When I first moved to Malaysia, I had worked in Kenya for over 30 years and didn’t quite know what to expect. What I found was a unique tapestry of cultures, religions, languages, and traditions. Living here with my children has been a journey filled with lessons far beyond any classroom.
A Warm Welcome: The Spirit of Malaysian Hospitality
One of the first things you notice about Malaysia is how welcoming the people are. Malaysians love to share their culture, often with a sense of pride that’s infectious. Whether it’s a teacher explaining the significance of a local festival (there’s lots of then – 17 public holidays), or a stranger sharing food recommendations, there’s a genuine warmth and openness that immediately makes you feel at home.
The Food: A Love Affair in Every Bite
If there’s one thing that binds Malaysians together, it’s their love of food—and it’s easy to see why. From hawker stalls to neighbourhood kopitiams (traditional coffee shops), every meal feels like an adventure.
Kopitiams are my personal favourite. These unassuming spots are where you can find the perfect kopi (strong, sweet local coffee), toast with kaya (a coconut jam that’s the definition of comfort food), and soft-boiled eggs seasoned with a dash of soy sauce. Simple yet perfect, the kopitiam experience is a window into everyday Malaysian life, where friends gather, business deals are discussed, and the hum of life fills the air.
The diversity of cuisine mirrors the cultural richness of the country. One day it’s, Ipoh’s famous fish head curry, the next it’s a delicate dim sum spread or fragrant banana leaf rice. Malaysians are quick to recommend their favourite places and will often go out of their way to make sure you try something new.
A Dance of Languages
One of the most fascinating things about living in Malaysia is how multilingual communication is. A conversation might start in English, switch to Mandarin mid-sentence, and end in Bahasa Malay.
People are incredibly accommodating, though, and the language-switching is done as naturally as breathing. They’ll often default to English for expats.
Rocking to the Sounds of the 1980s
If you’re a fan of 1980s rock music, Malaysia is your paradise. Walk into any café, and you’re likely to hear Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, or Metallica blasting from the speakers. It’s as if the entire country collectively decided that rock ballads are timeless classics
And there’s no rap music. It’s not that Malaysians dislike it, but it simply doesn’t have the same cultural presence here. Instead, you’ll often find people singing along to the soaring vocals of Whitney Houston. It’s a quirky yet endearing aspect of life here that always brings a smile.
Cultural Layers and Lifelong Lessons
Living in Malaysia as an expat teacher has taught me to embrace the unfamiliar and find joy in the unexpected. It’s a place where cultural diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. From the food to the music to the everyday kindness of the people, there’s a rhythm to Malaysia that’s both invigorating and humbling.
Differences with Kenya
Having lived a mainly outdoor life before the biggest change for my family was that its more indoors. Everyone drives, no one walks (apart from in KL)– indoor amusement parks, large shopping malls (although Nairobi also has plenty of these) and lots of green spaces.
Final Thoughts
Living in Malaysia isn’t without its challenges—tropical weather – rains almost every day, the heat!—but it’s those very challenges that make the experience.
Andy Hill is presently a Campus Principal at an international school in Ipoh, Malaysia. He lives with his wife, (also a teacher) and my two youngest boys (twins), although as he writes this their older brother is with him during his Christmas break from university. He has worked in international schools for over 30 years, including over 20 years of school leadership.
