The Star · Mainland Chinese escaping stress set up home in Malaysia via MM2H

The Star’s AseanPlus desk features Anthony Liew on the distinctive profile of the Mainland Chinese MM2H applicant in 2025. Unlike earlier waves framed as emigration, today’s applicants describe their motivation as “逃离内卷” — a quiet hedge against career burnout, education pressure and economic uncertainty back home.

Anthony notes that Gold tier has become the dominant choice for this cohort, valued for its 15-year horizon, maid permits and broader business access. WellHome reports that most Mainland families do not plan to fully relocate; instead, Malaysia serves as a base for spouses and children during the school year, with the principal earner continuing to work in China. The Star’s framing — Malaysia as a calmer second home, not an exit strategy — closely matches the WellHome brand narrative.