As Malaysia continues on the path to high-income nation status by 2020, a critical task is bringing multinational companies to the Greater KL area, a job being successfully carried out by InvestKL. Editor Chad Merchant talked with the regional head of one such company about his experiences here, both on and off the job.
Vincenzo Alaimo isn’t your typical expat in Greater KL. First, he works for a multinational company that builds helicopters, not exactly a run-of-themill desk job. And second, he’s a doubledipper, having returned for his second stint in Malaysia back in 2010. As the Southeast Asia Head of Region for AgustaWestland, the British-Italian helicopter design and manufacturing company, tells us, “I returned to Malaysia in January 2010 for my second time. I also lived in Malaysia from 2005 to 2007.” Prior to that first stay here, however, Vincenzo wasn’t quite sure what to expect. “The first time I came to Malaysia was in 2003,” he explains, “and I continued traveling here for many years. Before visiting Malaysia, I really didn’t expect it to be such a tolerant and open country. I also admit that I didn’t know it to be so modern and well-developed with first-class infrastructures.”
Suffice it to say, living in KL has largely been a series of pleasant surprises for Vincenzo and his family. “I’m here now with my wife and our two boys (6 and 9), both of the them schooling in Kota Damansara.” When asked how everyone, and the boys in particular, had adapted to life in KL, Vincenzo said the move had been well-received by the family. “They really love staying here, especially the fact that it’s summer all year round!” Indeed, this is a common theme echoed by many expats living in Greater KL and elsewhere in Malaysia. Not too many of us miss those bitter cold mornings!
Once Vincenzo and his family started settling into their adopted home country and began getting comfortable in Greater KL, he says he found the society an easy one in which to blend. “I was impressed about the modernity of the country and its multicultural society, always a plus for expats. I also learned about the good food options available here.” He pauses a moment, and adds, “I was not, however, impressed by taxi services at that time!”
We asked Vincenzo to reflect on his experiences living in Greater KL and whether he and his family had found any particularly favoured travel spots in Malaysia. Unsurprisingly, as expected for most senior-level staff in multinationals, Vincenzo doesn’t get to travel as much as he’d like, but he tells us, “Though I do not have much time for travel as I’m already flying around Southeast Asia regularly for business, we’ve managed to visit the major tourist destinations in Malaysia such as Penang, Melaka, and Langkawi.” Does any particular place stand out? “Oh, for sure our favourite destination is Redang for the clean waters and beautiful beaches. I really hope they take good care of it.”
On the business side of things, Vincenzo praises Greater KL’s appeal as a base for foreign companies. “I think KL provides a good environment for foreign companies,” he explains. “The combination of quality of services, good manpower skills, and great connectivity makes it a good base to create a regional hub for Asia Pacific.” Of course there’s always room for improvement, and on this point, he adds, “Some services in support of foreign companies could be improved, there is room to reduce the bureaucracy, and possibly lower corporate taxes to compete with neighbouring countries.”
Overall, though, Vincenzo and his family seem to have found an enjoyable and fulfilling life here in Greater KL. He elaborates, “As an expat, I primarily look for a safe environment for my family and the availability of good services (schools, medical, and so on), and these are all quite satisfactory in Greater KL.” And when he’s not on the job, Vincenzo has found the leisure opportunities in Malaysia to be most rewarding. “The lifestyle here is certainly enjoyable. As an expat, you have many things to do if you want… apart from shopping, that is. From going out for dinner in one of the many good quality restaurants around town or having a game of golf on some of the beautiful courses here, there’s always something you can do and enjoy.”
We asked Vincenzo if, based on his own experience here, he’d recommend a posting in Malaysia – and specifically the Greater KL area – to other expats. “I would always encourage people to accept an assignment in a foreign country as it can be such an enriching experience.” He adds, “For Malaysia postings, in particular, and here in KL, I would strongly recommend it for the good quality of life and the friendly people here.” It seems like life is on the rise for Vincenzo… always a good thing for the big boss at a helicopter company!
Source: The Expat November 2013
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