Name: Damien Joseph Bragg
Home Country: England
Industry/Job: Business Development Manager
Marital Status: Married
Other countries I’ve lived in: France, Austria, Barbados, Canada, China, and Thailand

What brought you to Malaysia and how long have you been here?
I first came to Malaysia in 2007 – it was also my first time in Asia – for work quite randomly. I moved around a bit, working in both Thailand and China, and visiting various places around Asia in the process. I gravitated back to Malaysia at the end of 2010.

What do you like and dislike about living here?
I like the climate, proximity and ease for reaching holiday destinations like Bali. I also love the food variation and standard of living compared to the Western countries I’ve spent time in. While there are so many things to love about Malaysia what I dislike the most are the traffic jams and difficult taxi drivers near our condo.

Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy
My wife and I enjoy bar hopping and listening to live music in the process if we are lucky. Once a month we will take the dog for a walk on a lazy Sunday afternoon in Desa Park City. Or if it is a more specially planned weekend I enjoy discovering new places and activities like trekking up Brogo Hill to watch the sun rise.

What is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia or in the region? Why?
I have enjoyed various destinations for little getaways around Malaysia with Tioman island being my favourite Malaysian destination so far. But for the whole region in general, I would say Bali has to be my number one choice for a perfect holiday experience.

Describe a memorable eating experience you have had here.
In north Malaysia, just outside the scenic town of Taiping, is a restaurant by the side of a fisherman’s estuary called Port Weld. They serve excellent fresh seafood at very affordable prices. The seating area is next to the water where the fishing boats dock. This has so far been my best eating experience.

What do you miss about your home country?
Missing my family and friends is a given, of course. Apart from that, I also miss watching live football and having a good choice of real ales.

What advice would you give to a newly arrived expat?
Try and develop an active sense of humour with all things traffic-related. Apart from that, I’d say explore the country outside of the capital as there is lots to discover that is not stated in the regular sort of guides.

How long do you plan to stay in Malaysia? Where would you like to go next, and why?
I am fairly certain I will be staying in Malaysia long term unless something unexpected changes my outlook.

Is Malaysia a good place in which to work and do business? Why?
I think this depends a lot on what kind of business you are in but it is certainly a good place for many.

Read This: An Expat from the UK Shares His Experience Living in Malaysia

Source: The Expat Magazine January 2015

Read more Expat Interviews here.