In this week’s episode, Life Hacker Guy Founder Adam is living in Malaysia, working from home, and discusses starting a supplement business. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re interested in starting a business. And why not? Entrepreneurship is the key to independence and success. But what if you want to start a business overseas? Is it even possible?
The Dry Season
For those living in Malaysia, the dry season is a time of year, from about April to October, that is both anticipated and dreaded. Anticipated because it means the end of the humid, oppressive weather that characterizes the wet season. Dreading because the dry season can be just as hot as the wet season, only with far less relief from the heat in the form of rainfall.
During the dry season, it is not uncommon for temperatures to soar into the upper 90s and even surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
And while there may be a few scattered showers, they are typically not enough to provide any real relief from the heat. As a result, many people living in Malaysia simply try to tough it out during the dry season, staying indoors as much as possible and drinking lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.
During those times, and of course others, Adam can enjoy an amazing swimming pool and promenade with coffee shops and restaurants just 10-15 minutes away. This is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day or week of work. Additionally, there are numerous parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the city, providing ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. And, of course, no discussion of living in Malaysia would be complete without mentioning the food. From traditional Malaysian cuisine to international fare, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In short, living in Malaysia is an incredibly enriching experience.
Moving to Malaysia, and living in Malaysia, has been a great experience for Adam and his family. They’ve been in Malaysia for just over five years, and have enjoyed everything the country has to offer. Malaysia is a culturally diverse country with influences from China, India, and the Malay people.
This diversity of life in Malaysia is reflected in the food, holidays, and customs of the people living there. The climate is hot and humid, which Adam enjoys. The expat community is thriving and there are many opportunities to integrate into the different cultures. Adam’s wife is originally from Malaysia, and it’s been a great decision for them, as they’ve been able to be near their grandparents and experience all the wonderful things Malaysia has to offer. Adam highly recommends it to anyone looking for a great place to live!
When Adam came to Malaysia and he started his own business there, and got into the health supplement industry, learning how to produce supplements. Many years ago Adam suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, he did too much exercise which affected his immune system, so he was sick quite often. Adam looked at green products but wasn’t too impressed with the quality of the supplements available.
So he decided to contact manufacturers in the US and see if it was possible to make his own and partnered with a manufacturer in the US to produce the products. This allowed him to get exactly the quality and results I was looking for. He also decided to produce it in the US because of the availability of third-party analysis and the large customer market there. It’s been challenging to set up a business based in the US while living in Malaysia, but he has made it work well. His Supergreen Tonik supplement has been featured in Yahoo! News, Morningstar, Washington City Paper, and StreetInsider. Today, Adam’s company provides high-quality supplements to customers all over the world. Adam takes the product and so he has invested interest in making it the best product that is commercially viable. He reads the reviews and sees that it’s a product that many people receive benefit from and that brings him joy.
Starting a Business in Another Country
Several factors can make expat businesses successful, including access to new markets, a lower cost of living, and a different cultural perspective. However, there are also several challenges that expat entrepreneurs face. These can include language barriers, red tape, and cultural differences. As with any new venture, it is important to do your homework before starting a business in another country, research the local market, understand the regulations, and build a network of trusted advisers. There are a lot of things to consider, from finding the right location to obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.
With careful planning and research, it is possible to start a successful business in a foreign country.
One important factor to consider is the expat community. Living in Malaysia as an expat, reach out to other expats who are familiar with the local business climate and can provide valuable insight and advice. Additionally, they may be able to connect you with other expats or even locals who are interested in starting or investing in a business.
Another key consideration is the legal and regulatory environment. It is important to make sure that you are familiar with the laws and regulations governing businesses in the country where you plan to operate. Failure to do so could result in costly fines or even jail time. Finally, it is also important to have a solid understanding of the local market. This includes knowing who your target customers are and what their needs and wants are. With careful planning and research, starting a business in another country can be a rewarding experience.
Adam’s experience is a great example of how to successfully start a business in another country. Research the local market, connect with local business organizations, and have a clear understanding of cultural differences. If you’re considering starting a business overseas, it is possible to achieve your goals!
The ability to up and live in another country has been a huge motivating factor in why Adam had to be an entrepreneur and create his own business. He wanted to be able to live in another country and experience living there. The flexibility of being his own boss has allowed him to make that possible. Yes, you can live in any country as a skilled professional, which is what many people do, teaching English abroad, but then you’re relying on finding those jobs that are in the countries you want to live. Moving to Malaysia, and living in Malaysia, has been an amazing experience for Adam’s family. And he hopes to continue living and working in Malaysia for as long as possible.
The Cost of Living in Malaysia
The average cost of living in Malaysia is relatively affordable, especially when compared to Western countries. For example, a recent study found that the cost of living in Malaysia is only about a third of what it is in the United States. Here is some information about the cost of living in Malaysia in USD. It is possible to live a relatively modest lifestyle in Malaysia for less than $1,000 USD per month. Of course, this figure can vary depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live.
Those who want to live a more comfortable life in Malaysia will need to budget for higher costs, such as private schools and upscale restaurants. Additionally, the cost of living can vary depending on which city you live in. For instance, living in Kuala Lumpur will generally be more expensive than living in smaller cities or towns. However, no matter where you choose to live, you can be sure that the cost of living in Malaysia will be very reasonable. This makes living in Malaysia an attractive destination for retirees and digital nomads who are looking for a lower cost of living.
Have you ever started a business overseas? What was your experience like? Let me know by sending me a message via the contact us form. I’d love to hear from you!
Learn more about Supergreen Tonik here: https://supergreentonik.com/
Read more about Adam and his entrepreneurial journey here: https://lifehackerguy.com
If you want to know more insider knowledge on living abroad like a local, tune in to episode 16 of the Are We Home Yet Podcast and hear more from Life Hacker Guy Founder, Adam!
Connect with Adam via Facebook here.
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