We’re a friendly country

TRX//MyCity
KL Stories
We’re a friendly country
November 3, 2016

The decision to work abroad is often weighed between economic/ career rewards and potential life disruptions that come with relocation. Work-life balance is often a critical factor in deciding to “settle-down” at a new work place, particularly if it entails moving countries.


 

Expats find Malaysia a welcoming place, where it’s easy to make friends and assimilate into the local culture, a new survey by HSBC found.

The 2016 HSBC Expat Explorer report, which surveys some 27,000 expats around the world, ranks countries for the work-life balance offered to expatriate workers. Singapore came top of the table overall for the second consecutive year.

The decision to work abroad is often weighed between economic/ career rewards and potential life disruptions that come with relocation. Work-life balance is often a critical factor in deciding to “settle-down” at a new work place, particularly if it entails moving countries.

The annual report shows that expatriates in Malaysia say the country offers good work-life balance, a friendly culture and lower costs for raising a child – all you need to stay on the job and be happy with the family.

Out of the 190 countries ranked, Malaysia is rated 14th for Experience, 27th for Family, 35th in Economy and 28th for overall ranking.

78% of expats find their work-life balance in Malaysia as good as or better than in their home country, while more than 35% of these expats state that raising children costs lesser here than in their home country, a percentage significantly higher than the global average of 19%.

“65% of expats finding it easy to form new friendships in Malaysia, compared with 57% across Asia-Pacific. While, 64% of expats in Malaysia say they integrate well with the local people and culture, more than the global average of 61%. Expats find it relatively easy to relocate to Malaysia with nearly two thirds (66%) say finding accommodation is easy, well above the global average of 46%.” the survey reports.

The finding of the survey is available online on an interactive website which allows comparison between various countries across the ranking criteria.

Providing the right eco-system in cities are paramount for the future of global cities, as in the days of the creative economy, cities will thrive or sink on their ability to draw in creative talent, says international property consultancy Knight Frank.

The ‘war for talent’ has been a critical driver, with cities competing ever harder to nurture the right ecosystem to attract the best workers.