Additional Coverage:
- I moved to Malaysia in my 30s. I didn’t know where to go or what to do, so I started a club to connect the expat community. (businessinsider.com)
From Curry Club to Community: How One Expat Found His Place in Malaysia
After moving to Kuala Lumpur in early 2023, British expat Joshua Webley found himself facing a common challenge: building a social life in a new city. He’d spent the previous seven years as a digital nomad, enjoying the flexibility of remote work while exploring countries like Indonesia, Spain, and Morocco.
But Malaysia held a special appeal. “It felt calmer and less chaotic than other parts of Southeast Asia,” Webley shared.
It was also where he met his now-wife, Rachel.
Despite the draw of Malaysia and the joy of a new relationship, Webley found himself longing for connection. Professional networking events yielded little more than business cards, and joining an English society felt counterintuitive to his desire to immerse himself in the local culture.
His solution? A simple Facebook post in an expat group: “Does anybody want to come out for a curry on Friday?”
The response was overwhelming. Twenty-nine people attended that first gathering, and the Curry Club was born.
The club operates on a simple but effective system: attendees RSVP by making a small donation to a chosen charity. This not only ensures commitment but also provides a way for the expat community to give back to their adopted home. While curry is the namesake dish, the club explores a diverse range of cuisines, from Spanish tapas to Italian and German fare.
What began as casual Friday night dinners has blossomed into something much bigger: The Expats Club. With Rachel managing the club’s online presence, the community has expanded to include groups for retirees, business owners, and women, fostering connections based on shared interests. The club has even spread beyond Kuala Lumpur, with meetups now taking place in other Malaysian cities like Penang.
Beyond social events, The Expats Club has become a valuable resource for newcomers navigating the complexities of relocating to Malaysia, offering advice on everything from visas to housing.
For Webley, the club’s impact is deeply personal. He’s formed close friendships, many with retirees who he now counts among his closest confidantes.
In fact, his recent wedding was largely attended by friends he met through the club, a testament to the strong bonds forged within the community. “When you move abroad, you’re saying goodbye to your network,” Webley reflects.
“Now, things are different. I’ve actually made friends and built a beautiful community of people that I can love and trust.”