YEARS BEFORE Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched DE Rantau, a programme aimed at establishing Malaysia as a digital nomad hub, Penang was already listed as one of the top preferred destinations on nomadlist.com, a popular platform for digital nomads around the world.
Today, Penang ranks #22 on the global list, and currently has at least 800 digital nomads based in the state. By comparison, KL ranks #45.[1]
In the wake of Covid-19, countries around the world are still dealing with disruptions in the travel industry and with changes in the way people work. Many have turned to issuing digital nomad visas for visitors to legally stay while working remotely. The number of countries that issues this type of visa increased from 21 countries in 2021 to a whopping 47 (and counting) in 2022.[2]
Malaysia recently jumped on the bandwagon with the launch of DE Rantau to boost digital adoption and promote digital professional mobility and tourism across Malaysia. Successful applicants of the programme may travel and work in the country for up to 12 months[3] with their spouses and children and have access to benefits such as nomad-ready living and working hubs as well as local services ranging from travel to transport and e-commerce.
Penang is one of the identified DE Rantau hubs, alongside Langkawi, KL and Sabah. Penang Monthly went on nomadlist.com to find out what digital nomads say about their experiences in Penang.
