The Asian island where retirees from around the world are starting over

Tech Insider : Business
A collage of images on polaroid featuring Penang landmarks and portraits of the individuals within the stories
The Malaysia My Second Home visa program attracts foreigners to live in Malaysia.

Paul and Ellen Eggers, Jill Tozer, Adrian Spencer; Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI

I never imagined retiring abroad. Life on a Southeast Asian island feels like a permanent holiday.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman leaning against a stone railing in Penang, Malaysia.
Lisa Williams moved from Australia to Penang, Malaysia, when she retired.

Thinnesh Kumar for Business Insider.

I've lived and worked in 5 countries. After becoming an empty nester, I built my dream retirement in a new city.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A woman posing with the veiw of the ocean.
Jessica Khine lives in Penang, Malaysia as an empty nester.

Jessica Khine.

I've traveled solo across Southeast Asia for 15 years. These are 3 cities I always recommend — and one I'd skip.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Andre Neveling on a boat in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Andre Neveling has been traveling around Southeast Asia for 15 years and Luang Prabang (pictured) is one of his favorite cities.

Provided by Andre Neveling

My career took us across 5 continents. When it came time to retire, my wife and I knew we didn't want to go home.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
A retired couple posing for a selfie on their balcony in Penang, Malaysia.
A retired couple posing for a selfie on their balcony in Penang, Malaysia.

Adrian Spencer

How 3 millennials built a business turning Malaysia's iconic shophouses into heritage stays

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Exterior of one of the heritage homes managed by Aayu Homes in Penang, Malaysia.
Low hopes to make heritage living more accessible to travellers who visit his hometown of Penang.

Amanda Goh for Business Insider.

What started as a hobby is now a full-fledged business — and Michelin-starred restaurants are among my clients

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman working at the pottery wheel.
Belle Yeoh started Buttersage Pottery in her hometown of Penang, Malaysia, in 2022.

Rae Hong.

I spent $35 on a business-class train ticket in Malaysia. My trip was a wildly good value, from the private lounge to the tasty food.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
Train with
I had a great experience trying out business-class seats on my train ride in Malaysia.

Alice Levitt

Inside the personal finances of a MAGA influencer turned diplomatic nominee

Tech Insider : Politics, Business
Nick Adams, Trump's nominee to be US Ambassador to Malaysia
Nick Adams, Trump's nominee to be US Ambassador to Malaysia, made almost $50,000 from Cameo since the beginning of 2024.

Philip Cheung for The Washington Post via Getty Images

One of Malaysia's F/A-18 Hornets burst into flames during take-off, just as the country seeks to buy 33 more of the jets

Tech Insider : Business
Malaysian officers observe the partial wreckage of an F/A-18.
Debris from the F/A-18 can be seen after the crash.

Royal Malaysian Air Force

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