From Singapore to Malaysia: A Change of Plans
Four years ago, Singapore was our top choice for living abroad. Now, we've chosen Malaysia instead. What changed?
Initial Plans and the Pandemic's Impact
In 2017, our family took our first trip abroad. In early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, derailing our plans. During the lockdowns, watching our daughter grow, we felt unlucky and rushed. 2023 saw borders reopen, and we immediately revisited our plans to live abroad.
Popular Destinations vs. Malaysia
Many Chinese families choose the US, Canada, Australia, or Europe. Singapore and Thailand are also popular. These developed countries are attractive, but Malaysia is often overlooked.
A Shift in Perspective
The three years of closed borders allowed us to become more thoughtful. We used this time to research living abroad. The "70后金宝宝慢生活" channel highlighted Malaysia's beautiful nature, traditional Chinese culture, delicious food, and tolerance for diverse cultures.
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We saw how a regular Chinese family lived in Malaysia.
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Their approach to education resonated with us.
The Importance of "Controllable"
A recent video by 巴黎鱼皮豆 discussed the idea that people crave control more than stability. We agree. Choosing Singapore or another developed country might have cost us that control, leading to problems. With stories of people regretting moving abroad, we're grateful for the time to reflect.
Recognizing Our Child's Needs
Our initial decision to move to Singapore four years ago may have been impulsive. We now realize our daughter isn't a learning-machine. Singapore's education system is even more competitive than China's. Malaysia better suits our current needs.
Embracing a Different Pace of Life
A viewer recommended an article by Hong Kong writer 吴思源. It described the peaceful feeling of living in Sibu, a town in East Malaysia with a large Chinese population. While about a specific city, the sentiment resonated with our feelings about Malaysia in general.
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Malaysia offers a slower pace of life.
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It allows for more exploration of personal interests.
Family Considerations
We want our daughter to experience diverse cultures and pursue her passions. My husband and I also need to slow down and think about our own futures. As children of China's one-child policy, we will eventually need to care for our aging parents. Malaysia's proximity to China is important to us, allowing us to fulfill our filial duties.
Life as a Journey
No one can fully control their future. We must plan, but also adapt to change. This, we believe, is the essence of an ordinary life. We are realizing that the world isn't exactly as we once thought. We will continue to travel abroad with our daughter to broaden her horizons whenever possible.
An Early Experience in Singapore
In 2019, we traveled to Singapore for Chinese New Year with a friend who had lived there for nearly 20 years and ran a preschool. Our daughter attended the school for a few days, and she blossomed, becoming more confident and outgoing. This experience, along with insightful conversations with our friend, initially inspired us to consider Singapore for our daughter's education. After returning to China, we began researching immigration and schooling options in Singapore.
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