Michael Lamb
As the former group managing director of Fitness First (Asia), Michael Lamb is now semi-retired and loves living in Malaysia. The 45-year-old Briton lives in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur and does occasional consultancy work for UK companies setting up businesses in Asia.
Originally born in Hong Kong, Michael has lived most of his life to date there and in the UK. Recently, I managed to catch up with him at his beautiful home where he now spends most his time.
The Expat: How long have you lived in malaysia under the mm2H program?
Michael: Since September 2007.
The Expat: How/where did you hear about the mm2H program?
Michael: Through word of mouth, really. It's one of those things where if you ask any of the expats about the program, they seem to know about it. It is also discussed within social circles.
The Expat: Had you spent time in malaysia before moving here? when?
Michael: Yes, that was when I decided to relocate the Fitness First Asia headquarters to Malaysia from Hong Kong. We opened three clubs here in 2002 and I was immediately taken with the lifestyle in Malaysia. From then until 2007, I was here with my family as well.
The Expat: Do you have any children in malaysia with you?
Michael: Yes, I have three - Rachel, 10, Jack, 8 and Hannah who is six years old.
The Expat: can you describe what is it about malaysia that tempted you to join the mm2H scheme?
Michael: Simple I fell in love with Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia and I saw no reason to return to the UK. Having left Fitness First earlier last year, I was delighted that Malaysia offered a retirement program for me to stay on. My kids also enjoy the schooling environment and lifestyle that this country offers. It's just relatively relaxing here and my heart sings every time I see the blue skies and green backdrop. More importantly, there is no other country in Asia where English is spoken as a common language. I also like living in a country where as an expat, I can enjoy the good quality of life.
The Expat: what other countries did you consider and why did you ultimately discount them?
Michael: It was an immediate preferred choice for me to live in Malaysia. My kids are happy, too. I guess Singapore was my other option but frankly speaking, Malaysia won hands down in many regards.
The Expat: can you describe the opinion of malaysia that you had before you began looking into life here?
Michael: I did view Malaysia as being an Islamic country with certain restraints and a culture that was incompatible with my own lifestyle. However, I was blown away with how mature a market Kuala Lumpur has become in terms of living standards.
The Expat: In what ways is malaysia the same and in what ways is it different to that expectation?
Michael: When I came here, I was excited to see five-star shopping malls, the very friendly people and great food! Malaysia is most definitely a progressive country. I also realised that Malaysia is tolerant to different cultures and that's what makes this country great.
The Expat: tell us about your favourite holidays and experiences in malaysia since joining mm2H?
Michael: I am an avid diver so some of my memorable experiences here include diving in islands such as Sipadan and Tioman and trekking deep in Taman Negara (Malaysia's National Park). I also love visiting the east coast beaches.
The Expat: Have you found it easy to settle and make malaysian friends?
Michael: Yes. Although from an expat's perspective, it's quite easy for us to stick with our own kind. However, if you make an effort, Malaysia is the easiest among all Asian countries to make new friends because of the ease of communication. Malaysia epitomises what I want out of life and the people here really know how to have fun.
The Expat: How do the living standards in this country compare to other places you've visited?
Michael: Malaysia is the perfect balance of quality of life versus cost of living. Comparing Malaysia to other Asian countries, Malaysia represents the bestvalue in the region.
The Expat: what do you miss most about your home country?
Michael: The four seasons, real ale and British television.
The Expat: please tell us more about how you pass your time - do you find that there are enough activities in malaysia to keep an expat busy?
Michael: Without a doubt, there are plenty of things to do here. I am the chairman of a girls' football team on Sundays and I also coach a rugby team for the Royal Selangor Junior Rugby Program on Saturdays, both which my children are involved in. And if you have a sizeable house and a nice garden, time is consumed by maintaining the living environment (laughter). Besides that, I like taking short trips to go diving around Malaysia. My parents do visit me for three months in a year and when they do, I spend time with them. I also intend to compete in a triathlon soon.
The Expat: what is it specifically that drew you to the mm2H program?
Michael: Everything about it! It was such an obvious choice. Being able to stay in Malaysia and enjoy the benefits such as tax exemption on a newly purchased car made here are some of the perks.
The Expat: was it easy to apply? would you recommend it to others? If so, why?
Michael: Yes, and I would definitely advise other expats to do the same. In fact, I would like to offer my services to the Malaysian government to do a public speaking tour in the UK this summer to promote Malaysia.
By Aida Ahmad
