As a remote worker and previous related service provider in Japan, I’ve witnessed many regional initiatives aimed at attracting remote workers fail. These failures taught me an invaluable lesson: the critical role of community managers who bridge the gap between local areas and event participants.
In this blog post, I’ll share insights into why we’ve structured our event as a community-driven initiative and why this approach is key to fostering meaningful connections.
A Look Back at Japan’s Remote Work Initiatives
Japan has long faced challenges with rural depopulation, and some regions began hosting events to attract remote workers even before the pandemic. As a digital nomad and organizer of WordPress conferences, I became interested in bringing international remote workers to Japan. This interest led me to study and visit areas pioneering such efforts.
However, many of these initiatives struggled to resonate with remote workers. In some cases, they failed to distinguish between the needs of tourists and remote workers, turning into tourism-focused programs. Others claimed to target remote workers but often ended up attracting mostly students due to a lack of understanding of what remote workers actually need.
The most significant issue? Packed itineraries that left no time for actual work. Even in regions known for their workation programs, participants were often shuffled between tourist attractions with little opportunity to focus on their jobs. This approach alienates the very audience these programs aim to attract.
The Reality of Remote Workers’ Needs
Remote workers aren’t seeking a whirlwind tour of Tokyo Tower or Asakusa. Instead, they want to know:
- Where are the coworking spaces that suit their needs?
- Which local cafes offer affordable meals they can enjoy daily?
- Where can they find bars or community spaces frequented by other foreigners like themselves?
Essentially, they’re trying to recreate their daily routines in a new environment to test whether it’s feasible to live and work there long-term. The success of a workation or trial stay hinges on providing an authentic experience that balances work and local living.
Event Highlights
Our event is designed with these needs in mind.
Coworking Tours
Compared to other cities, coworking spaces in Kuala Lumpur often cater to corporate tenants, have fewer international members, or don’t allow drop-ins. For individual remote workers, joining such office settings can feel isolating or even unwelcoming.
To address this, we’ve organized a four-day “Coworking Tour” as part of the event. Each day, participants visit a different coworking space as a group, eliminating the feeling of isolation. In addition, the tours include designated times for interaction, such as lunch breaks, tea and snack sessions, or even mini-presentations if supported by the hosting spaces.
Participants also benefit from practical insights into each space, such as Wi-Fi speed, availability of 24-hour access, and community culture—information provided in collaboration with RemoteWork Malaysia. Community managers or outgoing regular members will be introduced during the visits, making it easier for participants to return later on their own.
Urban Location for the Event
When thinking about events for foreigners, one might assume that hosting in a touristy area would be ideal. However, in reality, a setting closer to “everyday life” is often more suitable. While tourist spots are attractive, the experiences there tend to be transient, and participants may not fully immerse themselves in what it’s like to truly live in the area. Therefore, choosing a location that reflects a more local and functional environment for the event is key.
That said, suburban areas can be challenging for digital nomads, particularly if they offer less convenience for foreigners. While some may enjoy more local experiences, most digital nomads prefer areas where they can live comfortably and easily, with accessible amenities. Public transport might not be the best option in these more remote locations, and transportation can become a significant issue.
For this reason, the focus for our event will be on areas that are not only ideal for remote workers, but also convenient for digital nomads. We will focus on urban centers like KLCC, KL Sentral, and Bukit Bintang, where it’s easier for digital nomads to settle in and find everything they need during their stay.
Balanced City Exploration
While we’ve included a city tour on the first day, it’s the only time dedicated to visiting common tourist destinations.
Participants are free to plan additional sightseeing on their own if they wish. Without this initial tour, however, visitors might miss the essence of being in Kuala Lumpur. For instance, a colleague once hosted a corporate retreat in a coastal region of Japan but skipped any excursions. As a result, participants felt they had no tangible sense of having visited Japan.
Our first-day tour highlights recommended spots through the lens of locals and expats living in Malaysia, offering an authentic and memorable introduction to the city.
Kuala Kubu Bharu Jungle Retreat
Digital nomads based in Southeast Asia often gravitate towards beach destinations, and Malaysia’s stunning beaches certainly hold their own in this regard. However, these coastal resorts are often far from Kuala Lumpur, and the city’s reputation as a bustling metropolis tends to overshadow the natural wonders that lie just beyond its urban sprawl. Many are unaware that Kuala Lumpur is surrounded by lush mountain ranges, serene waterfalls, and tranquil jungles.
For those who have frequented beach destinations, a mountain retreat offers a refreshing change of pace. The Kuala Kubu Bharu Jungle Retreat, located just one hour’s drive from the city, presents an exciting opportunity to explore Malaysia’s rich natural heritage. Whether you’re rafting down the river, ziplining through the treetops, or relaxing in hot springs, these outdoor activities provide a unique way to connect with nature while staying active.
Join the Conversation
We’re excited to create an experience that blends work and exploration, fostering connections between participants and the local community.
Do you have specific coworking spaces you’d like to visit? Or challenges you hope this event can help solve? Let us know in the comments below or reach out through our inquiry form. Your feedback can help shape this event into something truly impactful for everyone involved.
