Name: Stephen Mckay
Home Country: Australia
Marital Status: Divorced, Single.
Other countries you’ve lived in: United Kingdom
What brought you to Malaysia?
I have been in Malaysia for the past four years and it has been good thus far. The reasons that brought me here are I wanted a change of lifestyle and my countdown to retirement.
What do you like and dislike about living here?
I think like most expats, I would have to agree that the people, food and work opportunities are some of the reasons Malaysia is inviting. What I don’t like about the country is the discrimination that exists despite the government saying otherwise and the bad driving standards. If you don’t learn to drive the Malaysian way, it will be hard to survive on the roads as most drivers tend to forget etiquette when they get on the road.
Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy.
I enjoy a round of golf whenever possible; apart from that I also look forward to having a relaxing weekend with friends and the short getaways I can take.
What is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia or in the region? Why?
I like both Melaka and Penang for a number of various reasons.
What do you miss most about your home country?
There is nothing much that I miss back home except the better standards of driving and an easier climate to live in.
What advice do you have for a newly-arrived expat?
One of the ways to understand the country and people better and to adapt to the way of living here is to absorb yourself in the culture. Also, as Malaysians are rather hospitable and warm, make local friends rather than expat friends – it will definitely be handy when it comes to moving around the country.
How long do you plan to stay in Malaysia? Where would you like to go next, and why?
I plan to live in Malaysia for at least one more year before deciding if I want to make Malaysia or another country as my home when I’ve retired.
Is Malaysia a good place in which to work and do business? Why?
There is room for much improvement but for now it is an okay place for employees and business owners, but I feel the local managers lack decision-making authority, as well as organisational skills.
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Source: The Expat Magazine March 2015
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