At the age of 70, Andrew Taylor, a retired administrator from Washington, DC, was faced with a tough decision about his future—until a bold choice transformed his life.
After four decades of working in administration, Andrew was dreading the idea of continuing to work into his 80s. The high cost of living in the U.S. made retirement seem like an unreachable dream.
"I realized that if I stayed in the U.S., I might have to work until I was 80," he shared in an interview with Business Insider. Seeking a better solution, Andrew began looking into options abroad and soon discovered Malaysia as a potential retirement destination.
A conversation with a former partner living in Penang led Andrew to the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program, a government initiative designed to attract foreign retirees. After learning more about it, he applied in late 2014 and moved to Penang in 2015.
Settling into life in Penang marked a fresh start for Andrew. Over the next seven years, he enjoyed a relaxed island lifestyle and significant financial relief compared to his previous life in Washington.
However, after a few years, Andrew decided he wanted a change of pace and moved to Kuala Lumpur three years ago. Today, he rents a cozy two-bedroom condo just three kilometers from the city center.
For RM2,800 per month (approximately USD 600), Andrew enjoys the comforts of a condominium with amenities like a swimming pool and gym—luxuries he could never have afforded in the U.S. His monthly living expenses total RM11,500 (USD2,500), including RM340 for basic health insurance.
"Healthcare in Malaysia is excellent," he noted. "You don’t have to wait long for appointments," which is another major draw for retirees in the country.
For Andrew, the affordability and safety of Malaysia have been key factors in his fulfilling retirement. Reflecting on his time in Washington, he recalled frequent gunshots outside his window, a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere he enjoys now.
"There’s nothing like that here. I’ve never felt unsafe, even walking alone," he said. This sense of security has allowed Andrew to relax and fully embrace his retirement, exploring the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur or simply enjoying the view from his high-rise apartment.
Andrew’s life in Malaysia hasn’t just been about relaxation. He has found a new sense of purpose by creating YouTube videos about his experiences living in the country, sharing his insights with others considering a similar move.
While Andrew acknowledges that retiring abroad may not be for everyone, especially for those with strong family ties, he has no regrets about his decision. “Retiring in Malaysia has been incredibly rewarding,” he said, adding that the move has brought him peace of mind and a fresh sense of purpose.
Source: Business Insider