Hi All,

I’ve been browsing Lowyat Forum on and off for the past decade or so and I’ve seen a lot of threads every now and then that centres around the topic of moving to Australia. There’s a lot of good information on here, but there’s also an equal amount of misconceptions about living and working in the land down under.

One saying that I’ve come across a lot which stands true is that the grass is not always greener on the other side, and this is something that I’ve always kept at the back of my mind when I was planning the big move. I’ve seen many migrants struggling as they did not deliberate enough when making the decision to uproot their established lives in Malaysia to give what they perceive as the land of opportunity a go.

I have a bit of time to spare over the next week, so I’d be happy to shed light on and provide some first-hand insights into moving, living and working in Australia. Some context about myself to kick start the AMA:

- I obtained my Australian permanent resident visa prior to the COVID pandemic
- I moved early 2022 at the tail-end of COVID border restrictions
- I am English-educated while my wife is Chinese-educated
- My wife and I are in our early 30s
- We are both currently working in our respective industries, either at the same level or higher that the jobs we had prior to leaving Malaysia
- We had a combined monthly salary of approximately RM35k per month in Malaysia with our house and cars paid off, which made the decision to move even more difficult

Feel free to ask me anything and I will endeavour to provide a candid answer based on my personal experience.

How to find full time employment in Australia from MY ?

Is it possible to get PR in australia if I start working as fruit picker?

If yes can you tell me what are the steps in brief?

Did you apply for Visa first then apply for jobs? Is your visa 190 or 189 class?

I have a UK Degree and been working for my current company for 10 years with constant travel to Australia. The EOI says my English is still insufficient and was asked to take IELTS or PTE. English test are common for Malaysians?

For professional roles, I wouldn’t say it’s impossible but you’ll only stand a chance if you already hold a permanent resident visa AND offer a niche skill that employers are not able to source locally or have strong contacts with hiring managers here. You can try and take advantage of the current labour shortage, but don’t bank on it. I only know one person within my circle who secured a job in his field before he migrated, but his line of work is incredibly niche.

I’ve been applying to professional roles actively for two years prior to my move and did not get a single call back despite being a permanent resident. One month in Australia with an Australian number and address on my resume and I’ve had several interviews lined up.

Think of it this way, would a Malaysian company even look at a resume with a foreign address and number for a role that can be filled by a local easily?

Did you graduate from an Australian based university? How's your wife IELTS score?

Not unless you hold professional qualifications and experience that falls under the relevant permanent resident visa’s occupation list or if your employer is willing to sponsor you.

Do not trust any employers or agents that gives you a “guarantee” for PR sponsorship after X number of years - never gonna happen for unskilled labour.

Yes, I applied for my PR under subclass 189 before moving.

189/190 will require you to go through IELTS or equivalent, and if I recall correctly you’ll need to score band 6 for all 4 parts as a minimum. You’ll get additional points for straight band 7’s and straight band 8’s.

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 11 2023, 01:11 PM

Yes, I graduated from an Australian uni which added a couple of points to my PR application.

My wife didn’t go through IELTS as I applied for a partner visa for her cause we weren’t married when I applied for my PR.

What's your overall total score?

IIRC two 9’s one 8.5 and one 8.0.

I see. What about your points tested stream? I know 65 is the minimum but from my research rarely they'll touch anything below 75.

1. Can you do a comparison of how much you can save and invest before and after moving to AU? Have your expenses increased or decreased?

2. Can you do a comparison of how much tax you need to pay before and after moving to AU?

3. Do you still have an active MY bank account? Do you transfer your cash between both MY and AU accounts?

4. What do you think is the biggest challenge residing in AU?

5. Do you plan to retire in MY in the future?

Mine was 70 back in 2018 and I didn’t bother to include my work experience cause it was just sufficient for an invite. I think the points system has changed a little since then.

can give example or elaborate on the grass is not always greener there?

do you took out all of your kwsp ?? both of you ??

1. Definitely more (both expenses and savings) after I move to AU due to the currency, but I think everyone’s circumstances are different. We have a decent combined income here. However, we felt that we had more financial freedom back in Malaysia but that’s primarily down to the fact that we were debt-free whereas a huge chunk of out expenditure goes to our mortgage here. But then again, we wouldn’t be able to afford a house of a similar value in Malaysia against what we were earning back then.

2. A lot more. You may refer to the income tax rates here. https://www.ato.gov.au/Rates/Individual-inc...ates/#Residents

In Malaysia you get taxed 25% or thereabouts for income over rm250k, but in Australia it starts from 19% and goes up to 45%. I’m currently in the 45% tax bracket, which means any increments or bonuses I get, I’ll get back only around half.

3. Yes. I do all my transfer using Wise and they’ve been great so far. I did transfer a significant amount (7 figures) using Wise during my initial move - RM60k max per day between me and my wife over a period time. No issues.

4. For most people, it would be the cultural fit - I see a lot of migrants struggling in the workplace or getting a job because they couldn’t assimilate into the Australian culture. For me personally it’s getting myself up to speed with their regulatory processses (e.g. buying a house, taxation laws, etc) in the first year.

5. Probably not, but I’ll probably spend up to half of my time in Malaysia.

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 11 2023, 01:09 PM

How long did it take for you to get approved from the initial application submission to the final approval letter?

Much higher income tax.
Your EPF-equivalent contributions and employer contributions are taxed.
Your EPF-equivalent earning are taxed.
Everything is taxed.
Have I mentioned the tax?
Need a plumber? Minimum call out fee $120 or more, and that’s just getting them to your door.
Closest holiday destination is Bali. Flying anywhere takes at least 5 hours. Can’t just hop on a flight from KUL to BKK for a weekend.
Even with childcare subsidy, we pay around $2.5k per month for childcare for just one toddler.

With that being said, at least the taxes I pay goes back into enriching our lives. And knowing my children can pursue any career path and make a living wage is pretty much why I’m here.

No, but we plan to. In order to withdraw, we will need to give up our Malaysian citizenships. We won’t be able to renounce our Malaysian citizenships until we’ve gotten our Australian citizenships.

The reason why we’d like to withdraw is because all our annual KWSP dividends are included as part of our taxable incomes in Australia. Mine’s being taxed at 45% which is pretty painful.

Just over 4 months, but this was back in 2018.

which industry are you from?

I have stable business and millionaire in RM cash holding. Me and wife love Australia and have travelled there in the past.

We have tourist visa up to 1 year and able to stay up to 3 months per visit. Subclass 600

We would love to stay in Australia for longer than 3 months at one time but not intending to be permanent residents nor citizens because our of business in Malaysia.

We can still rent a place or vehicle in Australia as a visitor, so there is no reason for us to apply for PR. Or is there anything in between PR and subclass 600 which could give us more benefit and value.

Any suggestion on the above?

Thanks.

Last question, since you've walked this path, if let's say I get approved, how much money should I expect to bring to settle down comfortably for the first 2 months?

I have been trough most of aus at least once and it feels like after 6 lack of any activities. Is there pockets of place I have not been to that is lively?

Also I heard a lot of gaming restrictions and small servers allocated to aus. Is that true?

I know bringing food is a real hassle, what about things like sculpture, painting and antique? I use to buy them to bring back here but never the other way around.

Right now the only business connections I have with aus are digital services. Not sure if this could grow into migrating or not. But let's say I have rm200k and relatives that is already citizen, can I just get pr and start my own digital business there?

This.

This post has been edited by jojolicia: Jun 11 2023, 03:00 PM

My summarised budget for the first month was as follows:

One way flight tickets for 2 pax - (adjusted for current rates) $1,500
Hotel/AirBnB Stay (2 weeks) - $3,000
Car Rental (1 week) - $400
Rental bond (4 weeks) - $2,400
Rental (4 weeks) - $2,400
Furniture - $5,000 (I think we spent less, around 4K cause we bought mostly used furniture)
Car purchase - $25,000
Monthly expenditure (groceries, petrol, utilities, eating out etc) - $2k
Total: Around $42k - obviously depending on what vehicle you’re buying, this can go down or up quite significantly.

Oil & gas

Subclass 189 before moving. You must be a local uni graduate.

If that’s the case I guess you can continue your current arrangement but you wouldn’t be able to stay more than 3 months at a time.

There’s a lot of difference between being a PR and being a visitor, but most of those are only for those who would want to work and have a family here.

You’ll find it almost impossible to rent a long term place as a visitor. Your only options would be hotels, short term rental arrangements or AirBnB.

Everyone within my circle have gotten their 189/190 visa before they move, regardless if they’re a local or overseas grad, so I’m not sure what you’re implying.

I meant local as in au uni graduated. I got my 189 via aaca.

This post has been edited by jojolicia: Jun 11 2023, 08:30 PM

You hit the spot there for a couple of things

Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane has a lively drinking and clubbing scene after 6, but you can’t compare after hours activity levels to South East Asian countries. No contest.

Online gaming is pretty crap here as most servers are based overseas.

Anything that isn’t good and isn’t of a significant value are fine - just declare if you’re unsure. Customs are pretty anal to two things - anything that may endanger their agricultural industry (foreign meat, nuts, seeds, etc) and anything that may be linked to money laundering (i.e. high value goods).

For business migration, that’s a little different to skilled. Don’t quote me on this but I think you’ll need to invest around 7 figures AUD to set up a business here to be considered under business migration. Family sponsorship is only limited to spouse and children (even parents are difficult).

Yes I am, but doesn’t really matter as I only get 5 additional points as part of the process to get an invitation to apply. Most of my peers who migrated are Malaysian/UK grads.

Yes.
Anyway, those who are keen on subclass189 route, first go read up MLTSSL

So nice.so young earn so much already

let say, both of you guys accumulate more than half million ringgit, what plan will you do with that money ? biz or house?

I think we’re digressing a little here, let’s stick to Australia, shall we? Also I’m a lousy investor so you wouldn’t want my advise on money 😜

How’s the racism?

I have been doing some thinking lately. What makes you want to move over to australia?

How much RM savings u need to have to survive the first few months in AU jobless?
How do you settle your first few months lodging? First week stay at hotel and look for houses to let there? How to go house viewing withiut car?

So far I can say next to none, for both myself and my wife.

I stayed in a hotel for the first two weeks while looking for a place to rent. I got a little luckily though and managed to secure something in the first week. I also rented a car for my first week and made it a priority to drive away with my own car by then end of the first week.

I budget $100k or around RM300k to last me a year without a job ($42k for the first month and $48k for the remaining 11 months), but I had more than that after selling my assets in Malaysia.

I was lucky to start working around 2 months after I arrived (could’ve started in 1.5 months but had a better last minute offer).

what do you do after 8 pm besides staying at home?

Hmm ok but what's so good about Australia citizenship??

Mainly for the kids. I want my kids to have a better quality of life and will be able to earn a living wage by pursuing their interests, regardless if they’re a mechanic or a lawyer.

Also, considering the state of the government in Malaysia after PH’s failure with no potential future leaders in the pipeline and PAS gaining traction, I fear it’s just going to go downhill from there.

That’s the only thing I do because I have kids. 😅

It’s great for me because I can get my EPF money and no longer have to pay tax on the dividends. And I don’t have to renew my PR every 5 years 😅

Other than that, not much difference to having a PR other than being able to work for certain jobs like defence.

TS went there with family alone or already have relatives, close friends contacts in Oz prior migration?

Afterall, kids will grow up parents will grow old.

I frequently met with very old ex msians in airport or flight traveling alone back to msia. Mostly sad lonely stories, though they always brag how much money they have lol. Or their sons and daughters live very good life.

by age 30s, not that easy to have local accent, would always be treated like bangla level, do TS agree?

better quality of life seriously?

My sis just come back from Aussie for breaks. First thing she did was to bring her kids to see a specialist for some health issues..She said its so difficult to meet specialist there..you only get to meet general cheapo docs and to get appointment with specialists, need months..

I have some friends here, no family. I’ve always travelled alone most of my life, but knowing that the “sad and lonely” ex-Malaysians are able to travel home frequently to see their old friends, and their kids are set up well for the future, I’m sure they wouldn’t trade it for anything else, wouldn’t you agree?

I find it odd that they brag about money. One of the side perks of living in Australia is I don’t see a lot of people bragging. Australians are not materialistic and won’t judge you by your car or branded bags. Perhaps their old Malaysian traits flared up upon seeing another Malaysian? 😜

Being treated like a bangla was one of the things I worry about before coming over, but that’s only true in the Malaysia where blue collar foreigners are looked down upon. Perhaps there may be a glass ceiling, but even if there is, it’s probably much higher than I would like to progress in my career. And FYI I am currently sitting one level higher than where I was before leaving Malaysia in an ASX50 organisation and am lined up for a leadership role sometime this year. Accents doesn’t matter - being able to fit in culturally is important.

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 11 2023, 05:31 PM

Try getting a specialist in local government hospitals in Malaysia - depending on the severity of the illness, it’ll take time to make an appointment as well. It’s the same here in Australia.

I’m sure your sister went to a private specialist which is comparatively cheaper in Malaysia. She has the option of going to a private specialist here as well, but I’m sure she’ll tell you it’s cheaper to buy a flight ticket back to Malaysia to see a specialist there. And if she can wait until her breaks to do so, don’t you agree it’s non-life threatening?

Oh, and there’s no “cheapo” doctors here. They’re all qualified and how much you pay doesn’t equate to the quality you get. Similarly in Malaysia as well - “cheapo” public hospitals have some of the best specialists that will see patients that private hospitals refuse. Gotta get rid of that mentality - you’re discrediting the medical profession.

Yes, private medical is expensive in Australia, but then again what isn’t? That’s why her pay is higher here than in Malaysia 😉. May I ask why she doesn’t want to return to Malaysia if she feels the quality of life here aren’t as good?

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 11 2023, 05:17 PM

I'm guessing your role must be in high demand or is in a niche industry. Not easy for normal Malaysians that wish to migrate to find a role/position similar to what they have been accustomed to in Malaysia. I do personally know many Malaysians that wish to migrate over concerns over the country's future, some even pay exorbitant amounts to engage migration consultants. Many of them were not successful in obtaining employment tho.

Not exactly in a niche industry, but there is a labour shortage now that helps. And that’s why I decided to move even with border restrictions in place.

Yes I agree that there are some that are struggling to find jobs - again, I don’t want to paint a rosy picture about the job market here, but I feel that generally speaking, Malaysians with MNC experience in Malaysia will usually do well here. Can’t speak for others though.

I personally have not and also would not recommend using a migration agent for straightforward applications. They do charge exorbitant amounts and you’ll be doing the bulk of the work (collecting documents), but they do come in handy though if there’s issues with an application like having medical issues or criminal records. For normal applications without encumbrances, you can find everything on the DHA website.

The last time I went to Tasmania trough Melbourne I got "random" search twice at the airport to and back because I look fat ....... anyway I probably did not elaborate properly. My "lively activity" is more of a going to book store for books and a cup of coffee , board game shop, hobby shop etc ...... I barely get to do any of those. I suppose they don't chime with that kind of chill activity? Is it a crime if there are business operate at wee hours?

Where do you go for vacations?

Haha my bad, yeah those places usually close at 5pm. You’ll also find that for a lot of small businesses, sometimes they close on short notice when they don’t have enough workers. With the minimum wage at $21 (rising to $23 soon), small businesses can’t afford to employ too many people. Having people work after 5pm will cost businesses more as well as they usually pay >1.5x more. I think that’s probably why they don’t open longer hours.

Sometimes I don’t understand what kind of activities you would like to do after 8pm?

People keep saying nightlife in aus sucks

But here in Malaysia, after 8pm also nothing much to do other than going out having dinner or supper eating trash mamak foods, watch movies at cinema, shopping(which u can do on morning or afternoon) or clubbing

This post has been edited by Alternate Gabriel: Jun 11 2023, 06:35 PM

For long weekends - locally. There’s a lot of regional towns to visit.

For longer holidays, Bali. Just kidding. We just recently returned from Japan, our first proper holiday since moving here. With Australia being so far away from everywhere else and having to bring kids along, holidays aren’t as fun (or as cheap) as it used to be. Other than going back to Malaysia probably once a year, we’re trying to squeeze in one long holiday every 2 years or so.

Yeah, that's what I was suspecting. Which is why I prefer UK instead. I had lots of short 1 week/long weekend like Belgium, Madeira, Austria/Slovakia in the past half year or so

Haha no doubt. That and they’re fairly close to North America as well, definitely more holiday options. Malaysia has ease of access to the rest of Asia. Australia? Even travelling between states feel like taking an international flight. Not fun.

Did you compare Australia with Singapore before? What make you choose Australia compare to Singapore?

Whats ur fallback plan if cant secure a job and u finish your rm300k? Would u think it would be hard to restart without money?

Would u think a late 30s guy with rm200k cash still could buy a landed house in AU or he would need to rent forever?

How did you move your big items/collections to Au?

This post has been edited by smokey: Jun 11 2023, 07:36 PM

No, I’ve never considered Singapore. It was always between staying back in KL or moving to Australia.

As much as I enjoy travelling to Singapore once in a while, I couldn’t bring myself to live in a small HDB and work longer hours than what I was already putting in. Also, since I’m in the upstream O&G industry, there won’t be any jobs for me unless I pivot to refining, and there’s not a lot of options in that area too.

RM300k wasn’t all our savings. That’s just what I budgeted for the first year, i.e. money I’m willing to give up. If it didn’t work out, I would’ve returned to Malaysia and even if we exhausted that amount, we’ll still be returning with 7 figures in Ringgit, which was reserved for down payment for a house here. As you can tell, I’m not a huge risk taker. A lot of people move with a figure far less than RM300k. There’s a lot of ways to survive here prior to settling into a proper full time job - Uber, part time jobs etc.

For someone in their late 30s, you can still own a house. It’s never too late to start - retirement age here is 65, so you can still take out a 25 - 30 year loan, but you’ll probably want to move to a city with cheaper houses like Perth or Adelaide.

I sold everything I had in Malaysia and moved here with 90kg worth of stuff between the two of us.

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 11 2023, 07:58 PM

Congrats for your achievement!
Are you working in service company, or operator?
Technical, sales or support function?

no no i mean kwsp money, if you guys spend it all in australia what you guys will buy?

I feel it’s more of a life experience than an achievement haha. I’m in the technical line with an operator.

Dump it all in my mortgage.

Pretty sure you have experience more then I do over there, just sharing a nice spot. Visit cape leeuwin lighthouse at dawn on cloudy days, best scene ever. I was there on a very cloudy day with lights of ray piercing dark cloud turning the hills with glimmering gold spots all over the place. Its the most beautiful thing that ever burn trough my skull. Heavenly in short.

As a citizen, Your kid(s) will be qualified to apply for HECS, but with your kind of salary, you most probably won’t need it 😊

You don’t have to do a RRV unless you want to leave Aussie

I was told even not easy to meet specialist in private...here we can just walk in to any private hospital to meet a specialist... cheapo i meant GP like our docs here in clinics..
She left because of her husband..Husband got his citizenship and she PR..she has no plans to let go her Malaysian citizenship

Hi TS. Both of you and your wife are in early 30's,got any plan to have children there?
Saw quite a few married Malaysian couples decided to have kids after migrating there.

What’s your wife doing there?

My wife is also Chinese educated and non-professional, so moving abroad can only be a dream for now.

Why keeping EPF and the dividends in Malaysia are taxed by Aus govt? must declare ? how do they know?

First 4 years is non taxable for NZ. Australia may be the same, you may want to have a look.

I am keeping my KWSP so I get double retirement fund.

Also keeping my Malaysian citizenship, the best country you can be in, as a Malaysian.

When nearing retirement, spend 5 months in Malaysia and 7 months overseas, perfect plan.

This post has been edited by gashout: Jun 12 2023, 05:08 AM

Australia like many angmo countries have dual taxation

Australia is 6 months

Hi TS, which city in Australia are you based at and how's the monthly expenses for the two of you. Did you secure your current employment from jobstreet search, linkedin, or aquintance, etc? How are you spending your free time over there?
If one were to start over at mid-career, PR-aside which certification and industry would you recommend to build
a viable and rewarding career and why?

This post has been edited by Peace888: Jun 12 2023, 09:28 AM

are you planning to come back here and work here?
if so what is your rough plan before going back later

btw, what is reason for migration? locally here with your background experience is not that far fetch though of coz the pay gap would be different

Thanks mowlous - I've been there once a couple of years ago and I enjoyed it as well. Western Australia is great for those that enjoy the outdoors.

Yep, HECS as well. Unfortunately I'll have to keep my RRV active for work travels and going back to Malaysia as well.

Already have children, and childcare is bloody expensive

We actually moved for the kids, that was the deciding factor.

My wife is in a white collar profession - without divulging too much info, she managed to secure a job in her industry with an global organisation that is a direct competitor to her previous company in Malaysia.

She actually secured her job faster than me - attended 3 interviews within the first month and first day on seat almost exactly 4 weeks upon arrival in the country. It's been great for her so far - her English isn't the best, but her angmoh boss is super supportive. Work life balance is amazing as well.

For non-professionals, there's plenty of jobs here especially in hospitality, so it shouldn't be too difficult to land a first job.

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 12 2023, 12:06 PM

ATO (Australian Taxation Office) has a tax treaty with LHDN. My tax accountant, who's from Malaysia as well, told me they've had cases where they clawed back unpaid taxes (and issued fines as well) due to failure to declare KWSP dividends.

I can choose to keep my KWSP as well, but then half of the dividends will go towards tax. Combined with the falling ringgit, not worth it for me to keep it in Malaysia.

i dont get this now, what does it mean

that only applies if you are australian citizen, right?

I think that's a misconception (which I had as well). You will be taxed upon becoming a tax resident in Australia. The one question my tax accountant asked me was - when did you apply for your Medicare card? Upon making that application, you've shown your intention to stay permanently and is it from that point you become a tax resident as you've started benefiting off their government services.

Is the labor shortage big in o&g there? Im guessing you’re a de?

Not in Melbourne or Sydney, that's all I can say - I'm in one of the other smaller cities. Without taking into account my mortgage and holidays, we're spending on average around $3k per month + $2.5k for daycare (after subsidy). It's usually around 2k per month for groceries + utilities + going out + entertainment etc, but taking into account insurances, car registration renewal, home council rates, water rates etc, we average out at around $3k.

For job search, I use SEEK and LinkedIn primarily, but keep in mind that most jobs are not advertised. I've managed to recommend some friends for some roles that weren't advertised and they've managed to secure them without any competition. Employers here place a lot of value in referred candidates.

My free-time's mostly spent outdoors - hiking, kayaking, fishing etc.

To start over? Anything in the medical profession, no doubt. Nursing, medicine, etc. - that will guarantee you a long-term job. Engineering isn't too bad too (I'm biased, as I'm in engineering). Blue-collar jobs (i.e. electrician, carpenter etc) are great as well if you're willing to put in the hours and slog it out. It really depends what you're looking for and where your interest lies.

Nope, no longer planning to go back to Malaysia to work, unless I'm paid expat rates. At this point, I'm not really looking for expat roles until my kids are much older.

Reason to move is for the kids - better quality of life. That, and the work life balance is is great.

In terms of numbers, if you don't convert, I'm paid 75% what I was getting back in Malaysia. If I lose my job here in Australia and secure a different role, even with a contractor, I'll only take a very slight hit to my paycheck, no more than 10%. In Malaysia, if I lose my job and join a direct competitor, I'll be lucky to get 60% of what I was paid. Worst still, if I ended up with contractor/consultant, I'll need to take a pay cut exceeding 50%.

This post has been edited by Salary: Jun 12 2023, 11:43 AM

The dividends I earn through KWSP will be taxed at 45% as I fall under that tax bracket in Australia. As a Australian tax resident, anything I earn overseas will be added onto my taxable income. And since my taxable income will increase from my KWSP dividends, I get less benefits from the government (e.g. childcare subsidy) - so essentially I'm losing half of what I earn through KWSP.

You don't have to be an Australian Citizen to be a tax resident.

There's a labour shortage across the resources industry at the moment (oil & gas, mining, renewables, etc) and every company's pretty much screaming for engineers and blue collar workers. O&G is pretty difficult to break into - I had a number of offers from mining operators (despite being in O&G my entire career), one from an O&G contractor and one last minute offer from an O&G operator back when I was applying for jobs. Mining seems very keen to take on people with O&G background, but not the other way round.

if by DE you mean discipline engineer, you're correct.

What was the process of skills assessment in your case? can you share a bit please your experience

but you are not 55 yet and you can't withdraw the dividend yet

you accountant's client is 55 and above is it?