Jessica Khine, a 63-year-old retiree, now calls Penang home. Born in Yangon, she built a career that took her across the world, from the UK to Japan and Singapore, before eventually settling in Malaysia. After years in finance and a stint running a boutique hotel in Bali, she moved to Johor in 2019 to be near her daughter, who was in boarding school. When her marriage ended during the pandemic, Khine decided it was time for a new chapter.
Penang caught her attention. She viewed about 40 apartments before landing on a spacious unit in Tanjong Bungah, complete with a wraparound balcony for sunrise views. Since 2022, she’s built a full life there. Her days revolve around Zumba classes with a lively group of locals, movie nights at a bookshop, and community talks at a nearby research institute.
She takes pride in learning Hokkien from a dictionary, exploring Penang’s temples, and savoring the island’s rhythm. With her daughter now in London, Khine has embraced life as an empty nester. Surrounded by friendly neighbors and familiar faces, she says she’s settled, content, and grateful, Penang, she adds, simply feels like home.
My Take…
Great story, well worth a read. Malaysia and Penang are on my list to have a good look around.
Click on the link below for the full article:
https://www.businessinsider.com/empty-nester-mother-penang-malaysia-mm2h-visa-retirement-2025-11
