Malaysia ranks in the upper half of
the 2013 Expat Economics league
tables at 14th out of 37 countries.
Given Malaysia’s young and
dynamic population and growing
economy, expats are upbeat about
the economic climate with 41%
believing the economy is getting
better (compared to a global
average of 32%), while nearly
eight in ten (78%) say they are
satisfied with the local economy
(compared to a global average
of 56%). As a result, few expats
are looking to leave the country
because of a negative economic
outlook, only 15% compared
to a global average of 25%.
More than half (54%) of expats in
Malaysia believe the country offers
a higher quality of life compared
to a global average of 45%.
The strong community and social
life among expats is part of the
reason for this. Nearly half (46%)
of expats have a more active social
life in Malaysia (compared to a
global average of 26%) and over
two fifths (43%) are more likely to
play sport following their relocation
(compared to a global average
of 26%). Other luxuries made
available to expats in Malaysia
include the chance to own more
than one property (22% compared
to a global average of 13%) and
going on more extravagant
holidays (41% compared to
a global average of 26%).
While expats in Malaysia are less
likely to associate the country with
political stability, higher personal
security or higher salaries, expats
find the benefits of Malaysia
are wide-ranging. Nearly half
(46%) of expats enjoy a higher
standard of accommodation
compared to a global average
of 39% and 67% have more
opportunity to travel compared
to a global average of 57%.