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.

Working In Penang Expat Guide part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Penang is a beautiful island located off the coast of Malaysia. It’s known for its delicious food, tropical climate, and diverse culture. If you’re thinking about relocating to Penang to work as an expat, here are some things you need to know.

The cost of living in Penang is relatively low compared to other major cities in Asia. You can find apartments for rent starting at around USD 300 per month, and food is very affordable. English is the official language in Penang, so that most people will communicate with you easily.

However, it’s a good idea to learn some basic Bahasa Malaysia phrases just in case. The culture in Penang is very diverse, with people from all over the world living on the island. Expats often find it easy to make friends and fit in well here. The weather in Penang is warm year-round, so you’ll need lightweight clothing options.

The rainy season lasts from November through February, which means there may be some flooding during those months. Penang is a great place to work as an expat because of its low cost of living, friendly locals, and diverse culture.

Today, we will walk you through the benefits of working as an expat in Penang. That being said, you’ll know what it takes to be working in this area, and many others. I’m sure you must have been navigating to different platforms searching for the jobs suitable in this location? If you’re reading this article, worry less!

Overview of the Benefits of Living in Penang

The diversity of cultures and religions is one of the key attractions that draw people to Penang. There are mosques, churches, temples, and synagogues throughout the state, each with its unique architecture and history. There is no shortage of things to do in Penang.

From heritage trails and nature walks to night markets and beaches, there is something for everyone. Penang has a thriving food culture. From hawker stalls to high-end restaurants, you can find all kinds of cuisine in Penang.

The cost of living in Penang is relatively low compared to other major cities in Asia. This makes it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. Below are the pros of living in Penang as an expat.

Weather

The weather in Penang is generally hot and humid year-round, but there is a rainy season (November to January) and a dry season (February to October). English is the official language in Penang, making it easy for foreigners to get by. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, so those who are not Muslim may find some aspects of Malaysian culture and customs unfamiliar.

Cultural Diversity

The ethnic composition of Penang is diverse, and most people identify with more than one culture. The state has a population of nearly seven million, including Malays, Indians, Chinese and mixed races (known as chindians). There are also many expats living in the city.

Living in Penang gives you access to a wide variety of cultural experiences. There are mosques, churches, temples, and synagogues throughout the state, each with unique architecture and history.

Nature

There are many nature parks in Penang, including the popular botanical gardens and a national park. There is also an abundance of wildlife here, such as monkeys and long-tailed macaques. If you prefer hiking to explore nature by car or boat, there are several trails for hikers of all levels around Penang Hill.

Furthermore, the beaches in Penang are some of the most beautiful in Asia. Living in Penang has its pros and cons, just like any other city. But overall, we believe that it is a great place to live, especially if you are looking for an exotic and multicultural experience. If you are considering moving to Penang, we encourage you to take advantage of our free relocation tips on this platform.

Food

As mentioned earlier, Penang is home to thriving food culture. From hawker stalls to high-end restaurants, you can find all kinds of cuisine in Penang. The variety and quality of the food here is one of the main reasons people choose to move to Penang.

In addition, the cost of living in Penang is relatively low compared to other major cities in Asia. This makes it an attractive destination for expats and retirees.

Language

English is the official language in Penang, making it easy for foreigners to get by. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, so those who are not Muslim may find some aspects of Malaysian culture and customs unfamiliar. However, most Malaysians are tolerant and welcoming of people from all religions and cultures.

Requirements to work in Penang as an Expat

A Valid Work Visa or Permit

The Malaysian government requires all foreigners to have a valid work visa or permit to work in the country. There are a number of different visas and permits available, so be sure to research which one is appropriate for your situation.

If a company hires you in Penang, the company will likely take care of the visa process for you. However, if you plan to work independently, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit yourself.

A Good Command of the English Language

Malaysia is a bilingual country, with Malay and English being official languages. Most business transactions and communications in Penang will be conducted in English. Therefore, you must have good proficiency in the language if you want to work here.

If your native language is not English, you should consider taking an ESL course before moving to Malaysia. This will help familiarize yourself with the language and prepare for life in Penang.

A Strong Work Ethic

Malaysian employers expect their employees to be hardworking and reliable. If you cannot meet these expectations, you will likely have a difficult time finding employment in Penang. Before accepting a job offer, be sure to ask the employer about their expectations for employee productivity and punctuality. And be prepared to work hard if you want to succeed in Penang.

Having a strong work ethic is also being willing to take on new challenges and responsibilities, even if they are outside your normal job duties. Employers in Malaysia often expect employees to be flexible, so don’t hesitate to learn something new or help out a co-worker.

A Positive Attitude

In Malaysia, it is important to be polite and respectful at all times, regardless of the situation. This includes maintaining a positive attitude in the workplace. If you constantly complain or make negative comments about your job or co-workers, you will quickly become unpopular in Penang. Remember that the locals are used to having a positive outlook on life, so try to adopt this mindset.

It is also important to avoid making negative comments about Malaysia in general. The locals are very proud of their country and culture, and any rude remarks may be taken personally.

A Willingness to Learn

As an expat, you will be in charge of your own destiny when finding work in Penang. While many companies are willing to hire foreigners, they may not have the time or resources to help you with every aspect of the job search process.

Therefore, you must take an active role in your job search and learn as much as possible about the local labor market before moving to Penang. This includes learning about Malaysia’s business culture, work visas and permits, hiring practices, and more. The more you know about working in Penang, the better prepared you will be when it comes time to find a job.