Aussie and HK wife happy with Malaysia

One of the few things that puzzles Gary Brown, who has always held senior positions at sizable corporations, is why some companies chose capitals other than Kuala Lumpur to be their headquarters in this region. According to the effervescent chief executive officer of PosAd Group, the country offers everything needed for a corporation’s healthy development — from the diligent workforce to the satisfactory facilities, minus the high costs.

“I am always surprised that companies set up their regional headquarters in Singapore instead of Malaysia, it’s too expensive there while it’s realistic here,” said the Australian during an interview at his residence in Dusa Nusantara, Sri Hartamas. His wife Rachel, whom he met in Hong Kong more than 20 years ago, was with him. They have an 18-year-old son.

Good memories: Gary and Rachel Brown on their holiday in Penang.

Having worked in Asia for the past 27 years including Brunei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, the former senior vice-president for Sara Lee Malaysia ranks Kuala Lumpur above all as the ideal place for their permanent home. “I enjoy working here a lot because I find that the employees are hungry to learn. It has been a positive experience, I believe that was why Sara Lee set up their regional headquarters here. The country offers plenty of opportunities, it certainly has the environment for businesses to grow.

“The economy is stable — from the way the country came through the various economic crises — and it helps that there has not been a sudden change in policy. In the industry of consumers’ products, the market is open to fresh ideas and that’s really the formula for a brand’s healthy development,” he said. The couple is in the country for the ninth year.

At home: Gary and Rachel find that Kuala Lumpur has the best to offer in terms of career and lifestyle.

Gary was posted to the UK for two years in between but the time away had only allowed them to experience and appreciate Malaysia’s development even more. “There was a big leap in infrastructure, the city is growing but in an organised manner. Apart from that, I think the medical service industry has improved tremendously,” Rachel said. Gary nodded in agreement, adding that the medical service provided in Kuala Lumpur could easily compare with that of the developed nations, and could be marketed further.

While many Malaysians frown at the drawback of massive development, the couple think the country has done a good job in striking a balance. “Like anywhere else, there’s a need to evolve for the better and there are times we have to give and take,” said Rachel, comparing it with the situation in her home country Hong Kong.

“We just need to strike a balance, and I think Kuala Lumpur has done very well in terms of this. Unlike in Hong Kong and Singapore, everything is just too fast, that’s why a lot of our friends have opted to stay here permanently.” Gary enthused that the country had the best to offer, especially in lifestyle.

“We love the rich diversity in an open, green environment. The colourful culture of various ethnic groups and of course the wide array of authentic, value-for-money delicacies we can indulge in!” They also relish the rustic getaways to Pangkor and Kuantan among others, which are never too far away.

Rachel values the unique spa and shopping experiences found in the city that encapsulates old charms, such as Little India and Petaling Street as well as modern excitements such as Mid Valley and Pavilion. Gary was quick to add: “And also the paid-TV sports channels, they are fantastic!” Even the city’s biggest headache — traffic congestion — does not seem too bad for the couple. “It’s way better than in Jakarta, Manila and Bangkok, the road network here is also much more comprehensive. If there’s something that the country has to improve on, it is the public transport,” Gary said with a smile.

-thestar online.