There is an element of truth in that article, I think I have echoed the problems of house prices and first registration tax on cars in Hong Kong but it is also, in my opinion still way off the mark. Yes if you insist (as a lot of expats do) in refusing to learn the language and make any attempt whatsoever to integrate into the local society then you will get taken for a ride by those businesses that specialize in dealing with the isolated 'expat' community. The truth is many of these people get their rent and education paid for by their company so they don't have any incentive to get a good deal and probably enjoy the country club lifestyle. Frankly though if you live in a country like Malaysia with so much natural countryside, restaurants and leisure activities on offer, why on earth would you need a country club? Go to the beach!
And cars!!! Just don't buy new. If you insist on buying brand new which incidentally in Hong Kong rarely nets you more than 6-12 months warranty then frankly you are a fool. There are plenty of great second hand cars for good prices on the market and if you buy for a good price you can sell after a couple of years with minimal depreciation and get another second hand car. I don't see the attraction of buying a brand new car that loses 40% in value the second you drive it off the forecourt.
Property is a harder choice. If you are only around for a few years it doesn't always make a great deal of sense to buy, but I rented for 2-3 years between buying houses and it was without doubt the biggest mistake of my life. Almost $3,000 USD a month down the drain for nothing. If I had known the red tape and documentation on my new place would take so long I would have just bought another property and sold it when I was ready to move. Most likely I would have saved close on $1,000 a month in rent (my current mortgage is less than my rent for the past two years) and most likely would have recovered all my rent and some with the increase in the value of the property over the period. Cliff notes, in markets like this DON'T RENT, BUY!!!