Moving to Asia was always a dream for my wife Grace and I. We travelled extensively when we were younger, with our lives packed into backpacks. Southeast Asia gripped us from the first moment we arrived; the unique organised chaos, the smells, sights, and sounds, it was sensory overload, but we loved it! Whenever we went home to the UK, we felt a pull back to Asia that’s hard to describe. We knew we had to try living somewhere on this side of the world at some point. There was more out there than little old York!
We always thought that somewhere would be Thailand. It had always been our favourite place, often serving as a base to explore the wider region. The incredible food, warm, welcoming people, and diverse scenery kept it at the top of our relocation list. When we were back home, it became a bit of a running joke that I’d ask Grace, at least a few times a week, “When are we moving to Thailand?” We had no idea what Malaysia had to offer until we first visited about eight years ago. We spent two weeks travelling around, splitting our time between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi, the typical tourist route! It was a great trip and quite different from what we’d experienced elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Malaysia felt super modern with surprising similarities to home, largely due to its colonial history, yet, so much was wonderfully different. The abundance of incredible food, the harmonious blend of diverse cultures, and, let’s be honest, the lack of perpetual grey skies made a lasting impression!
Years passed back in the UK as I immersed myself in Financial Services. I honed my skills in administrative, management, and technical paraplanning roles at an award-winning financial planning firm in Leeds, which eventually fuelled my passion for client-facing advisory roles. Grace, meanwhile, became a qualified primary school teacher. We both gained invaluable experience, but York, as much as we loved it, started to feel a little too familiar. We knew it was time to make the move abroad. In January 2024, we finally took the plunge and started job hunting in Asia.
Grace landed interviews with three schools, two in Thailand and one in Malaysia. Around the same time, I connected with Chris of Melbourne Capital Group (MCG) on Reddit of all places, to explore the exciting world of offshore financial planning. I was drawn to MCG’s UK-style financial planning model and their commitment to ethical, holistic advice. When Grace unexpectedly received two job offers, including one in Penang, it felt like it was meant to be. A quick round of research revealed that Penang would be an ideal fit for our lifestyle, especially since we’d be bringing Pablo, our dog, along for the adventure. MCG was equally enthusiastic about expanding their presence in Malaysia, and soon after, I was offered the role of Private Wealth Manager to head up their expansion into Penang. This was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
From the moment we booked our one-way tickets, life became a whirlwind. We raced through a mountain of to-dos: renting out our home, organising Pablo’s travel arrangements, and tackling the endless admin that comes with relocating. We squeezed in a trip to Glastonbury Festival and every spare moment with family and friends before our emotional goodbyes. It was hectic and surreal, but the excitement kept us going.
6 months in, how does life compare to the UK?
Now, six months into our Penang adventure, how does life here compare the UK?
First, the weather. This one’s a no-brainer. We traded perpetual grey skies and cold for year-round warmth and sunshine, albeit with regular tropical downpours that put British showers to shame!
Then, there’s the food. British cuisine will always have a special place in my heart (who doesn’t love a good portion of Whitby Fish & Chips? Yorkshires are the best, no question), but Penang is on another level entirely. Dubbed the food capital of Malaysia, it’s a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavours. Street food here isn’t just a quick bite, it’s a way of life. Char Kway Teow for less than a couple of quid or a Banana Leaf Curry? Yes, please!
Culturally, it’s been a fascinating adjustment. Penang’s diverse mix of ethnicities and religions creates a vibrant tapestry of festivals, traditions, and public holidays, far more than we’re used to in the UK. From Chinese New Year celebrations to the beautiful lights of Deepavali, there’s always something happening. The harmony and mutual respect between communities here are truly inspiring. Grace gets to celebrate each one first hand at school where they dress up, watch dances and take part in lots of festivities. The expat kids here have such an amazing opportunity to be emersed with all the different cultures and traditions, giving them such a different outlook on life and a much broader mind than if they were still back in the UK.
Of course, there are challenges. Driving in Malaysia is an adventure in itself, Penang drivers in particular are known to be pretty crazy! Think scooters weaving through traffic, cars merging or hanging out of junctions with minimal notice, and the occasional monkey crossing the road! It’s chaotic but keeps you on your toes. I’m worried for how my driving will translate back to the UK now whenever I’m back!
What about the work-life balance? It’s been refreshing. The Malaysian approach to work feels less frenetic than in the UK, with a greater emphasis on family and downtime. That said, building a career in offshore financial planning comes with its own unique challenges and learning curves, but I’m loving every minute of it.
I also recently hosted the first Penang Curry Club alongside the Expats Club KL. We had a fantastic evening in Georgetown, with over 50 people attending! It was a night filled with meeting new people, making new connections and eating delicious curry! It was all for a good cause, and we managed to raise over RM2,000 for a local animal welfare charity, 4Paws. This is now set to become a monthly event and I suspect it's only going to get more popular, clearly it's what Penang needed!
And finally, the people. We’ve been blown away by the warmth and hospitality of everyone we’ve met. Malaysians are incredibly friendly and eager to share their culture. Our neighbours welcomed us with open arms, and it’s been heartening to see how easily Pablo has made friends too (despite a few rough encounters). The expat community is thriving and everyone has a great, open-minded nature about them. There are always so many things going on, no matter what your interests.
Reflecting on these past six months, I can confidently say that making the move to Penang was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. It’s opened up a world of new experiences, friendships, and opportunities, personally and professionally. For anyone considering a similar move, my advice is simple: do it. The process might be overwhelming, but the rewards are immeasurable.
In future posts, I’ll be sharing more insights into expat life in Malaysia, including practical tips on making the transition smoother, financial planning considerations, and why I believe this corner of the world is a fantastic place to build your life. Please feel free to reach out if you’re thinking of moving here, or are already here and have any burning questions!
Here’s to the next 6 months in Penang!
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