ASEAN makes everyone feel at home. The cosmopolitan cities of Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore provide convenience and vitality to locals and foreigners alike. Phnom Penh, Yangon, and Vientiane are slowly emerging from their cocoons and are proving to be as interesting places for expatriates.

Singapore was voted by expats as the most livable city in the entire Asia according to the 2012 ECA International Rankings, a leader in management and assignment of employees around the world. Three other cities in ASEAN made it to the top 20: Kuala Lumpur (10), Bangkok (11), and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei (13).

Healthcare and Education

In ASEAN, world class education is assured. International schools abound, together with some of the most prestigious universities and colleges in the world. Healthcare services are not a scare. In fact many ASEAN countries have medical tourism as one of their fastest-rising industries given the excellent reputation of ASEAN’s internationally-certified medical and dental practitioners.

Rest and Recreation

Amid the hustle and bustle of the cities is a constant reminder of the region’s rich heritage and the warmth that is uniquely ASEAN. Cities are safe and orderly but not necessarily boring. Some of the largest shopping malls in the world are in the region such as SM City and SM Mall of Asia in the Philippines, 1 Utama and Sunway Pyramid in Malaysia, and Central World in Thailand. The region is also home to perfect getaways including the ancient temples in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Myanmar; white beaches in Bali and Boracay, and theme parks in Malaysia and Singapore.

Food

The region takes pride in having some of the most popular cuisines in the world. Thai dishes such as tom yam soup and pad thai need no introductions. Viet Nam’s spring rolls and pho soups are much liked. Other must try dishes are Singapore’s chili crab, Indonesia’s nasi goreng (fried rice), the Malaysian Satay, and adobo and sinigang from the Philippines. The unique and equally delicious meals from Lao, Cambodia, Brunei, and Myanmar are also sure to suit everyone’s taste palate.