Name: Imran Ahmad
Home country: UK
Designation: Director for Khazanah Nasional (National Treasury); Writer (www.perfect-gent.com)
Marital status: Single
Other countries you have lived in: United States (Minneapolis)
What brought you to Malaysia and how long have you been here?
I came to KL originally on business for a few weeks, and really enjoyed it. Then I was referred to Khazanah, the Malaysian Government’s strategic investment arm, they interviewed me and in a very short time, I moved to Malaysia and I’ve been here nearly two years now.
What do you like most about living in Malaysia?
I love the stunning landscape of KL: 23rd century buildings interspersed with traditional Malay and Chinese architecture, lush greenery everywhere, and the beautiful rainforest hills in the background. On a blue-sky day in particular, it all looks fabulous.
What three things do you wish you could change about Malaysia?
Escalator discipline: stand on the left, walk on the right – how hard it that? I also wish it was a few degrees cooler.
How long do you think you will stay?
As long as they will let me!
Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy.
I write my books mainly at weekends; I have a fabulous view from my apartment, so it’s quite conducive to staying in and writing. If anyone invites me to lunch or dinner at their home, I always love that; it gets me out and I like to meet new people. I enjoy walking long distances – sometimes outdoors, sometimes in shopping malls – and obviously, this always entails eating somewhere!
Do you frequent any restaurants offering food of your homeland?
I eat fish and chips in the Temana Brasserie of the Malaysian Petroleum Club, in the Petronas Towers. I don’t think it’s greasy enough to be authentic, though.
What do you miss most about your home country?
I love walking and climbing hills in Scotland – the gentle caress of the wind and the rain. I especially miss the sensation of cool air on my skin – not coming from an air conditioner! I miss hot and cold showers, too. Here the hot showers are lukewarm, and the cold showers are tepid. Could just be my apartment, I suppose.
What one memory will you always treasure when/if you come to leave Malaysia?
It was in Kuala Lumpur that I truly fell in love for the first time in my life – an authentic romantic relationship. It was completely unexpected and I will always treasure it. It made me feel authentically human, so alive for the first time ever.
Read more:
"ExpatGo welcomes and encourages comments, input, and divergent opinions. However, we kindly request that you use suitable language in your comments, and refrain from any sort of personal attack, hate speech, or disparaging rhetoric. Comments not in line with this are subject to removal from the site. "
