http://www.expatfocus.

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professionals-in-east-malaysia/

Sarawak and Sabah: Opportunities for Expat Professionals in East Malaysia

Sarawak and Sabah comprise what is known as East Malaysia, or Malaysian Borneo. In contrast to the
major industrial and commercial centers of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling, the island territory is comprised
of mostly lowland rain forests and is home to just about a fifth of the total Malaysian population. Many
expats that choose to relocate to Malaysia for its low cost, but high standard of living settle in popular
neighborhoods around Kuala Lumpur. However, this is not to say that there are not opportunities for
expats on this island. Although travel can clearly be problematic, there are limited opportunities for
expats that want to settle in East Malaysia.

An Overview of Sarawak and Sabah

The administrative capital of Sarawak is Kuching, which is home to just around 2.5 million people. With
most of the economic opportunities in Malaysia burgeoning around its thriving economy, the industries
that drive financial independence on the island of Borneo in Sarawak are a far cry from the major
cosmopolitan cities on Mainland Malaysia. While timber collected from the island provides a major
export for the island, Sarawaks economy is driven by tourism and agriculture. Unlike Mainland
Malaysia, which has been transformed to an industrial, modern society, Sarawak is heavily focused on
environmental policy and the travel industry, all of which pose very limited benefits for expats to
capitalize on. Although the area is heavy in natural resources, expats looking for work in finance or the
sciences should most likely remain within the boundaries of the Malaysian Mainland.

Sabah poses more opportunities for expats than does Sarawak, although the prospects are still fairly
slim. The economy of Sabah profits primarily off of agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. There are
hundreds of small and medium industries in operation throughout Sabah, offering more opportunities
for expats who want to work but also want to avoid the fast-paced life that living on the mainland can
sometimes entail. Many of the expats working in Sabah work for large multinational corporations in the
oil and lumber industries. Some expats even work in the tourism industry, although most of these
workers are sent from overseas companies as well.

Those living in Sarawak and Sabah can access the mainland via air flights and sea transportation.
Although flights would be relatively short, expats should consider the limitations that such travel may
place on their overall success in their business ventures. If working in an office is a must, then Sarawak
and Sabah may not be the right area for an expat looking for a home in Malaysia. Restricting the
movement and work of expats through this isolation, the relative economies of Sarawak and Sabah
suffer heavily due to this fragmentation. With the government of Malaysia attempting to attract expats
to build the economy, placing oneself in East Malaysia is impairing ones own chances at a successful
career.