Building Community Abroad: How an Expat Found Friends in Malaysia

After years of traveling as a digital nomad, Joshua Webley fell in love with Malaysia and decided to settle in Kuala Lumpur. Despite the city’s vibrant energy, he found it difficult to build meaningful connections. Traditional networking events felt impersonal, leaving him longing for genuine friendships. Determined to change this, he posted an invitation on a local expat Facebook group for a casual curry night. To his surprise, 29 people showed up, marking the birth of The Expats Club.

The club operates on a simple but effective model: attendees donate to a charity as their RSVP, ensuring commitment and fairness. Meetings rotate through different cuisines, from Spanish tapas to German dishes, fostering a sense of adventure and inclusivity. Over time, the club expanded beyond dining, with members organizing golf outings, hikes, and even dedicated groups for retirees and business owners. Joshua’s wife, Rachel, now manages the club’s social media, while the community has become a self-sustaining network of support.

What began as a solution to loneliness has transformed into a lifeline for expats in Malaysia. The club not only provides social connections but also practical advice on visas, housing, and local culture. For Joshua, the highlight was having his Expats Club friends at his wedding, a testament to the deep bonds formed. ’When you move abroad, you’re saying goodbye to your old network,’ he says. ’But now, I’ve built a community I can love and trust.’

expatcommunityfriendshipMalaysiatravelnetworkingsocialcharityculturerelocation