Kuala Lumpur Ranked the World’s Number #1 City for Expats

Kuala Lumpur ranks first in the Getting Settled Index in 2021 – this is the third time that the city has made it to the top of this index. 

Expats are particularly impressed when it comes to making connections: - 74% are happy with their social life in Kuala Lumpur, and close to two-thirds of expats in the city - 65% agree that it’s easy to find new friends here, compared, respectively, to 57% and 48% globally. 

One Swiss expat describes Kuala Lumpur as “very international with lovely people,” and a survey respondent from India says that “making friends is not difficult.”

Illustration


Here's a few reasons to study in Malaysia

Still have some hesitations whether cooperation with us is worth the trouble? Check the reasons why you should choose us among other companies!

Great location

Malaysia is located in the heart of South East Asia. Travelling to and from the country could not be easier from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). A leading aviation hub in Asia, it is one of the top 15 busiest airport for international traffic, serving more than 120 direct destinations. Malaysia is a good starting point from which you can explore the region and beyond.

International standard of education:

There is a great choice of internationally-recognised universities here. Educational institutions are regulated and monitored by the Malaysian government through educational legislation enforcement to ensure quality. Twinning programmes with the UK, USA, Australia and Canada offer students accredited degrees at a number of universities, where most courses are conducted in English. The QS Best Student Cities notes that Malaysia is fast becoming one of Southeast Asia’s leading study destinations.

multicultural

A vibrant, multi–cultural environment

Home to a multi-ethnic population of Malays, Chinese and Indians, Malaysia is a place of great diversity. With a rich multicultural environment, diverse lifestyles, traditional and religious practices are enjoyed across the country in the spirit of peace and unity. Apart from the different local ethnic groups, international students and visitors also contribute to the vibrant cultural environment, so that English is used extensively in both personal and business communications.

Modern, Historical and Natural:

Malaysia is a land of contrast, characterised by super-modern skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls as well as fascinating natural environment within easy reach of the city. Beautifully landscaped by tropical rainforests, rugged mountains, exotic islands with their ancient reefs and stunning beaches, it is a popular tourist destination with many new commercial, infrastructural and technological developments.

Affordability

Course fees and living expenses are reasonable enough in Malaysia to enable students to have a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle. According to The QS Best Student Cities 2018, Kuala Lumpur is the world’s second most affordable student city, with the cost of living and tuition fees in the local currency being at least half, if not two-thirds cheaper compared to countries like Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and Canada.

Other FAQs about Malaysia

  • The Petronas Twin Towers – an iconic landmark and stands at 88 storeys high and joined by a double-decker Sky Bridge that offers an exhilarating view of KL city centre and beyond.

    Suria KLCC Shopping Mall – great shopping venue hosting a cinema, two food courts, an art gallery, restaurants, concert hall, and the popular Aquaria KLCC.

    KLCC Park – a massive park with water fountains, jogging tracks and walking paths which is perfect for recreational activities and relaxation.

    Menara KL Tower – the tower stands at 421 meters and gives a splendid view of the KL city.

  • Malaysia is not subject to seasonal changes. So, there is no spring, summer, winter or autumn. Its year-round tropical weather makes it humid and days can be long and sunny or rainy, with the wettest months being November and December. Average temperatures are around 20°C to 30°C, so it is not too hot.

  • Cars and motorbikes are widely used, but in recent times, public transportation has improved, especially in the cities. Moving around is easy as there are good bus, train and taxi services and efficient connections to airports and ports. In cities, there are more options, with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail being a distinct feature in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, there is a ride-hailing service run by Grab, which recently merged with Uber to provide services in cities and towns around the country.

  • Malaysia is a food haven. With a multicultural population, there is a wide range of restaurants, food stalls and western-styled cafes offering Malay, Chinese, Indian and international dishes. In recent times, there have been many international eating places, including Arabic, Japanese and Korean restaurants established in Kuala Lumpur. Almost all shopping malls have food courts serving an amazing array of dishes to suit every taste.

  • Food prices vary according to where you eat. Generally, you can get a modest breakfast of Roti Canai (bread and curry) or Nasi Lemak (small rice dish) and coffee for 1.50USD or less at the local Mamak/Kopitiam. You can also get a bowl of noodles at this price. Lunches will cost you from around 2.50USD for a simple rice or noodle dish or for the same price, you can enjoy a cheese burger at Mc Donald and get a bottle of mineral water for as little as 1.50USD.

  • Malaysian currency is in Ringgit (RM) and sen. The Ringgit is divided into 100 sen. Coins are issued in denominations ranging from 5 to 50 sen. Banknote values are denominated from 1 to 100 ringgit.

  • Malaysia is a stable country in Southeast Asia, which has always welcomed visitors, students, workforce and companies from all over the world. The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) in their 2018 Global Peace Index ranked Malaysia as the third most peaceful country in the world. As one of South East Asia’s most successful economies, it enjoys political stability with good regional and international relations. Where street safety is concerned, it is generally safe, with women commonly seen walking alone in big cities and small towns. But like most cities, street crimes do happen and care and caution must be exercised. But if you encounter any problems, the police patrol is always at hand and you can also seek help from Malaysians who are generally friendly.

  • Bahasa Malaysia (or Bahasa Melayu) is the national and official language. Chinese and Indian languages are also being spoken. English language is used in commerce and industry and generally, public services are also conducted in English, although the level of proficiency may differ.

Want to study with us?

Talk to our student counsellor about studying in Malaysia in CLC