HK vs Kuala Lumpur

[Misty]

Schooling in HK is expensive so you?d need to take that into consideration, many people we know send there kids to UK or OZ rather than them going to school here as they don't think the HK education system is up too much. Others have quit their jobs and moved away once there kids reached the age of 11/12 as hey couldn?t afford the schools here.

[dunnolar]

Contrary to popular belief, Malaysians do not live on trees and KL is definitely not 3rd world. I travel quite a bit and do agree with Sam that a visit to Jakarta, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, New Delhi, or Manila would open your eyes.

I'm also a Malaysian now based in HK. IMO KL would be the best of both worlds-upclass city living vs. affordable suburban lifestyle. There are lotsa foreigners living in KL (typically the Ampang, Bangsar & Damansara areas) either working class or retirees, paving the way for many private & international schools: International School of KL, Garden International & Alice Smith International, just to name a few.

If it's city life you're after than HK would be the better bet to KL. Favorable tax rates, efficient transport infrastructure, larger expat population, and shopping-its famed national sport.

[links]

Contrary to popular belief, Malaysians do not live on trees and KL is definitely not 3rd world. I travel quite a bit and do agree with Sam that a visit to Jakarta, Phnom Penh, Vientiane, New Delhi, or Manila would open your eyes.

I'm also a Malaysian now based in HK. IMO KL would be the best of both worlds-upclass city living vs. affordable suburban lifestyle. There are lotsa foreigners living in KL (typically the Ampang, Bangsar & Damansara areas) either working class or retirees, paving the way for many private & international schools: International School of KL, Garden International & Alice Smith International, just to name a few.

If it's city life you're after than HK would be the better bet to KL. Favorable tax rates, efficient transport infrastructure, larger expat population, and shopping-its famed national sport.

Fren,

I am also a msian working in HK, i think kl will be better to live but HK is a good place to earn money.

regarding the international schools....rule out Sri KL and Sri Garden, thats the play ground for some rich and spolt kids.

The apartment in mont kiara is also a hot spots for expats in KL.

I am ending my HK working life now and still considering either relocate to Shanghai/Shenzhen or Singapore.....

[ingenue]

My hubby is considering a job in Asia within his company and has the choice to live in HK or KL.
We have two young children (6&4) and we are trying to get some advice.
We are moving from a large city in Canada and want the same type of lifestyle - big city, lots to do etc...

It sounds like HK will be more suitable towards what you're looking for in an overall living situation - larger expat community, big city life with suburban options if need be, international schools that will be recognized.

My two pieces of advice would be (a) make sure his company gives a housing allowance as apartments here tend to be small and expensive, and (b) make sure you get an educational allowance for your children's schooling. Both should be required and not optional from your company...you're likely to spend the bulk of your husband's salary on comfortable housing otherwise, plus I'm sure you want your kids to be able to transition smoothly into a school outside of HK in the future, when it comes time to leave, hence an international school.

I hope this helps in your decision making, and good luck!

[kettana]

any hong kong people go to malaysia for study ? I used to live and study in Canada( Toronto city ) for 4 years.

Now I'm taking bachelor degree university in Malaysia. From my experience, Canada is too advanced with a high standard of living compare to Malaysia.
the most problem living in malaysia is transportation. if you are an international, you will need car all the way. well, I don't know about Hong Kong.

[Raccon]

Having lived in KL for several years and now HK for 3 I would vote for KL. Can't comment on aspects related to kids/schooling but I found the life there to be less stressful and as it has been said already everything is much cheaper there. Great food, nice people and big apartments but you will need a car, which also allows to travel around the country and explore.

There aren't huge estates with club houses like here in HK (though many places have a pool), but there are clubs where you can become a member.

[mlclau]

KL is far from 3rd world.

Sure, life might be a little slower than the likes of Hong Kong and New York- but I'd say, you would have a easier chance of maintaining the lifestyle (but spending less) you have in Canada, living in KL than you would in Hong Kong. (I am of course, making a huge assumption that you live in a house, with a garden and have two family cars parked in your driveway!)

I think housing is bigger, food is much better, there are bigger and better shopping malls, friendlier people and a thriving expat community with international schools. Everything is also a lot cheaper.