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- My career took us across 5 continents. When it came time to retire, my wife and I knew we didn’t want to go home. (businessinsider.com)
From London to Malaysia: One Man’s Global Journey Leads to a Penang Paradise
Penang, Malaysia – After a remarkable career spanning five continents, Adrian Spencer, 69, and his wife, Beverley, have found their ideal retirement haven in the vibrant Malaysian state of Penang. Their decision to settle in Southeast Asia, after a lifetime of international living, underscores a growing trend among retirees seeking dynamic and culturally rich environments.
Spencer’s journey began in London, where a youthful desire for adventure led him to Mauritius at 19, after a failed attempt to secure a US visa. This initial foray into international travel set the stage for a life defined by new experiences and diverse cultures. In Mauritius, he was encouraged to visit South Africa, where he ultimately spent nine years, met his wife Beverley, and started a family.
The political climate in South Africa prompted a move to Malawi in 1986, where their three children grew up. Spencer, whose career was firmly rooted in the packaging manufacturing industry, soon realized the need for more globally applicable skills. This realization propelled the family to Melbourne, Australia, and then on a nearly three-decade-long odyssey that included stints in Indonesia, China, and the United States, before returning to Southeast Asia with roles in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Upon his retirement in 2025, Spencer and Beverley, whose children had by then moved to the UK for university, faced the familiar question of where to settle down. The UK, after so many years abroad, felt increasingly unfamiliar, and South Africa was not an option for Beverley. Their extensive travels had fostered a deep appreciation for Asia’s dynamic nature, making it a natural choice for their golden years.
Online research repeatedly highlighted Malaysia as a top retirement destination, thanks in part to its well-established “Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)” visa program. Having visited Malaysia numerous times before, the couple already felt a connection to the country.
Their hearts were set on Penang, a state on Malaysia’s northwestern coast. As city dwellers, they sought easy access to amenities, social opportunities, and quality medical care.
Kuala Lumpur, while a major hub, felt too vast and urban for their tastes. Penang’s historical charm, particularly George Town’s old shophouses and classic architecture, proved to be the perfect blend of vibrancy and tradition.
The MM2H visa was granted in 2020, but Spencer continued working until May of this year. By September, the couple officially moved into their apartment on Penang Island.
Life in Penang has been anything but slow. The Spencers have embraced an active social calendar, participating in morning coffees, Expats Club lunches, and bridge games at the Penang Club.
Adrian has even joined a men-only breakfast group that enjoys weekly dim sum. Beverley, ever the social secretary, ensures their calendar is full and Adrian is appropriately dressed for every occasion.
Despite some local concerns about traffic, the Spencers, veterans of Thai roads, find it manageable. Their favorite aspect of Penang so far has been the warmth and friendliness of its people. For those who have moved around as much as they have, adapting to new environments and forging new friendships comes naturally.
Adrian and Beverley Spencer’s story is a testament to embracing new opportunities and finding a vibrant community, even after a lifetime of global travel.