KUALA LUMPUR — In recent years, a growing number of international celebrities, particularly from Hong Kong, have been investing in businesses and purchasing properties across Malaysia — a trend that coincides with the government’s push to attract more foreign investors and long-term residents.

One of the key government initiatives is the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, revamped last year with key changes including the introduction of a new tiered system. Its core purpose is to allow foreigners who fulfil certain criteria to reside in Malaysia on a long-term basis.

According to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the MM2H programme has managed to generate a total of RM839.9 million in revenue, as reported by Free Malaysia Today. Of that sum, RM237.2 million consisted of property investments.

Another effort by the government is the visa exemption for Chinese travellers, which has been extended for a further five years, as previously revealed by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail back in April.

These incentives have helped stimulate the local economy and raised Malaysia’s profile as an appealing destination for both lifestyle and investment — including among international celebrities.

Famous 1980s Hong Kong sex symbol Amy Yip, who reportedly stayed out of the public spotlight for 30 years, made a surprise appearance at the Hong Kong Motion Picture Industry Association’s 44th anniversary gala dinner in 2023.

Following her ‘return’ to the spotlight, Yip was in town for the grand opening of her first boutique hotel investment, The Leith, located in George Town, Penang, in August 2024.