Different Perspectives 

Just a really short one!

When we were planning the move out here to Malaysia and even now we are here we came across a YouTube channel by a very cheery and entertaining real-estate blogger (I know, it sounds like an oxymoron) called Sean Tan (here's a link to the channel in case you are interested - although I've no idea why you would be...).

Here is a piece of real estate on Batu Kawan, mainland Penang.

One key theme that kept cropping up was one very desirable feature of Malaysian properties, particularly in KL and Penang, was the proximity to expat areas. These areas, where the demographic is not just multi-cultural (Malaysia does a very good job of that already), but multi-national, are seen as not just a good investment, but as desirable locations in which to live. Living in an area with people from diverse backgrounds who don't come from the host country is seen as a huge positive.

Here's one of the areas in Penang that carries a premium due to the international nature of the community there.

Now I recognise that there will be parts of this country where 'others' are seen as bad and there will be individuals who will hold specific prejudices against people 'not from here', but on the whole Malaysia seems pretty welcoming to foreigners - although recent shifts in a landmark policy are starting to suggest that maybe not everyone in government feels the same way. 

I wonder, how many real estate agents use multi-cultural, multi-ethnic communities as a plus point in other parts of the world?

Makes you think...