Living in Malaysia

Climate: Malaysia is generally warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 21° to 32° Celsius in the lowlands. This can however be as low as 16° Celsius in the highlands. Annual rainfall is heavy at 2,500 mm (100 inches).

People: Malaysia has a population of about 22 million. It is a multi-racial country whose social integration has become a model for the rest of the world. Almost 80% of the total population occupies the Peninsular. There are three main races in the country. The Malays, who are Muslims, form the majority in the country. The other two main racial groups are the Chinese, who are mostly Buddhists and the Indians, who are mainly Hindus. Others who make up the population include the Eurasians and the more than 50 indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak like the Kadazans, Dusuns, Muruts, Ibans, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Bidayuhs, Penans, just to name a few. The different races have their own traditions and customs which gives Malaysia a colorful heritage. The important festivals of each race is a public holiday in the country (so there are a lot of public holidays here!) and celebrated by all regardless of race and beliefs.

Expenses in Malaysia: Living in Malaysia is far cheaper than most Western countries and some other Asian countries such as Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Housing, communications, transport (including taxis), local food, holiday accommodation, airfares, clothing, medical expenses, entertainment and recreation are cheaper than most expats have experienced.

Prices for groceries are also fairly reasonable, depending on where you shop. Malaysia has many supermarkets and hypermarkets and you can also buy food at the various outdoor markets at very attractive prices. As an example the current estimate on basic items are about RM3 for a loaf of bread, RM3 to RM4 for a liter of milk, about RM50 to RM95 for a kilogram of premium imported steak. To know more about the exchange rates based in your home currency. 

Accommodation	RM300 - RM1,500(rental varies with geographical area, type of accommodation, demand, facilities provided and the number of people sharing)
Utilities	RM50 - RM80 (not applicable for boarding schools)
Food	RM300 -RM450 (Based on RM10-RM15 a day for 3 meals)Note: Included in boarding fees, Boarding Schools usually provide two meals a day. Not included in room rates, Halls of Residence normally offer meals at extra charge.
Public Transport	RM20 - RM100 (varies with types of student concession pass)
Telecommunications	From RM30 (varies with usage and promotional packages subscribed)
Books and Stationary	RM30 - RM100 (varies with course)
Personal Expenses	RM100 - RM200 (varies with individuals)(clothes, toiletries, entertainment, haircut, miscellaneous)

Transport: Malaysia has well-developed air and sea connections. It is also accessible by road and rail through Thailand and Singapore on the Peninsular. More than 25 major airlines service the international airports throughout the nation. Port Klang and Penang in the Straits of Malacca link the country to the rest of the world by sea.

Internal travel is relatively easy, comfortable and cheap. The major towns and cities are served by air-conditioned trains and buses and also by regular scheduled flights. Travelling by road in Peninsular Malaysia is popular as it has a well-developed network of roads.

In Sabah and Sarawak, travelling by four-wheel drive is recommended on unpaved roads, and many remote areas can only be reached by air or river boats. Travelling by rail is also highly recommended as you get a panoramic view of the countryside. To get value for money when travelling by rail, plan your journey in advance.

Food: Malaysia has many kinds of restaurants almost everywhere in the cities and towns. There are Malay Restaurants, Chinese restaurants, Indian Restaurants, Thai Restaurants and more. Eating out in Malaysia is a real gastronomic adventure. There is such a great variety; spicy Malay Food, a seemingly endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese Food. Popular Malaysian dishes include satay, nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice, and fried noodles. Western cuisine is also easily available. In addition, international fast food chains operate in major towns side by side with thousands of road side stalls and food bazaars.

Entertainment in Malaysia

• Kasturi Walk: Tantalize your taste buds with authentic Malay kuih, Chinese dim sum or delicious Indian rojak. Or better still; indulge in some durian pancakes, made from the king of fruits! Discover what Malaysia tastes like with plenty of local snacks and specialties specially selected for Kasturi Walk. Here you will also find an array of traditional garments and souvenirs. Kasturi Walk is a transformation of Lorong Kasturi, a lane running alongside Central Market. Opening very soon, Kasturi Walk is an exciting covered walkway of retail and F&B kiosks, attracting visitors and shoppers to its vibrant al fresco ambience.
• Kampung Baru: Kampung Bahru is the oldest Malay residential area in Kuala Lumpur. About ten minutes away from Chow Kit Market, it was founded in 1899 and there are still authentic traditional Malay wooden houses there. On Saturday evenings, one section of Kampung Bahru is a hive of activity. This market has a totally Malay feel to it, and this is obvious in the style of jewellery and clothes, in the type of fabric, the varied tastes of Malay cooking and in the make of the handicraft on sale.
• Little India: Little India is a riot of colors, from the saris hanging from shops to the snacks and sweetmeats on sale from roadside stalls. Find fresh milk, various Indian breads and delicious mouth-watering fare from the numerous eateries. What better opportunity to sample Indian cuisine at really affordable prices. KL's Little India is to be found in the older section of the city on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. Jalan Masjid India is the main street of Little India and the whole place is delightfully reminiscent of a Middle Eastern bazaar with the arrangement of its shops and items on sale.
• Chinatown:
  
  Every major city in the world has a Chinatown, as does Kuala Lumpur, BUT there is a unique difference to KL's Chinatown, one that is reflective of the multi-racial harmony of Malaysia. Chinatown it is, indeed, but at its very heart sits the Sri Maha Mariamman Indian temple. Colorful statues and sweet scents greet visitors, and the bright hues of flower garlands hanging from flower stalls do much to brighten the vista. Equally colorful are the mountains of Indian sweetmeats and delicacies heaped on the roadside stalls that line the street.

Gather more information about Studying in Malaysia at: http://www.zenithabroad.com/study-in-malaysia 

MALAYSIA - BEST PLACE TO STUDY MANAGEMENT

Degrees in management are the most popular among Indian students. So, universities have made a significant effort to match the demand of the industry by providing plenty of courses, with different emphasis and specialization. These courses help in development of skilled people through work and focus on how organizations operate- what do they do, their styles of management, and their business strategies.

Malaysia, at this moment is investing heavily in turning itself to a leading study destination, and its efforts are paying off- a large number of international students are opting Malaysia. Malaysian universities have improved their ethical and environment standing, so they have provided relevant course modules in curriculum. Malaysian universities keep in mind that students are the biggest assets of the organization and they try to polish their skill set such that they can easily adjust to the environment of the organization.

TOP REASONS TO STUDY MANAGEMENT IN MALAYSIA

• Major companies have their South-east headquarters in Malaysia: Since large number of companies are established in Malaysia job opportunities are abundant. These large organizations require skilled work force, hence the probability of management graduates to land into a good job simply doubles.
• Good Quality Education: Malaysian Universities have put in a significant amount of effort to prepare students in accordance to the industry standards. They help students to develop  management skills as well as students are demonstrate an understanding of markets, finance, managing people, operations, information systems, policy and strategy.
• Affordable Education: The cost of living of Malaysia is generally lower than many international countries. The tuition fees for management courses are affordable and the cost of living of Malaysia is lower than many international countries.
• Experience of Cultural Diversity: Malaysia is a diverse fusion of Asia’s oldest civilization, we can find – Malay, Chinese, and Indian with exuberant celebration of festivals, customs, and traditions and an array of multicultural cuisines.
• Easily Accessible: Malaysia is easily reached by flights from all over the world. It is also accessible by sea and land from neighbourhood countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Moderate climate and weather: Malaysia has the same tropical humid climate throughout the year. Its temperature is about 29°C. The bright and tropical climate ensures that most sports and activities can be enjoyed throughout the year.

At the end of course, the nature of business course and practical experience one has gained while studying in Malaysian universities will help students to get placed in the top multinational companies. Moreover, Malaysia surrounds its students with the best teachers such that they develop an art of making problems so interesting and its solutions so constructive that everyone wants to work with them.

For more information visit our official website: www.zenithabroad.com

Author: Amrita Sokhi (Admission Counselor)