(2/2) “I worked in China for 8 years, 5 of which was spent in Microsoft. My job in Microsoft was very stable with good pay. Not only that, it is a great company with products impacting the world. So when people ask me why I decided to come back to Malaysia, I told them it was for my two kids. I felt very strongly in bringing them back to grow up as Anak Malaysia.
I was born and raised in KL. Growing up in Malaysia, I had so many lovely memories here; the padang that I played in, the childhood friends and of course the food. We Malaysians are hopeless food lovers.
But the most unique is the diverse multiracial culture we have. I want my kids to grow up in this diversity and understand the differences between different people. I always thought that Malaysia is a great place to bring up children.
I married a Malaysian, and she moved with me to China. After 8 years in China, we were debating on a thousand things on what to do. If I continued building my career in Microsoft, should we go to Seattle, Microsoft’s HQ, but we felt that it was too far from Malaysia.
I’m a guy who loves challenges and startups. I used to have a very stable job and comfortable life, so why do this to my wife and kids? Thankfully my wife is very supportive and helps me take care of the family.
For a married person with two kids like me, the entrepreneurship journey is very very tough. You need to work the balance and harmony with family.
Family always comes first. With kids and without kids is very different life. With kids, you have to give up a lot of your personal entertainment. Say goodbye to your online games, your football matches at mamak.
Life is a lot of decisions to be made – no one has a crystal ball to see the future. Everything is a journey. If you chose the journey to start a business, make sure you are well prepared for it.”
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Humans of Kuala Lumpur is partnering with Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) in featuring inspiring and impact-driven entrepreneurs, problem solvers and startups in their mission to solve Malaysia’s problems! #HumansofMaGIC
Photostory by Amalina Davis
Edited by Mushamir Mustafa
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(This post was first published on July 14th 2018)
