One of our favourite expat resources – a book filled with both entertaining anecdotes and practical guidance – has been updated for its second edition.

Living overseas as an expat brings its own set of unique challenges and rewards, particularly when managing and integrating teams in a foreign cultural environment. The second edition of Expat Leadership and Lifestyle in Southeast Asia: Overcoming 5 Key Challenges by Peter Brunoehler builds on the success of the first edition, adding fresh insights and expanded content to an already valuable resource. The title is also refreshed a bit, and the author appears to have identified a couple of additional challenges to overcome, as well!

Expat Leadership, Lifestyle, and Learning in Southeast Asia: Overcoming 7 Key Challenges is the updated title, and while it’s certainly a mouthful, we count this book as one of the best resources for expats in leadership roles throughout the ASEAN region.

For over 20 years, Brunoehler successfully led teams for multinational companies across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Once again, his extensive experience and deep understanding of the region shine through in this updated edition, which combines anecdotal wisdom (and humour) with practical guidance. Organized into 32 concise chapters, the book is designed to address seven fundamental challenges often faced by expat managers in Malaysia and throughout the region.

The new edition retains the strengths of the original, such as its accessible writing style, practical “Rapid Recap” summaries at the end of each chapter, and the wealth of real-world examples. However, several key updates make this edition especially noteworthy:

FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND NEW CONTENT

The addition of Part 3, “Learning Challenges,” introduces observations and insights gathered during Brunoehler’s three years back in the United States from 2019 to 2022. These years as an “ex-expat” provided him with a comparative lens to re-evaluate his experiences in Southeast Asia. This section offers fresh perspectives on cultural adaptability, leadership nuances, and the complexities of returning to one’s home culture after decades abroad.

Many of the original chapters have been revised to include new anecdotes, updated statistics, and what Brunoehler describes as “the added wisdom that comes with aging.” These updates enrich the book with deeper reflections and more relevant insights for today’s readers. The revised epilogue and expanded references to ASEAN countries also enhance the book’s overall appeal.

AN ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR EXPAT MANAGERS

The first edition of this book arose in part from a compendium of essays and columns Brunoehler wrote for The Expat magazine over a period of a couple of years prior to the pandemic. The series of columns, offering valuable insight and “life lessons” for expats in Malaysia, was well-received by readers.

That book, and now its new edition, is not just for corporate expat managers tasked with integrating local and expat staff. It’s equally insightful for family members of expats and anyone navigating life in Southeast Asia. The storytelling style ensures that readers—whether they are seasoned expats or newcomers—will find the anecdotes relatable and the advice practical.

For those new to managing in Southeast Asia, Brunoehler’s guide is an indispensable roadmap. With chapters addressing topics like cultural adaptation, team integration, and lifestyle challenges, the book balances personal anecdotes with actionable tips, making it both entertaining and educational.

This edition also features a refreshed cover and new graphics, further elevating the book’s professional presentation. The visual elements accompanying each “Challenge” chapter make the content even more engaging.

ANSWERING THE ‘WHY MALAYSIA?’ QUESTION

A frequent question posed to Brunoehler by readers of the first edition was why he chose, and continues to choose, Malaysia as his home. In response, the updated book includes a dedicated section exploring this topic, sharing his personal reasons and the factors that make Malaysia an attractive destination for expats.

We think Expat Leadership, Lifestyle, and Learning in Southeast Asia: Overcoming 7 Key Challenges (Second Edition) is a must-read for expat professionals seeking to build strong teams and create meaningful careers in the region. At 125 pages, the updated book is concise yet packed with valuable insights.

It’s available now at major bookstores across Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Readers may also order online from Amazon.