M'sia 19th best choice for expats
Published on: Friday, October 24, 2014
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has been ranked the 19th most desired destination for expatriates from 34 countries, according to The Expat Explorer 2014 survey.The rankings were accorded based on the countries' cost-effectiveness and affordable high-quality accommodation, among others.The survey, commissioned by HSBC Expat and conducted by international Internet-based market research firm YouGov, revealed that 49 per cent of respondents said Malaysia's multicultural facet was their main motivation to move here.
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"Nearly half of the expatriates in Malaysia (47 per cent) say they find the local language difficult, but expatriates who make Malaysia their home seem to embrace a sense of adventure, with over half (56 per cent) trying to learn and use the local language, despite its difficulty."Seventy per cent were travelling more ever since embarking on an expatriate's life, while 57 per cent describe Malaysia as a culturally interesting place for them and their families."The need to 'look for new challenges' was the most popular reason for expatriates to move to Malaysia, followed by better job prospects," the report stated.An expatriate in Malaysia was quoted in the report as saying: "Be open-minded and adaptable. Enjoy other cultures instead of trying to bring your home with you!"
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The survey also said many found Malaysia a cost-effective and exciting destination, while many respondents reported that accommodation was easy to find.Sixty per cent of respondents said it was easy to find accommodation, 54 per cent said the housing quality in Malaysia was of a higher standard compared with what they had enjoyed in their home countries, while 34 per cent said they were now spending less on housing than before.
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Utilities was also another area in which the expatriates were saving on, with 37 per cent spending less compared with the global average of 26 per cent.Switzerland took top spot, with many of the expatriates polled citing a good balance of life and work, availability of outdoor activities and a family-centric culture as reasons as to why they enjoyed the Swiss lifestyle.The country emerged as a destination to advance career prospects and earn a healthy salary while maintaining a good work-life balance from a financial point of view.The top 20 countries were Switzerland, Singapore, China, Germany, Bahrain, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Canada, Australia, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Russia, Japan, Malaysia and Belgium.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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