Apple
Basically yes, that is what I have experienced. Someone like Bristow or CHC will send an aircraft and crew(s) to an international location but with the proviso that they start to train local Co-Pilots (initially) and technicians to satisfy local labor regulations. Eventually, a local capability is established doing away with most expatriates.
Weststar needs experienced AW139 Captains because the customer demands it. There is no shortage of local experienced (just not in type) Captains and First Officers who will be ready once they have gained experience in the AW139. Your chances of being employed as a foreign First Officer in Malaysia are essentially nil.
Your best long term chances are to become an experienced Captain on twins with an Instrument Rating. The best way would be to approach one of the GOM operators and tell them that you are seeking a position as a First Officer on a twin.
Most of the GOM operators who are not already established internationally are also dipping their toes into international markets (albeit slowly).
If you have the experience to satisfy the oil company's Aviation Standards (which you will have to build in the GOM) you would be surprised at the opportunities that may spring up in the next 5 years, maybe even with the company you would join to avoid "job hopping".
Bristow of course is already an established international and GOM company and would have international vacancies from time to time, likewise, CHC. You could also try PHI and or ERA, both of whom seem to be very interested in International expansion.