In Malaysia, joint bank accounts are very common. They are often opened by spouses, parents and children, or even friends. However, when one of the account holders passes away, many people are unsure what happens to the money inside the account. A common assumption is that the surviving joint holder automatically becomes the sole owner...

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across the 38 Letters of John D. Rockefeller to His Son. These weren’t ordinary letters. They were filled with advice, reflections, and values that one of the world’s wealthiest men wanted to pass down to his child.   As I read through them, I couldn’t help but imagine what...

The other day, I watched a little boy tell his mother with sparkling eyes, “When I grow up, I want to be rich!” His mother smiled and asked, “And how will you do that?” The boy shrugged, “Easy. I’ll get your money when you’re gone.” It was an innocent remark, but it made me stop...

Many Malaysians tend to put off writing their will. It’s not a lack of care, but usually uncertainty about how to begin or worry about making mistakes. A will is a legal document as an act of love and responsibility. It’s about making sure the people who matter most are protected and cared for, even...

In Part 1 of this article, we explained the first five questions that foreigners often ask when making wills in Malaysia, covering issues such as eligibility, the need for a separate Malaysian will, dealing with overseas assets, inheritance by foreign family members, and whether beneficiaries must come to Malaysia. In this Part 2, we continue...

If you are a foreigner who owns assets in Malaysia such as property, bank accounts, or investments, making a will here is an important step in safeguarding your loved ones’ future. Many foreigners are uncertain about the legal requirements, particularly if they already have a will in their home country that may cover assets in...