A Day Out in Kuala Lumpur: Food, Thoughts on Immigration, and More
The speakers share their experiences and thoughts on various topics, ranging from the weather in Kuala Lumpur to international student policies and real estate investments.
Weather and Outdoor Activities
After a week spent primarily indoors due to unusually hot weather (34-35 degrees Celsius, compared to the typical 31-32), the speakers were eager to venture out on a cooler day. They appreciate having the option to explore beyond their immediate DPC community but acknowledge that a car makes a wider range of activities more accessible.
Restaurant Recommendation: Stir-Fried Pork Strips and White Coffee
The speakers were headed to a restaurant in PJ (Petaling Jaya) based on a recommendation for its stir-fried pork strips. The restaurant is called Uptown, near Starling Mall. After some trouble locating it, they manage to order food just before the kitchen closes. They also ordered white coffee, a Bingcheng chain known for their milk tea. The speaker's husband really enjoyed the white coffee, describing it as silky with a strong coffee aroma. They also enjoyed the stir-fried dish with duck eggs and chilli noodles.
Decoration Update
The speaker is busy with house decoration, which is proving to be more time-consuming than expected. She anticipates moving in next month. Because the house came partially furnished, they are having to do more decoration than their home in the UK, which was fully furnished down to the lamps and carpet. She relies on online shopping from China for materials, which extends the installation period.
Empire City
The speaker is curious about Empire City, an entertainment complex, and wonders if it is open. She encourages viewers to provide information if they know.
Discussion on International Students and Immigration Policies
The conversation shifts to a discussion of changing immigration policies, particularly in the United States.
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US Visa Concerns: The speakers discuss the stricter reviews for Chinese students applying for US visas, mentioning the requirement of submitting social media accounts and the potential for anti-American sentiment to be scrutinized.
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Focus on American Students: They mention the American State Department's apparent policy shift to prioritize American students over international students, leading to debate about the fairness and potential impact on international students.
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Sensitive Professions: They note that stricter reviews for students in sensitive fields (aerospace engineering, EE, medical/biological sciences) are not new, and that they had faced similar scrutiny when studying in the US.
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UK as an Alternative: They observe that the UK might benefit from these changes as students seek alternative destinations for education, pointing out the longer visa duration and the availability of post-study work visas. They also mention that international students contribute large amounts to US universities.
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Anti-Immigration Sentiment: They acknowledge the rising anti-immigration sentiment in Western countries, including the UK and the US. A recent meal with a British teacher revealed their father, an immigrant, felt the heavy presence of hate towards immigrants in British society.
UK Real Estate Investment
The speakers discuss the potential for real estate investment in the UK.
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Housing Shortage: They note a chronic housing shortage in the UK due to slow construction and a decreasing number of immigrants.
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Stable Rental Market: This shortage leads to consistently rising rents, making the UK rental market attractive for investors. Students often pay a year's rent in advance, making the student market particularly stable.
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Lower Holding Costs: A key advantage of UK real estate compared to the US is the absence of property tax. The UK only has Council Tax, which is much lower and typically paid by the tenant.
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Tenant Protection: The UK has strong tenant protection laws, requiring landlords to meet energy efficiency standards and maintain the electrical system.
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Geo-Arbitrage: The speakers propose living in lower cost areas with high asset income, such as a British house and living in Yunnan, as a financial strategy for Chinese people.
Reflections on Social Systems and Political Correctness
The speakers express concern about the current state of social systems in Europe and America.
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Lack of Meritocracy: They feel that the systems are not meritocratic, rewarding criminals and not adequately supporting law-abiding citizens.
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Political Correctness: They attribute this to excessive political correctness and leftist ideology, which they believe has gone too far.
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Pendulum Swing: They predict a "pendulum swing" towards more conservative policies in the future, similar to the rise of Trumpism.
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Impact of AI: They believe the biggest challenge facing society is AI, which is causing job losses and economic downturns.
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Immigration Debate: They criticize the tendency to blame immigrants for societal problems, arguing that the real issues lie within the social and political systems themselves.
Post-Dinner Thoughts
The speakers discuss the restaurant and dishes they ordered for dinner. The couple noted that the restaurant was cost-effective with great food. They ended their day by driving home. The day ended with reflections on the unique cultural aspects of Kuala Lumpur, such as the late-night activity of locals and the contrast between Asian and Western sleep patterns. The speaker expresses interest in visiting a local museum at a nearby mall next time.
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