Name: Kerstin Mockrish
Home Country: USA
Other countries you have lived in: Japan, India, Côte d’lvoire, Cambodia, Egypt

What brought you to Malaysia?
I have been in Malaysia for 2 ½ years. I relocated from Cairo (Egypt), following the revolution that saw Hosni Mubarak step down from power, to support my husband in accepting an assignment to begin a new school in Johor, Malaysia – Raffles American School.

What do you like and dislike about living here?
The food is what I like best about Malaysia. I know most people answer this question the same way but honestly the quality, price, and variety of fresh food in Malaysia is awesome. I dislike the climate, as I do miss a spring breeze and the opportunity to dress in jeans and light sweaters. I do, however, love the power of the rainstorms during the monsoon season.

Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy.
I like to lounge by the 50-m infinity pool at the clubhouse and I enjoy the small garden around our home. I also like to go bike riding with my husband as we explore our little corner of Malaysia.

Describe a memorable eating experience you have had here.
I attended a Malaysian wedding reception in Melaka recently, and was blown away by the lemon sauce chicken and rice that was served. The lemon sauce was very subtle and the chicken tender and moist, while the rice was so unusual and distinctive in taste. It was light and fluffy on the tongue with a smoked, or grilled essence and the raisins, peanuts, and cashews gave it a wonderful texture. I found myself taking a third helping!

Do you own property here? If so, where? If not, why?
I don’t own property and will likely not buy in Malaysia. As a long-term expat, I have experienced friends dabbling in foreign real estate, but it comes with its fair share of risks. I prefer to invest in the real estate of my home country where I understand my rights as a citizen and property owner.

What do you miss most about your home country?
I have been overseas for 23 years so I do feel the expat life is my home. However, I miss my university-aged daughter who will reside in the USA for at least another two years.

What advice do you have for newly arrived expats?
Moving and settling into Malaysia can be a bit trying at first, as business is not always handled in a perfunctory way. However, I would shorten my ‘to do list’ and accept that everything you do in Malaysia takes time – so be patient and do not decide if you like Malaysia until at least six months into the experience! Slowly you will learn how to ease into the culture and get things done. It’s also best to stock up on duty-free alcohol whenever possible.

How long do you plan to stay in Malaysia? Where would you like to go next, and why?
I will likely stay at least another 3 ½ years. I would like to see our school graduate its first class before considering a move. I would love to explore the Mediterranean countries next, as I love the food and culture there.

Is Malaysia a good country to raise children? Why?
I have raised my children in the five different countries I have lived in, and I think raising children in an overseas environment with other adventurous people is wonderful for their understanding of self and the world. Children grow up more aware of governments, culture, and societal issues. So, yes, I do believe Malaysia is a good, safe country in which to raise children.

Is Malaysia a good place in which to work and do business? Why?
Malaysia can have its frustrating moments, but if you take your time and find the right people to help you, you can accomplish what is necessary. You have to persevere and not take ‘no’ for an answer. “How are we going to solve this problem?” is the tactic we employ, and there are no bad ideas along the way. In the end, we always manage to find a solution.

Read more:

• An Interview with a Canadian Expat in Malaysia: Sarah Lian
• A Chat with an English Expat in Malaysia
• A Canadian Shares His Experiences as an Expat in Malaysia