Why move to Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home Programme? Well, why not?
The Economic Transformation programme announced two years ago is kicking in and the country is enjoying good economic growth. The projected GDP growth this year is expected to be slightly over 5%.
Malaysia has plenty to offer expats in terms of an affordable lifestyle, great weather, a friendly community, world-class education and entertainment, unique culture, nature and sports. Also, Malaysia has had a good record of maintaining law and order and is still rated as one of the safest countries to live and work in in this part of the world.
Several major initiatives are helping sustain economic growth.
Iskandar Malaysia
Probably the biggest development to take shape in Malaysia is the Iskandar Development, or Iskandar Malaysia. Iskandar Malaysia was launched by the government in November 2006 as the main southern development corridor in Johor.
It is located on the southern tip of Malaysia next to Singapore in an area which is bigger than Singapore. It has several distinct zones which are already attracting a lot of international interest and investment. These include the following entities.
EduCity is an educational hub which has already attracted eight international education initiations Puteri Harbour, an integrated waterfront and marina development area featuring condominiums, canal homes, service apartments, resorts, hotels, fine dining restaurants and more.
Britain’s Pinewood Studios, one of the world’s most famous film studios. The studio is set to position Malaysia as a top film production destination.
Johor Premium Outlets is a shopping paradise with over 80 designer outlet stores such as Burberry, Michael Kors and Salvatore Ferragamo.
Legoland Malaysia is the first Legoland theme park in Asia. It is packed full of family fun with more than 40 rides, shows and attractions. It’s a 90-acre theme park which caters to kids aged 2 to 12 with more than 40 rides – from roller coasters to race cars, as well as family focused interactive shows and attractions.
The RAMSAR World Heritage Park is the largest uninhabited mangrove island in the world.
Afiat Healthpark focuses on three different areas under health; modern medicine, traditional alternatives and complementary medicine and wellness. This includes a private hospital, a rehabilitation centre, a health screening centre, a centre for traditional medicine and more.
The Hello Kitty Town in Nusajaya is the first one outside of Japan. The park has interactive rides, activities and other attractions.
New Theme Park at i-city
Shah Alam, Selangor also welcomes a brand new development to its i-City development. The 72 acre development comprises of corporate, leisure and residential components. In November this year, i-city introduced its fourth leisure component, WaterWorld@i-City. This offers a wide range of water based attractions from tube rafting to wave pools and giant Jacuzzis.
H&M, Victoria’s Secret and Aston Martin in Malaysia
Malaysia continues to attract more and more global brands. Recently a luxury car maker and two big fashion brands entered Malaysia to a warm welcome – Aston Martin, Victoria’s Secret and H&M.
The first Aston Martin showroom in Malaysia was launched in July this year. Fans of the exclusive Victoria’s Secret, the leading retailer of lingerie and beauty products can now shop till they drop at the brands concept store in 1Utama Shopping Centre. H&M was recently launched in Kuala Lumpur at the Lot 10 Shopping mall.
New Financial Centre in Malaysia
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak recently opened Kuala Lumpur’s new financial centre, located close to the Petronas Twin Towers. It has been named the Tun Razak Centre, after Najib’s father; Malaysia’s second Prime Minister.
Unlike many other major cities around the world, KL does not have a financial district, and it is hoped that the completion of the Centre will attract major multinational firms and financial institutions. The centre will also have commercial, retail, and hospitality tenants.
The financial centre covers an area of 70 acres (28.3 hectares). It is a critical part of the government’s Economic Transformation Programme and is expected to contribute to making Malaysia a centre for trade and finance.