Malaysia has become an incredibly popular destination for many expats - especially families. Many big corporates with head offices in the UK and the US have established premises here. And to attract top talent, these corporates are offering attractive expat packages.

So it’s no big surprise that Malaysia is seeing significant growth in international schools, which also makes it a big drawcard for educators looking to teach in Malaysia.

With a vibrant multicultural society, low cost of living, and quality international schools, Malaysia can be a dream spot to spend a few years for many expats.

But, like anywhere, being an expat parent comes with some big highs and a lot of challenges! I’ve been here a year, so I’ll share what I’ve learned, and what I’ve heard from others. I'll help you understand the realities of raising kids as an expat in Malaysia - and whether it’s right for you.

Why Families Are Choosing Malaysia

According to Investasian, there are currently around 250,000 expats living in Malaysia - a number that makes up nearly 1% of the entire country’s population.

Here are some of the reasons why so many expats call Malaysia home:

Cost of Living

Living in Malaysia offers you a very comfortable lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of many Western countries. Groceries and transport are budget-friendly, and rent is affordable. Many families in Penang rent large, modern three-bedroom apartments for less than USD$1,000 per month.

For many expat families, living in spacious condos gives you access to a wide range of amenities, including pools and gyms. And because so many families choose this way of life it means there are plenty of other kids nearby to play with - all without breaking the bank.

Cultural Diversity 

Malaysia has a reputation for being a melting pot of diverse cultures. You’ll find Malay, Chinese, Indian, and many others. This type of a multicultural environment means your kids can experience diverse traditions, foods, and festivals from a young age.

International Schools

Malaysia is home to a huge number of quality international schools that offer a huge range of curricula - from British, to American, the IB, and even Australian. There are lots of options for families to choose from to make sure they find the best fit for their children, both academically and socially. 

Easy Living 

English is widely spoken in Malaysia, making day-to-day life so much easier! You can easily navigate shops, visit the doctor and communicate with your child’s school without many translation issues.

Malaysian Schools

Navigating a school system can be tough, even in your home country. But deciding where to send your child when you’re living overseas can be an even bigger decision. 
Here’s my take on some of the positives and negatives that come with sending your child to a school in Malaysia.

The Good: 

International schools in Malaysia typically have high academic standards (though each school varies obviously!). And because Malaysia offers such a high quality of life, it can attract highly experienced teachers which is a huge bonus for your kids' education.

There is also a more balanced approach in Malaysia when it comes to exams and homework compared to other Asian countries (like Korea and China that have a reputation for intense pressure). 

Living in Malaysia means your kids are likely to learn multiple languages in school (like Malay and Mandarin in primary years and European languages in secondary). And with so many diverse holidays to celebrate, it’s a great opportunity to talk about different cultures, religions and customs.

The Not-So-Good: 

There is still a tuition culture (it’s hard to escape!) and school fees can be expensive if it’s not included in your expat package (especially if you’ve got multiple kids). Don’t forget to factor in additional costs for extracurriculars, uniforms, transport and school trips too. 

Many expat parents I’ve spoken to were surprised about the academic pressure their kids experienced at a young age (think reception, so 4 and 5-year olds). Although the pressure each child faces will depend on which school you choose and that school’s culture. Make sure you do your research and try to talk to other expat parents before you choose a school.

Not every international school offers fee discounts for siblings, so your costs can add up quickly if you’ve got more than one child enrolled. And be aware that not all expat packages (even if you’re a teacher at one of the international schools) will cover multiple kids or full fees - so check your contract.

Finally, with so many new schools opening up the quality can vary significantly. A number of the newer chain schools are for-profit schools, which basically means their purpose is to make money! And I’ve heard some stories about poor communication between schools and parents, and the quality of education. Many of the established, not for profit schools have a better reputation for putting students' needs first.

Navigating Daily Life and Community

Living in Malaysia offers an incredibly easy way of life, especially compared to other countries. But there are still a few things to consider as a family. 

The Pros: 

Most expats living in Malaysia talk about the friendly community atmosphere you’ll experience. There are lots of social groups available, including clubs and sporting activities that are specifically geared toward families. Joining these groups can make it easier to build friendships quickly, and give you options outside your immediate network (whether that’s a school or working at a company).

The tropical climate means you can spend lots of time outdoors exploring parks, beaches, and doing some hiking. Although be warned that some days can just be too hot, so finding an apartment with a pool is a must!

Malaysia is a very safe country to live in, especially if you’re living in an expat area. But like anywhere make sure you stay alert and learn which neighbourhoods are best to avoid. 

The Challenges: 

If you’re not living in KL or another popular expat area, you may experience some language barriers. English is common in cities, but most locals speak Malay or Chinese dialects, which can make life a little more challenging.

Traffic is a BIG headache in Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Unless your kids are taking the school bus, the daily drop off and pick up can quickly test your patience! The prevalence of motorbikes is another issue - weaving in and out of traffic and cutting up alongside either side of your car. It can make it dangerous, particularly on smaller windy roads.

Public transport exists in some areas, but it’s not typically as good as you’d see in other parts of the world. Most families either buy a car or use Grab to get around. 

Healthcare and Support

Having good quality healthcare when you need it is usually a big concern for most parents I talk to. 

Malaysia offers good quality private healthcare at affordable prices compared to many Western countries. Doctors and hospitals (at least in cities and tourist areas) are well equipped. You’ll find that staff speak perfect English, so it’s easy to get the care you or your family need. Many of the doctors train overseas (e.g. the UK, US or Australia).
What’s included in your health insurance plan can vary depending on your expat package. Often extras like dental, optometry, or specialist treatments aren’t covered. Make sure you read the fine print of your insurance package and consider if you need any additional coverage. That said, healthcare costs are significantly cheaper overall than in Western countries.

Visa, Work Permits, and Family Logistics

If you’re employed by an international school or a Malaysian company (or a UK/US company that’s established a business in Malaysia) you shouldn’t have any issues with getting visas and work permits organised. 

For example, my husband’s school coordinated all the paperwork for our arrival and the process was smooth. We received a letter stating we had approval to enter the country and then the visa was processed on arrival. The school handled everything and it was smooth. I’ve heard similar stories from other expats who received a job offer before moving to Malaysia. 

Spouses and children can get dependent passes, but rules can be strict about work rights for spouses. This can limit job opportunities for partners outside of education or business.

On the flip side, if you’re not employed in Malaysia, getting a visa can be a nightmare. I’ve heard some horror stories from expats applying for Digital Nomad visas in Malaysia. For example, one friend applied for an extension to her visa only to be left waiting months and months for approval. While waiting for a response their original visa expired, so she had to pay an extension fee. She was also told she couldn’t leave the country waiting for the new visa - so any travel plans were in limbo. When she finally received the visa it was back-dated to when they initially applied - so she’s now only got six months left on the visa.

Other options include a Guardian Visa - if your child is studying in Malaysia on a student visa. Only one parent can apply per child and they must be enrolled in a registered international or private school in Malaysia. But this doesn’t give you any employment rights.

Is Malaysia Right for Your Family?

Malaysia offers a unique experience for expat families. You’ll be amazed at the cultural richness of the country and blown away by its affordability (especially if you choose to eat locally and not purchase too many expat imported luxuries!). There are plenty of good schooling options available and you won’t typically need to worry about the challenges of language you’d expect in some other countries. 

But there are some cons, too - like the bureaucracy and traffic!

Like any big move, make sure to do your research and go in with your eyes open. Try to get in touch with other expat families living in Malaysia to find out about their experiences. With a little prep and the right mindset, your family can enjoy all the benefits Malaysia offers!

Please click the photo below for a collection of my International Teaching Families columns:

Kelly Quinn, the International Teaching Families Editor for snsvs, is a writer and expat parent who has spent the last few years behind the scenes in international education. She recently founded International Teaching Families, a site dedicated to helping international teaching families and expat parents navigate the world of international schools. Kelly has spent the past five years living in Peru, South Korea, and Malaysia with her husband (an international school teacher) and their three kids. When she’s not navigating visa rules or the MANY school WhatsApp groups, she also writes about travel and expat life for her personal blog - My Expat Fam.
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All photos courtesy and copyright Kelly Quinn, published with permission