Working In Penang Expat Guide part 2 – Part one is here.
Top 7 Jobs Available For Expats in Penang
If you are looking for a new opportunity in a new location, Penang may be the perfect place for you. There are many jobs available in Penang for expats, and living is relatively low. Here are five of the top jobs available for expats in Penang.
1. English Teacher
The demand for English teachers in Malaysia is high, and the salaries are attractive. In Penang, many international schools pay well above the average Malaysian salary, up to RM8000 per month (about $2000). These positions usually require a bachelor’s degree with some experience teaching or tutoring students. Some jobs do not require a degree but will pay less.
Some schools have positions available for expats with little to no experience teaching English or with no bachelor’s degree. These positions usually offer around RM2500 per month (about $600). However, these jobs tend to be more competitive and are often filled by local English and Malay teachers.
If you are interested in teaching English in Penang, many websites offer positions online, such as eslteachersboard.com or Dave’s ESL Café, which has an international job board for expats looking to teach abroad.
2. Business Development
If you are looking for a job in business development, then Penang may be the place for you. The city is known as “Silicon Valley of the East” because it has more than 400 high-tech companies and startups that employ thousands of engineers from all over Asia. These companies offer positions such as marketing manager, business development manager, product manager, and software engineer.
3. IT Professional
The IT industry is booming in Penang, and there are many opportunities for expats with experience in this field. The salaries for IT professionals in Penang are much higher than the national average, and the cost of living is relatively low. Positions typically available to expats include systems administrator, software engineer, web developer, and network engineer.
If you are interested in IT jobs, then there is no better place than Penang, where you will find many international companies that offer high-paying positions with relocation packages that include housing allowance and airfare tickets.
4. Investment Banking
Penang is a great place to work if you are interested in investment banking. The city has many international banks that offer high-paying positions with relocation packages which include housing allowance and airfare tickets.
Positions typically available to expats include investment bankers, equity research analysts, and credit analysts. If you have experience in the banking industry and are looking for a new opportunity, then Penang is the place for you.
5. Engineering
The engineering industry is booming in Penang, and there are many opportunities for expats with experience in this field. The salaries for engineers in Penang are much higher than the national average, and the cost of living is relatively low. Positions typically available to expats include civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, an environmental engineer.
If you are interested in engineering jobs, then there is no better place than Penang, where you will find many international companies that offer high-paying positions with relocation packages that include housing allowance and airfare tickets.
6. Healthcare
The healthcare industry is growing rapidly in Penang, and there are many opportunities for expats with experience in this field. The salaries for healthcare professionals in Penang are much higher than the national average, and the cost of living is relatively low. Positions typically available to expats include doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and lab technician.
If you are interested in healthcare jobs, then there is no better place than Penang, where you will find many international companies that offer high-paying positions with relocation packages that include housing allowance and airfare tickets.
7. Tourism
The tourism industry is booming in Penang, and there are many opportunities for expats with experience in this field. The salaries for hospitality professionals in Penang are much higher than the national average, and the cost of living is relatively low. Positions typically available to expats include hotel manager, chef de partie or task leader, restaurant manager, and event planner.
If you are interested in tourism jobs, then there is no better place than Penang, where you will find many international companies that offer high-paying positions with relocation packages that include housing allowance and airfare tickets.
8. Retail
The retail industry is booming in Penang, and there are many opportunities for expats with experience in this field. The salaries for retail professionals in Penang are much higher than the national average, and the cost of living is relatively low. Positions typically available to expats include store manager, merchandiser, sales executive, and cashier.
Top 5 Working Space in Penang
There are a few things to consider when looking for a working space in Penang. Affordability, accessibility, and convenience are among the top priorities for most professionals. Here are our top five picks for the best working spaces in Penang.
Common Ground, Georgetown
This co-working space is perfect for those looking for a vibrant and creative environment. It is located in the heart of Georgetown, making it easily accessible and surrounded by plenty of restaurants and cafes.
A monthly membership at Common Ground starts from RM799 per month, including access to meeting rooms, unlimited coffee and tea, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Address: Level 2, Moulmein Rise Shoppes, No. 9, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Masco Co-Working Space In Penang
This co-working space is perfect for those looking for a quiet and professional environment. It is located in the Northam area of Penang and offers meeting rooms, private offices, and hot desks. Monthly memberships start from RM399 per month, including access to high-speed Wi-Fi, printer, scanner, and photocopier.
Address: Prangin Mall, 33-1-123A, 33-2-123, 33-3-123C, (Level 1 to Level 3, Atrium B, Jalan Dr. Lim Chwee Leong, Georgetown, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
M Summit 191 Coworking Space
This co-working space is perfect for those looking for a spacious and creative environment. It offers hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. Monthly memberships start from RM399 per month, including access to high-speed Wi-Fi, printer, scanner, and photocopier.
Address: 191, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Settlements Penang Coworking Space
This co-working space is perfect for those looking for a quiet and professional environment. It offers hot desks, private offices, and meeting rooms. Monthly memberships start from RM399 per month, including access to high-speed Wi-Fi, printer, scanner, and photocopier.
Address: Level 8, Livingston Tower, 170 Argyll Road, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Regus in Penang, Menara Boustead
This co-working space is popular among remote workers and freelancers looking for a quiet and professional environment. The Menara Boustead at Regus-Penang is in a prime location, with numerous local and international businesses flocking to the area because it is so easily accessible from anywhere in George Town.
You’ll find Regus on the 16th level of Menara Boustead. The large windows, which open to the outdoors, provide welcome light and expose a sophisticated décor throughout the office. This makes it popular with your company’s clients for meetings.
Address: Menara Boustead, 39, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah Unit 1.01, Ground Floor, 10050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
Disadvantages of Working in Penang
Work Ethics Could Be Much Better
It is no secret that the work ethic in Penang could use some improvement. Malaysian culture places a high value on personal relationships, and oftentimes, this can interfere with productivity in the workplace. As an expat, it can be frustrating to deal with coworkers who are constantly taking long lunch breaks or coming in late.
Lack of Networking Opportunities
One of the biggest disadvantages of working in Penang is the lack of networking opportunities. Unless you are a member of an expat group or organization, it can be not easy to make friends and meet people outside of work. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Isolation
If you’re not a member of an expat community or organization, it can be difficult to meet people outside of work. As Penang is quite a large city, the chances are that most social gatherings take place in Kuala Lumpur or other major cities across Malaysia. This is why many expats find themselves feeling isolated from their peers.
Higher Cost Of Living
While the cost of living in Penang isn’t as high as in some other countries, expats will still find that they need to budget carefully when working here. Housing costs can run between RM3000 – RM5000 per month depending on location and amenities such as air conditioning or swimming pool access.
Pollution
Pollution is a common issue in all major cities across Malaysia and Penang is no exception. Many expats who come to work here complain about the air quality as it can be quite smoggy during certain times of the year due to fires burning across Indonesia. This means that wearing masks outside might be necessary at these times.
FAQ About Working in Penang as an Expat
Is it good to work in Penang as an expat?
Of course, working in Penang as an expat has its advantages. But it’s not all rosy; there are also some disadvantages to working in Penang. This means you should weigh the pros and cons before planning to relocate to Penang.
What are the advantages of working in Penang?
Penang is a popular tourist destination. It’s also known for its UNESCO-listed heritage sites, food and culture. Therefore, there is no shortage of activities to do when you’re free from work and lots of places to visit, especially during the weekends or holidays.
What are the disadvantages of working in Penang?
The disadvantage of working in Penang is that it can be quite challenging to adapt, especially when new. You will have to make extra efforts to get familiar with the culture and language. Meanwhile, it’s also not uncommon for expats on a ‘short term’ assignment (usually less than a year) to feel homesickness.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an opportunity to work in Penang as an expat, plenty of options are available. The city is home to a number of multinational companies and international organizations, so finding a job should not be difficult. However, it is important to note that the cost of living in Penang is relatively high compared to other parts of Malaysia.
