NURUL NAJIHAH ARIFFIN BINTI HAJI MUHAMAD ARIFF’s Post

After two intense years without a long vacation due to my master’s, this summer break feels especially significant. It's as well my first venture to the Far East, and choosing Malaysia has been a decision I wholeheartedly celebrate. The warmth and positivity of the Malaysian people are truly remarkable, a fact that became evident from the moment I met the immigration officer. After he granted my family the visa, he engaged us in a friendly five-minute conversation, asking what encouraged us to visit Malaysia, all with a smile that never left his face. I fell in love with the country at that moment, illustrating how impactful a positive attitude and good behavior can be. This feeling became even more vivid during my current stay at The Westin Desaru Coast Resort The hospitality here is unparalleled. Despite it being only my second day, the extraordinary attitude of everyone I’ve encountered convinced me to extend my stay. I rearranged my flight tickets and revamped my travel plans, all because of the exceptional service and warmth my family and I have received. In a conversation with one of the directors, I praised his team’s outstanding hospitality. His response was both humble and insightful: “Sir, it’s exactly what I count on to uplift the business, MY PEOPLE.” To my LinkedIn family, I cannot recommend visiting Malaysia and The Westin Desaru Coast Resort enough. Beyond the serene nature and sublime experience, you will discover the true essence of hospitality. This is a practical reminder that “Hiring for attitude is just as crucial, if not more so, than hiring for technical skills.” Embrace this approach to build exceptional teams and drive your business forward.

How Do You Know that Working Abroad Is Better for You? The short answer is you DON’T. You may consult your friends or relatives who are currently working in the country of interest. In most of the cases they tend to share their good experience to justify their choice; or perhaps their situation in Malaysia was relatively worse. The real question to ask is, what are the PULL and PUSH factors that lead to that move? In other words, what are the reasons that make you want to LEAVE Malaysia and what are the reasons that ATTRACT you to work in that selected country? If MONEY is the top motivation, in most of the cases, you will be disappointed. I heard Singapore is the best choice if you are commuting from JB. Else as Singapore is among the most expensive countries in the world, it may not be as lucrative as you think. Alternatively, you may go to GCC countries in the middle east. I migrated to the US which was purely about money. That was after living and working in the US for 6 years. At the beginning, as a kampong lad, it took me the whole year to get used to the environment especially the language and weather. As an expat, I was lucky that I managed to secure handsome C&B packages. Migrating to the UK almost 20 years later, presented completely different experiences. That’s perhaps, I have established a very comfortable life in Malaysia. I could say, it was a huge downgrade in every aspect. Bear in mind that the UK now is different from the UK of 10 -20 years ago. The same goes for the USA and everywhere else in the world. Should you be pursuing your dream to experience working abroad? Absolutely, if you really understand what you’re getting yourself into. #braindrain I #workingabroad I #careerplanning

Are you currently considering overseas placement opportunities for some of your employees? We are working on a series of guides to address the most common questions that expats and digital nomads may have about living and working in various popular expat destinations. Check out the first guide in our series, all about living and working in Singapore! 🌎 With 1.7 million expats, it's certainly a popular destination of choice! 🥇 Share this with anyone who might be considering a move to Singapore for work or with their family, packed full with useful comparisons, practical tips and a review of essential admin tasks like, finding an accommodation or navigating the education system. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eEkR6zhw

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING homeandaway_who [Should there be a discrepancy between the translations between Traditional Chinese, English, Malay languages, the Traditional Chinese language version is designated as default version.] Current work life fixture: 🇸🇬 X 🇵🇸 (will explain more below) (Home 🏠)  As you remember, there are 3 strands of my YouTube business, i.e. travel, sports and recreation, work life. The last strand is particularly crucial on how my business works, i.e. given I possess a corporate job at a given location, what are the experiences relating to it (work life) and off job activities (travel, sports and recreation)! Following COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impacts for the whole world, I strongly believe that the transition from the 'Home leg of career' (in 🇸🇬) to 'Away leg of career' (not in 🇸🇬) is critical in a few years time. Moreover the health/metabolism levels of my family, including myself, are dropping with each passing day (which is very worrying). Which is why I have made an announcement back on 2022-03-10 (Thu) that my next move after my stint in @singstat_dos is to land a job in 🇹🇼. Knowing that if I work hard in this job role, and my current company have overseas branches (especially in 🇹🇼 and 🇺🇸, with the latter being 1 of the co hosts of 2026 @fifaworldcup), I strongly believe my dream on playing the 'Away' leg of career will come true one day. As such, I have decided to take on the job role as Marketing Executive at @worldscientificpub Headquarters on home soil (🇸🇬) to ease the transition from 'Home' to 'Away' (in terms of career, hopefully to 🇹🇼). For this current job role will be taking a position that if I were a foreigner coming to Singapore to work (like exchange semester back in @ntu_sg), what are the experiences working in Singapore, and off-work activities which includes exploration of other regional countries in ASEAN! Hope you enjoy my journey which will be documented via my YouTube vlogs (@homeandaway_who)! #homeandaway #homedays #homelegofcareer #marketingexecutive #statistician

MOVING TO MALAYSIA ? Here are some helpful tips to consider ! Malaysia is a popular destination for expats due to its diverse culture, vibrant cities, and relatively affordable cost of living. Here are some key points to consider if you're thinking about moving to Malaysia as an expat: ### Advantages 1. **Cost of Living**: Generally lower than many Western countries, with affordable housing, food, and transportation. 2. **Healthcare**: High-quality and affordable healthcare services, with many English-speaking doctors. 3. **Cultural Diversity**: A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures, offering a rich cultural experience. 4. **English Proficiency**: Widely spoken, especially in urban areas, making communication easier. 5. **Climate**: Warm tropical climate year-round, though it can be humid. 6. **Travel Opportunities**: Proximity to other Southeast Asian countries makes it easy to travel and explore the region. 7. **Expat Community**: Large and supportive expat community, particularly in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. ### Considerations 1. **Visa and Work Permits**: Ensure you have the correct visa and work permits. Malaysia offers several visa options for expats, including the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program. 2. **Cultural Adaptation**: Understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is important. 3. **Driving**: Traffic can be congested in cities, and driving styles may differ from what you’re used to. 4. **Weather**: The tropical climate can be challenging for those not accustomed to heat and humidity. 5. **Safety**: Generally safe, but like any country, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions. 6. **Legal System**: Understanding local laws and regulations, including those regarding alcohol, dress codes, and religious practices. ### Practical Tips 1. **Housing**: Research neighborhoods and decide whether you prefer living in an apartment, condo, or house. Popular expat areas include Kuala Lumpur’s Mont Kiara and Bangsar. 2. **Banking**: Set up a local bank account to manage your finances more easily. 3. **Health Insurance**: Consider getting comprehensive health insurance, even though healthcare is affordable. 4. **Schooling**: If you have children, explore international schools, which are available in major cities. 5. **Networking**: Join expat groups and online forums to connect with other expats and get advice on living in Malaysia. 6. **Language**: While English is widely spoken, learning some basic Malay can be helpful and appreciated by locals. By considering these factors, you can better prepare for a smooth transition to life in Malaysia as an expat.

Finally Official in Malaysia! 🇲🇾 I’m thrilled to announce to my LinkedIn network that after a few months of “passport ping pong” (anyone who’s waited on a visa knows the drill), now, I can officially say: Hello, Malaysia! I’ve arrived and am ready to embark on new professional adventures. From Pakistan, I bring over a decade of rich corporate experience across sales, production, logistics, communications, and corporate affairs. Adding to that, I’ve spent the past six years as an entrepreneur in pain management and alternative medicine, specializing in osteopathic spine manipulation & posture correction and Hijamah (wet cupping) —skills that combine hands-on healing with strong business acumen. Now that I’m settled, I’m ready to dive into relevant management opportunities in corporate and alternative health therapy as a tit-tar bonesetting specialist (if you’ve ever been curious about “that cracking sound,” I’m your person!). Top 5 lessons I’ve learned in my first 3 months here: 1. Embrace Diversity – Malaysia is like one big cultural buffet. Every meal is a new experience, so be ready to try things you can’t pronounce but definitely won’t forget! Pro tip for newcomers: be ready to try new foods, and learn a few Bahasa phrases—it goes a long way in connecting with people here. 2. Patience is a Virtue – Especially when it comes to paperwork. Lesson learned: if you think something will be done in a week, add another three for good measure. Whether it's waiting on a visa (speaking from personal experience!) or just adjusting to new systems, a bit of patience is key. Malaysia has its pace, and learning to flow with it has been invaluable. 3. Connections Are Key – I’ve found that Malaysia has an amazing expat network as well as welcoming locals. This sense of community has been vital for settling in, and I’d highly recommend newcomers to connect with both groups for a smoother transition. 4. Make your presence felt – I've been actively involved in expat WhatsApp groups, and I’ve attended nearly every career fair, conference, seminar, and community meetup I could find. I've also welcomed over 30 families—both expats and locals—over meals, from lunch to high tea to dinner. Sharing food, one of the simplest yet strongest connectors has led to invaluable friendships and connections I truly cherish. 5. Bring a Financial Cushion – “Patience is a virtue" must have been said about job hunting here. Make sure to bring enough savings to cover survival, groceries, utilities, and the occasional “treat yourself” moment for about 8–10 months. Let’s just say, the road to a paycheck in Malaysia can be... scenic. Here’s to new beginnings, exciting possibilities and to finally putting down my suitcase. 🥂 #ExpatLife #MalaysiaLife #Corporate #AlternativeHealth #ChiropracticCare #Bonesetting #WellnessJourney #ExpatsInMalaysia #Management  #visa #CrossCulturalExperience #CareerOpportunities #HealthAndWellness

Whether you are an employer in the tourism sector or an aspiring hospitality professional, the Workforce Singapore Career Conversion Programme for Tourism Professionals (CCP-TP) can help. Check out these 3 success stories from Artyzen Singapore, M Social Singapore and Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel where they tapped on CCP-TP to hire mid-careerists to join them. Interested to find out more? Do connect with us at ccp@sha.org.sg!

#Relocation Challenges and how to adopt: In my career, I've relocated multiple times, a common experience for many in the #fintech sector. My first relocation to Malaysia in 2011, living a 3-min walk from KLCC, was truly amazing. Subsequent relocations to #KualaLumpur in 2017 and now in 2024 show my strong connection to Malaysia. ✈ I've also experienced relocations to #SaoPaolo (Brazil), Lima (Peru), and #Indonesia, among other countries. To navigate relocations successfully, here are some key rules that have proven helpful for me and could benefit others facing relocation soon: - **Change Your Mind-set**: Embrace relocation as a new experience, even if challenging, as it will contribute to personal growth in the long run. - **Find Your Ideal Living Space**: Prioritize finding a home that aligns with your preferences, whether it's skyscrapers in a bustling city or serene green areas with essential amenities nearby. Have 2-3 backup options in mind. - **Adapt to Local Cuisine**: Ease into the local food scene while balancing it with familiar "western" options, gradually immersing yourself in the local cuisine. - **Manage Stress through Activities**: After long work hours, engage in stress-relieving activities like sports; for me, boxing or muaythai helped unwind after intense days. - **Pursue Big Goals with Passion**: In challenging times, maintain a focus on your passions and believe in achieving significant goals. Visualize your objectives daily and take consistent steps towards them. - **#Languagebarrier**. It is always difficult to learn new languages, and in order to adapt faster, I studied the language of the country of relocation as a first-class student, this gives you basic freedom at the initial level of adaptation and will bring appreciation from locals, so at some point I can speak at a basic level: Spanish, Indonesian, Portuguese and Malay.. Relocation can be a rewarding journey with the right mindset and strategies in place. Embrace change, adapt to new environments, and stay committed to your aspirations for a fulfilling relocation experience. #careeradvice #relocationtips #personaldevelopment

Being an expat in Malaysia is great, but there are many challenges you can face as a result of living and working overseas – here’s one of them… 🤔 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀? One attraction for coming out here is that you may end up earning more than you did back in the UK, even for doing the same job! You could also benefit from tax advantages, giving you an opportunity to rapidly accumulate your wealth. 📈 Though, if you presume you’re only going to be away for a short time, it’s tempting to enjoy your higher salary a little too much, which might mean you: 🇲🇾 Get used to a standard of living you can’t maintain in the UK 🇲🇾 Don’t save your money towards future plans. Of course, things change, but be as realistic as you can about your timeline in Malaysia. Or, you could always get some financial help from me! 👋

As a Malaysian, do you regret moving to the United States? In short, yes. Here’s why: Most of my credentials were not taken seriously even though I’ve worked all around South East Asia. In Malaysia, I was respected for my work whereas in The States I was considered a meme. Affordable healthcare was close to non-existent when compared to Malaysia. The taxes are ??? While Americans are friendly when you first meet them, but it ends there. Most are reluctant to connect with you and rarely let you into their lives (especially if you’re based in the East Coast. The West Coast is a bit more relaxed, and Hawaii in particular is much more open compared to the Mainland) You have to drive everywhere… (Literally only New York City was the most accessible city for public transport, the rest are sigh…) I experienced discrimination based on my race way more than usual. I am mixed race, so I don’t look white, black, asian, nor latino. While I thought my racial ambiguity would help me blend in better, apparently it just made me more of target for some reason? (Look, I understand everyone is under a lot of stress especially with the Trump Administration, but there’s no reason to be a dick about it by treating other people with disrespect) Look, I love The States. I love the shopping, the huge portions, and the beautiful landscape and topography of the country. That’s why it’ll always hold a special place in my heart not just because I grew up there for a bit as well. But honestly speaking? Moving back to Malaysia was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Yes, it may suck in the shopping department, the weather is always hot and humid, and traffic is miserable, but I’d take all of that anytime, any day. Disclaimer: My answer is strictly based on my own personal experiences when I moved back to The States, and does not reflect on the experiences of other people. *I read this morning and thought it was an interesting perspective for Malaysians living and working overseas - What can Malaysia do better to attract Malaysians to return home? Link to original post https://lnkd.in/g-vZ8y-t Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp) Thomas Mathew Nazrul Aziz Tengku Zafrul Aziz Rafizi Ramli Gobind Singh Deo Fahmi Fadzil