I been in penang few times and even recently lived for a year [spend first one year of pandemic there] There are many expats there and very easy to make friends

I been in penang few times and even recently lived for a year [spend first one year of pandemic there] There are many expats there and very easy to make friends with locals - most people speak English. Quality of life per dollar is also much better. It's common to eat out 3 times per day outside - and don't havd to be rich or willing to burn lots of money - many locals eat outside because it's good and cheap - 2-3 dollars for good quality even vegan meal. Quality of medicine is also good and much much much cheaper than usa - actually many Indonesian fly to penang to get better quality medical service. Cost of living even with family it will be probsbly like 1/3 of typical expenses in western world. If you can work remotely to us or eu company and stay on business visa (mtep) or malaysia my second home visa (now unfortunately out of reach for most of people) them that's the best of 2 world.