Name: Jack Kary
Home Country: USA
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Telecommunications industry
Other countries you’ve lived in: Vietnam, Qatar, Kuwait
What brought you to Malaysia?
My company transferred me here to be part of the start-up project for Maxis (Binariang) in 1995. I returned home in 1996 and once I retired, returned to live here in 2003 under the MM2H programme.
Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy.
Reading a book and enjoying a cigar with a brandy or red wine
What is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia or in the region? Why?
Our favourite destinations are Phuket, Boracay, and Bangkok. We like being around crowds and places that are full of action and shopping.
Describe a memorable eating experience you have had here.
We enjoy the dinner buffets at the Millennium Hotel.
Do you own property here? If so, where? If not, why?
I own a condo in Damansara Perdana. If you find the right kind of condo, it is hard to beat the lifestyle it offers as you get older.
What do you miss most about your home country?
There are a number of things that can’t be shipped or sold here that I miss. I have to stock up when I make trips back home.
What advice would you give to a newly-arrived expat?
Rent for a while before settling on a property and find areas that you like and start looking there to either buy or rent. Get used to the
food, the driving, banking system, and other customs to adjust and adapt to the city. Also living somewhere close to where you work also helps reduce the time you spend travelling or getting stuck in traffic.
How long do you plan to stay in Malaysia?
Where would you like to go next, and why? I will renew my MM2H visa this year and stay as long as I can.
Is Malaysia a good country to raise children? Why?
It depends on how you look at it. There are many good international schools but the educational expenses are excessive. If you can’t afford them, then you need to consider other options elsewhere.
Is Malaysia a good place in which to work and do business? Why?
Yes, it is a great place to work and do business. I have had zero luck in finding any telecommunications work here, though. They only want locals unless your company is moving you here. That is why I return to the US on contract as often as I do.
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