Name: Rick de Kruijff
Home Country: The Netherlands
Job/Industry: Non-Governmental Organisation
What brought you to Malaysia?
I came to Malaysia at first by chance. I simply came here for a visa run, as I was a professional fighter in Thailand at the time. Once I came here, I fell in love with the SOLS program (NGO that helps develop children’s education). I stayed here for about a month, and in that month I decided to make Malaysia my home. I plan to be here indefinitely.
What do you like and dislike about living here?
I dislike Malaysia’s traffic. The long waits in the heat can often place great stress on you. Even though the city is working hard on reducing the gridlock, the traffic at times can still be very disruptive. One of the many things that I love about Malaysia is the multiculturalism and it’s various types of great food! I also believe that Malaysia is a country that is working hard to ensure the development of its people.
Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy.
I enjoy exploring the nightlife in KL, exercising at the kickboxing gym, and exploring other parts of KL.
What is your favourite holiday destination here? Why?
I have yet to explore the rest of Malaysia, but in the region, I very much enjoyed Phuket. I trained in kickboxing there for a few months and developed a good understanding of the region.
Describe a memorable eating experience you have had here.
My first night here, I went out with some people that I had just met. We ordered some barbecue dishes from a stall, and had a great conversation that lasted for two hours. The entire time we didn’t stop ordering food until there was a pile of bones and wooden skewers at the end of it all! I’m still wondering whether it was the food or the great conversation that kept us there for two hours – maybe it was both!
What do you miss most about your home country?
Besides missing my family and friends, I miss typical cuisine from the Netherlands, like stroopwafels. Essentially, this is like a biscuit sandwich with syrup in the middle. And, of course I miss Dutch cheese.
What advice do you have for newly-arrived expats?
Download the Myteksi app so that you don’t get ripped off by the taxi drivers!
How long do you plan to stay in Malaysia?
Where would you like to go next, and why? The length of my stay is indefinite. As long as I contribute to the well-being and development of others and the work remains challenging and satisfying, then I will stay. If I were to leave, I would probably go back to The Netherlands.
Is Malaysia a good country to raise children? Why?
I work in an NGO that provides education and services to underprivileged children, so I do get to witness how big a part wealth plays in the development of youth here. However, I believe that the multiculturalism present in Malaysia makes it a good place to raise children.
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