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New Beginning: A Bangalorian's MM2H Journey to Malaysia As a 30-year-old IT professional from Bangalore, I found myself yearning for a change. The city's fast-paced life, constant traffic noise and ever-rising living cost had begun to take their toll on me. I wanted to reboot my life and the MM2H visa, i.e. Malaysia My Second Home, seemed like the perfect way to do it. With decent savings and a few smart investments under my belt, I decided to take the leap and apply for MM2H. Prior to my quest for something new, I had come across the various Golden Visas that more and more countries seem to be offering, but it looked like most of them were either aimed at the affluent circles or they necessitated a move to countries too far removed from India, both in distance and in culture. So I'd initially brushed off the Golden Visa option. But MM2H changed my mind. The idea of living in Malaysia as an expat is quite appealing. I think my write-up below will clarify why. For a start, Malaysia offers a slower pace of life compared to Bangalore, which was exactly what I'm looking for. But, without a doubt, MM2H's benefits, particularly the financial incentives and tax-breaks, also make it a great option for someone like me, i.e. someone who wants to stretch his savings, whilst still enjoying a high quality of life. Effectively, I want to live the life of an expat, but without cannibalizing my net worth. Well, the good news is that the cost of living in Malaysia is significantly lower than in Bangalore, allowing me to enjoy quite a fancy lifestyle. Here, there's no worrying about money. Expats Welcome The other thing that attracted me to Malaysia is the welcoming environment for expats. The country's contemporary infrastructure is expanding continuously and getting more and more efficient. It's clear that Malaysia's government is committed to making Malaysia an attractive country to call home, both for its citizens and for foreigners. This is evident in the ease with which you can apply for MM2H, for example, and the considerable range of benefits the visa offers. As a fluent English speaker, I also appreciate that English is widely spoken in Malaysia, which is sure to make everyday life a little easier. Although I also fully intend to learn some Bahasa too of course, since it seems quite feasible. Malaysia's diverse culture was another major draw for me. I've always been keen to live in a multicultural society and I'm excited to immerse myself in Malaysia's unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Western influences. The presence of a large Indian community in Malaysia also makes the transition just that little bit less scary. I mean, it's quite comforting to know that whilst I'm starting anew in a different country, I'll still have access to familiar foods, festivals and a sense of community. Natural Beauty, Healthcare, Education The beauty of Malaysia's vast outdoor world is another reason I decided to make the move. Coming from Bangalore, where open spaces are becoming increasingly scarce, I'm looking forward to enjoying Malaysia's varied landscapes and of course, its stunning beaches. As it happens, I'm quite the outdoor enthusiast and the prospect of exploring Malaysia's national parks, trekking through its rainforests and diving in its crystal-clear waters, all of it is nothing short of exciting to me. Furthermore, from what I've been hearing, the healthcare system in Malaysia has proven to be excellent, yet affordable too. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that I'll have access to high-quality medical care if ever I should need it. The same goes for the education system, by the way, which is another bonus, if and when I should decide to start a family in Malaysia. All in all, Malaysia's MM2H visa offers a fantastic opportunity for someone like me, a single guy of some financial means, looking for a fresh new start. I'm really eager to see what life in Malaysia has in store for me. I think the combination of financial benefits, a happier, healthier lifestyle and its exciting culture, in aggregate, makes Malaysia the ideal place for a fresh beginning. So, yes, I'm looking forward to this new chapter and am really grateful to the MM2H visa and my MM2H agent for having made this dream possible for me. By Adesh Bakshi, Bangalore Note: For anyone similarly interested in MM2H, my know-how came primarily from MM2H.in. |
