Strategically located in the middle of Southeast Asia and at the crossroads of global trade, Malaysia is a tropical country blessed with abundant natural resources, beautiful scenery, year-round warm climate and friendly people.
Its diverse multi-ethnic society have coexisted in harmony and freely practiced their own faiths and traditions for centuries. Indeed, Malaysians are often admired for living peacefully together as one despite their different backgrounds. This inclusiveness means foreigners like yourselves will be warmly welcomed into the community and you would have no problems blending in.
The country is home to a large community of expatriates. Many, after experiencing its vibrant melting pot of cultures, have found it life changing. Though predominantly Muslim, other religions like Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism also flourish. You’ll get to immerse yourself in various cultural festivals all year round, and savour delicious cuisine enriched by elements of different communities.
As a former British colony, much of the country’s laws, education model and governance are derived from the British system. While Bahasa Melayu or Malay is the official language, English is a major 2nd language and commonly used everywhere. Those from the Western world will have no problems getting around or conversing with locals in everyday situations. With Mandarin being the 3rd most spoken language, expatriates from other Asian countries will also feel right at home.
Malaysia is ruled by a stable government and enjoys good relationships with countries all across the world. It attracts significant foreign investment and has excellent infrastructure. A vast network of roads, highways and rail links connect almost every corner of the country, while international airports and seaports at major cities make it a regional hub for global travel.
Manufacturing and commerce are major contributors to the country’s economy. Just recently, Malaysia placed 15th among 190 economies worldwide in the World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 Report.
Tourism is the other big contributor, with the country recording approximately 25.8 million tourists arrivals in 2018. Most come to shop, explore natural attractions or experience rich culture.
In 2012, the capital Kuala Lumpur was ranked 4th on CNN’s list of the World’s Best Shopping Cities. There are swanky shopping malls in almost every neighborhood, offering everything from high-end couture to fresh produce and local handicraft.
Also garnering global headlines in recent years in Penang and its capital city George Town, which came 2nd on CNN’s list of Best Places to Visit in 2017, 4th on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Top 10 Cities 2016 list, and 8th on Yahoo!’s list of Top 10 Islands to Explore Before You Die. An island paradise that blends the old and new with some of the best street food in the world, it is fittingly referred to as the Pearl of the Orient.
Malaysia claimed its place among the Top 10 World’s Best Places to Retire in 2019 in the Annual Global Retirement Index produced by International Living magazine. Meanwhile, the Expat Insider 2019 Survey conducted by InterNations, placed the country 9th among 64 destinations listed. Earlier in 2014, renowned travel guide Lonely Planet also ranked Malaysia among the Top 10 Countries to Visit.
While the country experiences monsoon and rainy seasons at certain times of year, it is free from natural disasters. Temperatures rarely dip below 25*C, making it comfortable and conducive to lots of family activities – be it jungle trekking, water-sports, golf, picnics or a game of football. Those into arts and culture are also well-catered to with frequent musical concerts, theatre performances and street events.
In short, there is no shortage of things to see, do and experience in this colourful land. And with the MM2H programme initiated, organised and supported by the Malaysian Government, rest assured your needs will be well taken care of. You won’t find a better place to call home!