Living in Malaysia as a UK Expat: Moving to Penang and Building a Life in Southeast Asia

My wife Grace, our dog Pablo, and I have been in Malaysia for around 18 months now, I can’t believe how quickly this time has flow. I’m not sure if it’s our proximity to the Equator, or the fact that we’re just loving life, but the weeks here seem to go by at 2x speed compared to the UK! As we start a new year, it feels like the right moment to reflect not just on life in Penang, but on work, community, and what it really means to build a new chapter from scratch.

Check out my article here when I first moved to Penang!

Starting Again as an Expat in Penang

Moving to Penang was exciting, but it was also challenging. Like most people arriving in a new country, there was a period of finding our feet, learning how things work, and building routines from the ground up. Our first Christmas here was tough. We missed family, friends, and familiar traditions, and noodles on Christmas Day didn’t hit the same as turkey and roast potatoes. That sense of distance is something many expats will recognise.

Fast forward to now, and while we still value trips home and love the UK, Malaysia now very much feels like home. The early uncertainty has been replaced with confidence, familiarity, and a sense of belonging.

Work, Purpose, and Melbourne Capital Group: Supporting Expats with their Retirement Planning

Work has been a huge part of that transition. Grace has settled brilliantly into her role as a Year 3 teacher at a British International School in Penang and can’t imagine returning to the UK system. For me, the shift has been equally significant.

After years working within a UK Chartered financial planning environment, moving into international and expat-focused advice required a complete change in mindset. UK-specific solutions don’t always translate overseas, and understanding different tax systems, jurisdictions, and cross-border complexities has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.

At Melbourne Capital Group, the focus is firmly on delivering high-quality, transparent financial planning to expatriates, to standards comparable with the UK, and often beyond what people expect from the offshore market. Being part of a firm that genuinely prioritises education, long-term planning, and client outcomes has made that transition far more meaningful. The work we do is not about products first, but about helping people align their finances with their goals and dreams whilst making sense of complex financial lives across borders.

Education, Events, and Building Trust as an Expat Financial Adviser in Malaysia

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been getting involved in the wider community through events and education. This includes delivering financial education sessions in international schools in Penang, hosting market update events for our clients, running education sessions on financial planning, and even more informal gatherings like curry clubs, which have become a great way to connect people in a relaxed setting.

These events aren’t about sales; they’re about conversation, learning, and building trust. Many expats feel unsure where to turn for reliable financial guidance and creating spaces where questions can be asked openly has been incredibly powerful.

Life Outside the Office

Outside of work, our lives have definitely changed a bit from the UK, where most weekends we’d spend hiking around Yorkshire with Pablo, finishing with a nice pint in a cosy English pub (I miss a proper pint!) or catching up with friends and family in our stunning city of York. Now, we’re up early to beat the heat, with walks on the beach being our go-to! Pablo loves swimming in the sea here, something he would never dare to do in the cold waters off Scarborough! Instead of chasing sheep (sorry farmers), he’s now resorted to chasing monitor lizards and barking at monkeys, quite a change, which will probably get him in trouble at some point, but we knew what we signed up for when we got a Cocker Spaniel! Our hikes these days are sweaty with a chance of snakes, no longer cold with a chance of cows!!  

Georgetown has been a huge part of why we love Penang. The food scene is exceptional, from hawker stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, and choosing where to eat is a daily debate in our house. The café culture is also fantastic, genuinely dog-friendly, and home to some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.

We’ve also embraced a different way of living, swapping a Victorian terrace in York for a jungle-side condo complete with pool and gym. It’s a change that’s taken some adjustment, but one that’s brought a new level of convenience and lifestyle balance.

A Welcoming Expat Community in Penang

What has really stood out, though, is the people. Malaysians are incredibly welcoming. From friendly conversations on early morning dog walks to introductions through work and community events, we’ve been made to feel genuinely at home. That warmth has made all the difference in turning a new country into a place we truly belong.

Looking back, the move to Penang has been challenging, rewarding, and transformative, both personally and professionally. It’s pushed me to grow, adapt my advice beyond UK borders, and engage with a truly international community. As we look ahead to the coming year, I’m excited for what’s next, for our life here, and for the continued work we’re doing at Melbourne Capital Group to support expats on their own journeys.

Connect with me, Tom Raynor on Linkedin or email me at tomraynor@melbournecapitalgroup.com to book a complimentary discovery call.