MIDA recognises that true contentment extends beyond business. Malaysia, with its multicultural diversity, offers a warm and hospitable environment for work and living. A fulfilling lifestyle goes beyond careers and encompasses family, friendships, education, health, and leisure, creating a holistic experience that ensures well-rounded happiness.
In the Expat Insider 2022 survey, expats ranked Malaysia 5th in the Personal Finance Index due to its relatively low general cost of living, high household disposable income, and overall satisfaction with their financial situation. Additionally, in HSBC’s Expat Explorer survey, the world’s largest and longest running study of expat life, Malaysia was ranked 3rd among all ASEAN countries to live in.
Malaysia’s remarkable diversity, rooted in its rich blend of ancient civilisations, sets it apart. This multicultural mosaic fosters multilingualism, with Malaysians speaking two or even three languages, including Malay (the national language), English, Mandarin, Tamil, and other Asian languages. Embodying a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Malaysians are known for their warm and friendly nature, as well as their easy acceptance of foreigners. Beyond abundant business prospects, Malaysia offers vibrant and distinctive encounters that lead to lasting connections, creating a truly memorable experience.
Malaysia boasts world-class healthcare services, fully equipped with a comprehensive range of medical specialties, state-of-the-art equipment, highly skilled healthcare professionals, and patient-centred care. Coupled with a relatively lower cost of living and a temperate climate, Malaysia remains among the top retirement destinations in the world.
Malaysia is making significant progress in personalised healthcare, as evidenced by its 8th position in the Personalized Healthcare Index for the Asia Pacific region. The index, conducted by FutureProofing Healthcare and Roche, measures the readiness and resilience of health systems in the region. Malaysia stands out for its strong funding availability, ranking third in financial support for scaling up personalised healthcare initiatives.
Malaysia is known for its highly skilled doctors and healthcare professionals who provide excellent care to both locals and tourists. The country’s talent is acknowledged by the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI), a global leader in accreditation. In a historic achievement, Datuk Dr. Jacob Thomas became the first Malaysian appointed as the Chairman of JCI in 2021, further affirming Malaysia’s reputation for exceptional healthcare.
I think there is nothing more important than making sure the patients that come to our hospitals are safe. One way to ensure that is to look at patient safety, quality of care, and looking at outcomes. All this happens when you are accredited by one of many international accrediting bodies.
– Datuk Dr. Jacob Thomas, Chairman of the Joint Commission International (JCI), 2021
World-Class
State-of-the-art technology, combined with medical expertise and international accreditation, is provided here.
Quality Standards
Stringent quality and safety standards set by the Ministry of Health.
Skilled Talent
Expertly trained healthcare professionals from reputable institutions in Malaysia, UK, Australia and USA.
Global Recognition
National and international accreditations, eg. MSQH, JCI, ACHS.
Ease of Communication
The plethora of languages spoken here makes you feel that you are not too far from home.
Easy Accessibility
Minimal wait hours with access to specialists and various treatments.
Competitive Affordability
Treatment costs are monitored by the Ministry of Health.
Global Halal Hub
Providing consumers with a wide range of options to meet their religious needs.
Malaysia has built a strong reputation as a safe and trusted global destination for healthcare over the past 10 years, with visitors from across the world coming for a range of treatments.
– Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), 2023
The Malaysian education system caters to a wide range of communities, offering a multitude of public and private schools with a comprehensive curriculum regulated by the Ministry of Education. Moreover, parents have the flexibility to enrol their children in prestigious international schools that align with the teaching methodologies and curriculum of their country of origin.
There is a wide selection of comfortable housing in Malaysia. According to a survey on expatriate living costs by the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry, monthly rentals for accommodation can range from as low as RM2,500 – 3,800 (USD590 – USD960) for a furnished 3-bedroom condominium in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur to approximately RM15,000 (USD3,500) for a luxury bungalow in a posh neighbourhood nearer to the city.
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has also launched the Malaysia Smart City Framework to accommodate the future emerging technology trend as well as the Malaysia SDG Cities Roadmap, a framework to support cities and regions in the country towards becoming a sustainable urban nation.
Monthly Rentals
for a furnished 3-bedroom condominium in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur
Monthly Rentals
for a luxury bungalow in a posh neighbourhood nearer to the city
Malaysia’s year-round warm climate presents an inviting lifestyle, catering to both especially for those seeking adventure. Families can explore breathtaking national parks with majestic rivers and towering mountains, engage in snorkelling and scuba diving in idyllic islands, tee off at picturesque hill resorts, indulge in extravagant shopping at luxurious complexes and factory outlets, or immerse themselves in the excitement of Malaysia’s numerous amusement parks.
Back to Nature
Malaysia is one of the leading dive destinations in the world, with one of the richest marine environments in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible biodiversity of marine life, coupled with warm, clear waters, beautiful islands and breathtaking beaches keep divers coming back to Malaysia.
Diving sites in Malaysia include Tioman Island and Aur Island in Johor, Kapas Island and Perhentian Island in Terengganu and Mantanani, Mataking, Mabul and Sipadan in Sabah. Imagine sandy beaches and turquoise tropical waters rich in rainbow-coloured sea life. Malaysia is a true gift to lovers of the sea.
There are also plenty nature reserves and hiking trails across Malaysia to be explored. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind by hiking through Malaysia’s mesmerizing flora and fauna, and reward yourself with breathtaking peak views. These include Taman Negara (National Park Malaysia), Bako National Park, KL Forest Eco Park, Broga Hill, Penang Hill, and Mount Kinabalu.
Shopper’s Paradise
Vibrant Culture and Arts
Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity is showcased through its blend of indigenous tribes, Malays, Chinese, and Indian influences, establishing it as a melting pot of Asia. Festivals like Lunar New Year feature vibrant lion dance costumes, while Malaysian Batik and Wayang Kulit highlight traditional textile art and shadow puppetry. With over 130 museums, including the National Museum and Islamic Art Museum, Malaysia offers a wealth of historical and cultural heritage for visitors to explore and immerse themselves in.
Experience Tropical Nightlife
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of options to suit different preferences. From exclusive restaurants and hip bars to trendy nightclubs and karaoke spots, there is something for everyone. Taste, Relish, Experience and Celebrate (TREC) located along Jalan Tun Razak is Kuala Lumpur’s largest entertainment and food & beverage hotspot, a popular destination known for its hipster speakeasies, comedy clubs, and piano bars. For those seeking breathtaking views of the KL skyline, upscale venues like The Roof at 1 First Avenue, Mantra Bangsar, and the Wet Deck at the W Kuala Lumpur Hotel offer a vibrant atmosphere and stunning perspectives of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers—perfect for a memorable night out in the city.
Thrilling Sporting Events
Malaysia features world-class sporting facilities and hosts a variety of exciting international events.
The annual Le Tour de Langkawi, sanctioned by the International Cycling Union (UCI), showcases thrilling cycling races. The Penang International Dragon Boat Festivals offer exhilarating competitions as teams compete for glory. Tennis enthusiasts can enjoy the ATP Malaysian Open, a dazzling event filled with entertainment.
For golf enthusiasts, Malaysia offers over 200 golf courses, including those designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Ernie Els. Many premier golf courses feature glare-free floodlights, allowing golfers to play at night and beat the heat.
Whether you’re seeking to improve your game or explore business opportunities, Malaysia provides the perfect combination of sports and networking.