10 Questions to An Expat: Chef Keith

Sailing with daughters Jasmine and Caitlyn

1) Hello Keith, how long have you lived here?

Two years.

2) Where are you from originally?

Selangor, Malaysia. The family immigrated to Australia and we are Australian citizens with united nations family members - our youngest Caitlyn is born in Sydney and Jasmine the eldest in London. 

3) What brought you here?

A work opportunity which aligned with our wish of having the kids know their Asian heritage, language and culture. I also founded a specialist roasting catering outfit called Roast & Host by Keith & Kin Pte Ltd.

4) What do you do in your spare time?

We make family time - we could be biking, rock climbing, rope walking or cuddling up to "movie time" at home. 

5) What do you like about Singapore?

The ability to get different experiences without needing to travel long distances. With children this is a great place to start to experience everything. Since it is central in South East Asia, we can then upgrade to more challenging activities in the surrounding neighbouring countries. The ease with which to conduct business is also very welcomed. And so is the ease to jumping into the pool anytime and any day of the year. 

6) So what do you like least?

I miss a more contoured landscape - a mix of height in landform is sorely missed. So I scaled Gunung (Mt) Rinjani, an active volcano (3,726 m) on the island of Lombok, Indonesia in May 2011. 

7) Never leave the house without?

A smartphone and sunglasses

8) Best weekend trip?

A family staycation on the island, achieving one outdoor activity, taking in a staged production, a little gift for everyone, and a meaningful meal out. Or just hop over to Lombok, Bali, or Koh Samui. 

9) Interesting fact people don't know about you?

I completed the full curriculum ABRSM 8th Grade in piano music - a long time ago!

10) So what advice would you give someone who is about to move here?

Align your goals to the region to make the best use of the opportunity, time and accessibility of all things on the island. Seek out the outdoor activities, fill up on all the food that have converged here on the island and book your holiday flights to Singapore's neighbours to enjoy the super ease of getting out and back into the country.