May 31, 2011 at 12:00 pm
No matter how strained relations can get between Singapore and Malaysia, it is a fact that these two countries share too much in terms of history to be set apart. This closeness is not merely geographical, but also cultural, no matter how partisans in both countries might want to project otherwise. An interesting factoid in a recent news article stating that Singaporeans are among the top 10 purchasers of properties in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home Programme, also known as MM2H, goes a long way to prove that Singapore and Malaysia are still intricately bound to one another, and is likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future.
The Causeway that links Singapore and Malaysia
It is a known fact that Malaysians admire Singapore for its development and economic progress, while Singaporeans view Malaysia as a popular and relatively cheap destination for vacations and gastronomic adventures. Malaysians seem to gravitate to Singapore for a fast paced career and glamourous citylife, while Singaporeans seem to cross into Malaysia for a more laidback lifestyle and simple and stress free living. It just goes to show that most people seem to think that life is better on the other side of the Causeway, no matter which side you happen to be on.
So, here is the question. Which side would you rather be on and why? The question is not meant to divide, but rather to celebrate the different aspects that both countries have to offer. So let’s hear it. Tell us what YOU think.
Read the full article below:
Malaysians residing in Singapore can assume a vital role in promoting the “Malaysia My Second Home Programme” (MM2H) among Singaporeans, says Tourism Malaysia Director in Singapore Zalizam Zakaria.
He said Singaporeans were among the top ten purchasers of properties in Malaysia under the programme followed by Japanese, British, Americans, Chinese nationals, Iranians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Indian nationals, Australians and South Koreans.
The MM2H programme is promoted by Malaysia to allow foreigners, who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a 10 year multiple-entry social visit pass which is renewable.
Open to citizens of all countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age, applicants are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 18 as dependents.
The Malaysian High Commission in Singapore, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia briefed Malaysians living in the city-state at its monthly “Malaysians Get Together” on the advantages of owning a house in Malaysia.
Zalizam impressed upon the Malaysians to do a “sales pitch” among their
Singapore friends by highlighting the fact that the Malaysian government would continuously seek to improve the programme to ensure its success.
He said Malaysia should be their second home based on its ranking as the 16th most preferred top retirement haven in the “Annual Global Retirement Index” in 2009, according to International Living.com.
Apart from a relatively low cost of living, Zalizam said it was worthwhile to note that those who qualified would be able to bring their immediate family members along, own freehold property in Malaysia, import worldly goods and even purchase a brand new car, tax free.
“They can also enjoy all the multiple benefits that Malaysia offers to its citizens,” he said, explaining further that Malaysia had an efficient and affordable healthcare system.
Just a stone’s throw across the causeway, Zalizam said Singaporeans should grab low-priced apartments, town houses, beachside villas and sprawling houses in city suburbs, which was real value for money, and make Malaysia their their second home.
Source: Bernama
Photo (c) schristia
Singaporeans In Malaysia
May 31, 2011 at 12:00 pm
No matter how strained relations can get between Singapore and Malaysia, it is a fact that these two countries share too much in terms of history to be set apart. This closeness is not merely geographical, but also cultural, no matter how partisans in both countries might want to project otherwise. An interesting factoid in a recent news article stating that Singaporeans are among the top 10 purchasers of properties in Malaysia under the Malaysia My Second Home Programme, also known as MM2H, goes a long way to prove that Singapore and Malaysia are still intricately bound to one another, and is likely to remain that way for the foreseeable future.
The Causeway that links Singapore and Malaysia
It is a known fact that Malaysians admire Singapore for its development and economic progress, while Singaporeans view Malaysia as a popular and relatively cheap destination for vacations and gastronomic adventures. Malaysians seem to gravitate to Singapore for a fast paced career and glamourous citylife, while Singaporeans seem to cross into Malaysia for a more laidback lifestyle and simple and stress free living. It just goes to show that most people seem to think that life is better on the other side of the Causeway, no matter which side you happen to be on.
So, here is the question. Which side would you rather be on and why? The question is not meant to divide, but rather to celebrate the different aspects that both countries have to offer. So let’s hear it. Tell us what YOU think.
Read the full article below:
Malaysians residing in Singapore can assume a vital role in promoting the “Malaysia My Second Home Programme” (MM2H) among Singaporeans, says Tourism Malaysia Director in Singapore Zalizam Zakaria.
He said Singaporeans were among the top ten purchasers of properties in Malaysia under the programme followed by Japanese, British, Americans, Chinese nationals, Iranians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Indian nationals, Australians and South Koreans.
The MM2H programme is promoted by Malaysia to allow foreigners, who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a 10 year multiple-entry social visit pass which is renewable.
Open to citizens of all countries recognised by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age, applicants are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 18 as dependents.
The Malaysian High Commission in Singapore, in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia briefed Malaysians living in the city-state at its monthly “Malaysians Get Together” on the advantages of owning a house in Malaysia.
Zalizam impressed upon the Malaysians to do a “sales pitch” among their
Singapore friends by highlighting the fact that the Malaysian government would continuously seek to improve the programme to ensure its success.
He said Malaysia should be their second home based on its ranking as the 16th most preferred top retirement haven in the “Annual Global Retirement Index” in 2009, according to International Living.com.
Apart from a relatively low cost of living, Zalizam said it was worthwhile to note that those who qualified would be able to bring their immediate family members along, own freehold property in Malaysia, import worldly goods and even purchase a brand new car, tax free.
“They can also enjoy all the multiple benefits that Malaysia offers to its citizens,” he said, explaining further that Malaysia had an efficient and affordable healthcare system.
Just a stone’s throw across the causeway, Zalizam said Singaporeans should grab low-priced apartments, town houses, beachside villas and sprawling houses in city suburbs, which was real value for money, and make Malaysia their their second home.
Source: Bernama
Photo (c) schristia
Tags: malaysia, malaysia my second home programme, MM2H, singapore