia’s Health Ministry in January 2026 were filled. The newspaper cited a research note by MBSB Research, which described the situation as a worsening brain drain within Malaysia’s healthcare sector.

Salary differences appear to be a major factor, as the report said Singapore’s starting pay for doctors can reach about S$110,000 (RM385,000) annually, roughly five to six times higher than Malaysia’s entry-level public healthcare offers.

Singapore also offers permanent employment pathways and pension benefits, while many Malaysian junior doctors still face contract-based appointments and uncertainty over long-term career progression.

Healthcare workers want stability, not just salary​

Online reactions to the Facebook post expressed a mix of frustration and resignation. Some commenters argued that it’s no longer so straightforward for Malaysia to retain healthcare workers, especially when neighbouring countries are offering more attractive pay packages and career structures.

Others said the matter involved burnout, long working hours and uncertainty over permanent placements, alongside concerns about salary.

For Singaporeans, the news also shows how regional healthcare competition is intensifying as countries race to secure doctors, nurses and specialists amid ageing populations and rising healthcare demand.

Retention issue vs pipeline issue​

Malaysia’s Health Ministry is reportedly working on reforms expected by the end of 2026, including plans to end the contract doctor system and restore permanent appointments for new graduates, according to the New Straits Times report.

Still, the deeper concern remains difficult to ignore. Once medical graduates begin planning their careers overseas before even entering the local healthcare system, the problem ceases to be a retention issue and becomes a pipeline issue, an early loss of future talent.

 

[Tree]

 

[rocket]

In sg rp 90 also can't get in.

 

[syed putra]

Competition is good. Jiu hu doctors work long hours and dismal Pay and benefit and despite grouses, the civil service department look down on their plight.

 

[millim6868]

Really jialat, we should hv local doctors maybe due to ppliticies, reduce local lawyers n docs

 

[syed putra]

Let's see. Rent already 4k. Car another 3k.

 

[A Singaporean]

Good strategy. Who the fuck wants retard Sinkies?

 

[eatshitndie]

sg can certainly train more but decides that poaching from neighboring cuntries is faster, more efficient and less costly.

 

[Eisenhut]

Very low leh....110k per yr include 13th month and bonus likely every month gross 7k nia.

 

[syed putra]

Very low leh....110k per yr include 13th month and bonus likely every month gross 7k nia.

I was thinking the same thing. Unless those doctors share a home they may save lots of money using one home and one car.

 

[birdie69]

Very low leh....110k per yr include 13th month and bonus likely every month gross 7k nia.

Why not recruit from CECA Indians, only $11,000 salary a year

 

[Eisenhut]

Why not recruit from CECA Indians, only $11,000 salary a year

Yes, because Ultron medical degree cost only $110

Then prepare for more lapes and molest in hospitals and of course deaths due mishandling

 

[supreme]

Why not recruit from CECA Indians, only $11,000 salary a year

Yeah lazy buggers and fake certification or from degree mills. Heard alot of disasters in hospitals till SMC has retracted alot of india medical schools recognition