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Working In Penang Expat Guide part 1 – Top Benefits of Living in Penang

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.

Adam Fayed

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