with a salary like that you can have the best of both worlds wouldnt you?^_^
work in perth, have a healthy relationship with your lady, holiday in malaysia, where you actually enjoy spending time dossing about

this blog is not the only source of your social life, and it doesnt mean your blog or social life would die after you go to perth. what i'm trying to say is an opportunity like that doesn't always come by.

I don't think kolo mee and fame is something you want all the time. Money on the other hand...

perth~!~!~! man cool!

I think you should go to Perth. U only live once, dont waste it. It's your life! You live for yourself!

How about your family? Shouldn't you put them into your consideration as well?

Of course, if you accept the offer, you'll have a high pay and Nicole with you. There's just too much thing you have to think about.

Good luck pal. Just don't regret with whatever decision you made.

good luck =)

Come back to Perth la. I didn't want to leave Kuching when I came. Now I'm pretty hesitant to go back.

Social circle can grow again. You can look up old friends, and even your readers at this end of the earth.

Or just go flip a coin.

dude, just go.
fortune favours the bold.

its your life, u're still young. i'll still read kennysia.com no matter where u r :) best wishes and i look forward for ur decision hehe

Come back to Perth, Kenny.

I'm sure it'll be something when you look back in your life when you are old and not regret the decision.

You are quite a somebody in Perth too, if that's one of your main "cons" of moving to Perth.

perth, definitely. no real family would fault you for wanting a better life. and anyway, earn more can fly here fly there lah.

KENNYYYYYYY PLZZZZ COME BACK TO PERTH!!!!

During the weekends when u're bored, gimme a ring lar, we go Club X on Northbridge and tahfeikei....

NOT...

Probably just chill at utopia or something (i hate bubble tea).

wat abt ur girlfriend ? if she's there in perth and u're gonna marry her eventually, of coz perth's d place.

Go la. You can still come back to Malaysia for holiday what. Stay here play lampar meh. Adui..

That's one very big decision to make. Hope you make the right one (: Take care.

hi kenny...my third time commenting in your blog i guess...it's definitely a hard choice to make...between kuching and perth, more money and less money...freedom of creativity expansion and a rigid job...
i always believe that at one point of time in our lives, there'll be a day when we have to make big decision, sacrifice, give up something in order to gain something...and you did just that about 2 years ago...something you'll never regret...what about this time?
if i were u, i'll really really be in a dilemma, like what you're going through now. if i were you, i'll choose to stay in kuching...not for kolo mee, but it's simply because this is where i belong to...i know it's silly to stay because of this reason. not a very convincing one to make someone stay back when being offered salary more than double the current income. you talked about expanding our creativity in this blog...something you did because your job in kuching, i supposed, is irrelevant with the degree you have...and trust me, your blog is simply wonderful! and i dont think i need to mention it at all because you know better...
about having a better offer in perth, who would want to miss such great opportunity...but going there means you might be settling down there for the rest of your live...it's not about staying 10 years, earning and saving enough and come back to enjoy live, travel around the world...i'm sure you've thought of that...
whatever the reason to stay or to leave, my guess is you're in a dilemma more because you love your previous job...and if an employer will come back to you even after a long period of time, you must mean a lot to his company, and that is what we are searching for...acknowledgement and appreciation...you have everything,all that anyone would have ever wanted and asked for in their career...and now, it's time to make some sacrifices...

wa biang.. Aussie PR + job with High Pay..
LUCKY YOU!!!!!

Well, personally, you had let other's expectations affected what you really want. Yes it is undeniably that there's no other place like Kch, especially when it is your hometown, where your family and friends are. But hey, you can build your social circle when you're over at Perth too! Above all, there's your beloved girlfriend. With the high advanced technology, a call home wldn't cost that much. Travelling wise, with your new salary, I'm sure you can afford it. You're still young, take this chance whereby you're at your prime to earn as much as possible. Even when you're old and gray, it wouldn't be too late for you to return to the serenity of Kch, the little town with all the savings you earned in Perth. Though I really hoped to look you up when I return to Kch at the end of this year, it'd be a shame. Then again, what do you REALLY want? Don't let other's expectations and views affect your choice anymore. =) Cheers!

i understand your dillemma, my life is thorn between melbourne and malaysia. whatever it is, i am sure you will make the right decision.
good luck mate.

I have never said anything useful in any of your comments since the beginning of days... but i see ur dilemma. I am too like you , but after i weighted my options and spent weeks thinking about it, it all comes down to family , or self persued happiness. Your choice, but make it the right one. Chances dont come by often, u grab it or u let it go.. or maybe there is another greater chance somewhere beyond this and another time.

Ermm.. I can be your friend when you are in perth!

Anwyay, just have to ask yourself, will you regret in 5 years time if you give up this opportunity?

Perth is having its best tiem at the moment, with the resources industry booming. The property value is same as Sydney now. :p

I'd say Perth. I do not think that your blog will be any less Malaysian by being there...

Good Luck

Tough choice.

My opinion,

money mayb is an important agent in ur decision making.
but, we only live once.
Its not an ultimate factor to shape our life decisions eh?

However, there are other considerations as well..
living expenses in perth is definitely not cheap.
Besides, better earnings mean stronger purchasing power as well..

right, hehe jus my own view =)
Good luck tho. hehe s

i say go for it.
you make some sacrifices (personal and family) but in the end the future's probably brighter and fairer elsewhere.

In my humble opinion, go for it. Seriously. :-)

go perth. relly.

I think you should go lah. It doesnt have to be permanent mah, make your money then you can come back to Malaysia bah.

All the best in making the best decision :-)

Perth baby.. You came back for your father, but since he left for a better world, it is time for you to go back to the life you want. Unless, staying here is the life you actually want.

At the risk of sounding cliche..."follow ur heart or gutt"

i would rather move to perth...

but if u dun ve much frens n relatives there then it is pretty hard to choose...

but frm ur entry, it gives me a feeling tat actually u alrd ve a decision...

u only wish someone will support ur decision...

if u wanna stay in kuching then dun think too much n make a decision lor...

Its your life so forget about our comments, do what you really want. In fact,even family opinion are'nt helpful at times...

Remember the income tax is very high in Australia and living costs are high vs Kuching. Factor that in.

When you grow older, you will realise that the priorities in life are

1. Health
2. Family
3. Career
4. Friends

Everyone has his own priorities. Some put career first. It's common to hear CEOs say at their deathbed: I wish I have spent more time with my family.

Kenny,

I've been reading yoru blog (on and off) for sometime now and have yet to leave a comment till now.

But this is serious. I understand your predictament. You've got a good thing going on in Kuching now. I, too, came back to Brunei and left out job offers in the Big Apple. And I am STILL here. But whatever the case may be, I feel you already have an answer for yourself. You want to move back and you know it. You want to move back to Perth. What's stopping you?

You should follow the footstep of Wong Nai Siong who lead 1000 Foochow to Sibu and so now is the time for you to bring 1000 Kuchinger to Perth and out of a country that marginalised your people. M'sia is an exporter of talent, a country that encourage brain drain. I doubt your government appreciate your present in Kuching, if you are Abdul Kenny bin Rahim you could probably be the VC of Uni Malaya by now but sorry you are Kenny Sia.

no doubt, go back to Aus Kenny, you have my full support, i will still visit here every day. In Aus, you can unleash everything u r not allowed to do here. Not to mention eh... the salary u will be getting. more pros than cons... worth it bro

The choice is easy, pick the option such that in a few years, you won't find yourself wondering/asking i regret not making move xyz.

I'm now 24, had a grad job offer with a MNC at 21. Turned it down to start my own business. The business flopped, but you know what, I gave it my best shot and will never be left wondering what 'could' have happened.

from a singaporean who moved to aussieland, i like it better in aussieland. the lifestyle's better and so are the opportunities. as for kolo mee i'm sure perth has in abundance, after all of all the cities perth is the most densely populated with asians..don't tell me decent kolo me is unavailable! i mean, even here i can find singapore chomp chomp ;D shouldn't be too bad in perth yeah?

Hmm ... No idea
Go or not to go ??
Think yourself , you enjoy which place more
Of course , I as a blog reader , hope that you are not going

Phwoarr... Go back to Oz dood.. if you ever get bored or run out of ideas to blog on there you can sort of start a new gambling addiction and blog on your gambling addiction at burswood and we'll still support ya!

I gave up what I had in Singapore and start all over again in Malaysia just to be close with my family. The experience was far worse then that I rather forget. I was lucky in the sense that I got a better offer in U.K and decided to take it up. Up till now, I am happy for what I have achieved here together with my wife and a recently newborn. If you feel like you need to speak over, there's always people like us to talk to. Just give us a shout. I am sure you know your way to track us down.

Well the way I look at it as a loyal reader, you may lose many readers once you go to Perth and give up that Malaysia's Most Popular Blogger reputation (which got you so many pivelages btw) but at least you get alot of money.

If I were you, I'd choose to stay because, well, from experience, if you choose the road that seems easier, you'll get bored pretty fast and miss the stress (and fame) from the previous path.

That means hor, that two years after you go back to Perth and have earned a shit load of money, you start to miss the fame, you'll miss the close friends whom you've lost (believe me, you'll lose a few. Maybe not all but maybe a hand full) and you'll miss the food.

Sure you get alot of money there, but here you're complete.

You know what you want la. Your heart is for Perth. Just go back.

Don't let this blog hold you back (you can't base your life on your blog forever right?)

Kenny,

I've been reading yoru blog (on and off) for sometime now and have yet to leave a comment till now.

But this is serious. I understand your predictament. You've got a good thing going on in Kuching now. I, too, came back to Brunei and left out job offers in the Big Apple. And I am STILL here. But whatever the case may be, I feel you already have an answer for yourself. You want to move back and you know it. You want to move back to Perth. What's stopping you?

How come everyone in the comment box is asking Kenny to go??? Yes I know we have to think for his sake but...CAN YOU PEOPLE BE SELFISH FOR JUST ONE SECOND??

Maybe I'm siao. But I will be really sad if you left, Kenny. Well, I am not even staying in Kuching but, I WILL MISS YOU LA!

Heyya kenny... ive been reading ur blog everyday but as with the guy above... now oni i post my first comment...ehhehe... anywayz....this sorta decision in really up to you.... if ur willing to not constantly be wit ur family/girlfriend/friends den i wud suggest u go for it.. since the pay is more!.. and im sure if u have that bigger pay buying kolo mee for rm20 is affordable.. but i doubt u even want to buy kolo mee..since it taste like shit...anywayz wadeva u do i wish u all the best... i don;t even noe wad im doing suggesting anythin to u since im only 15!!!!

If you go I will suicide.

Okay no la.

But if you do go, bear this in mind: Malaysia has suffered a great loss.

Tell you what Kenny. If you get more than 600 comments for this post, you don't go, okay? I don't care if all 600 comments are telling you to go.

Kenny, don't leh. You won't have any girls lusting after you there. This is my third comment already.

ugh.stop whining and just go.
some of us have such shitty lives that we don't even have the opportunity to make pros and cons lists.

Personally, I think u shld give it a shot, cause it is a good chance, it may be a turning point for u. Maybe it is good fore ur relationship, perhaps we may even hear wedding bells soon.

Ur greatest hesitation is how to open ur mouth and talk to ur mum, not wanting to be branded as unfilial, u think of this and that, just remember that u onli live once, will u risk this chance and regret later in ur life?

We knw u r working for ur dad's company, i hopt i nv get it wrong.. Consider it and give urself 2 years. 2 years chance..

dont go and u will regret for the rest of ur life. u can still come back if u dont like it there. wanna wait till 40 then go izit? go go go

hi kenny

the most important thing after listing out the pros and cons is.. just follow your heart.
for your info, after i finished matriculation, i've been offered medicine and microbiology with sponsors from MARA.. but today, here i am in Multimedia university doing multimedia because this is what i really want. other ppl kept telling me to be a doctor but i dont care. at least i can't blame anybody should anything happened because of the decision i made myself. you can control your destiny (except death etc) =) good luck

i believe that an opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime. it's god's (or whatever other mystical creature's) way of letting you decide your own fate, make your own luck.

the ball's in your court now kenny.

whatever choice you make, just don't look back with regret.

and of course we'll continue reading your silly blog, you dingbat you.

Just follow your heart.

fuck the pros and cons! just go man..
the rest of us r stuck here. no choice to begin with.

we'll read ur blog no matter where u r. just keep it coming.

Kenny,you know wat is ur decision already lah..
anyway...

there is no right or wrong decision coz no one can judge it.ppl said right or wrong base on their prespective not urs..
so what is the right decision?? NO ONE KNOWS
coz only u will know when it finally reach the end

Kenny,

Speaking from some experience here and with relatives in Australia, I have been trying all my life to go to Australia as most of my family is there.

It is so hard to get PR let alone have the resources to go and study there financially because of accomodations.

Generally its a decision made by you and you alone but lets say bout 5 years down the road and you've settled down, would you want your kids to grow up in Malaysia or Oz? My choice would be Australia in a hearbeat.

Cheers mate.

(Trying my best to get into Curtin. Got the grades but not the "moolah")

Sincerely Chris

Kenny,

Speaking from some experience here and with relatives in Australia, I have been trying all my life to go to Australia as most of my family is there.

It is so hard to get PR let alone have the resources to go and study there financially because of accomodations.

Generally its a decision made by you and you alone but lets say bout 5 years down the road and you've settled down, would you want your kids to grow up in Malaysia or Oz? My choice would be Australia in a hearbeat.

Cheers mate.

(Trying my best to get into Curtin. Got the grades but not the "moolah")

Sincerely Chris

Perth!
You can earn more money to travel.
You can try to earn fame, build up to become a somebody. Then'll you have the best of both worlds.
When that happens, you can get Aussie advertisers.
When you return home, you'll realise you miss Kuching a lot and this will strengthen your bond to it.
You get freedom. Loads of it.
You earn the big bucks then come back home and enjoy sweet life.

What would your dad want you to do? Obviously he wants the best and thats where he put you when you studied.

Now, where is the best for your kids to grow up?

Go to aus man.. kolo mee is nth compared to the salary u're looking at..

Kenny,

Everyone only lives once.
For watever decision that you make,dont regret.
Whole heartedly strive to survive on the path that you choose.

opportunities like this happen in a quick flash, seize it dude

heya, i'm just one of your numerous blog reader. Well, basically i enjoy reading your blog, 'cause i think it's really down to earth. Seriously, when i'm depressed/upset, reading your blog will definitely cheer me up. i was once in Melbourne, and i chose to come back for some really silly reasons.

i did regret. i must say that, i totally agree with your Pros and Cons. but, i learn to live in the path that i chose. After all, i realised something, life is short. how many '10 years' do we really have? so, be happy to be yourself with whatever your decision is..!

Look! i'm happy to read your blog!

plz leave this place of racial biasness and go spread ur wings over there.....seriously......you don't know how many chinese dream to migrate out of this place full of affirmative actions by our forever righteous government you see.....
no seriously....go!

it's really not an easy decision and it will affect your future not just one year maybe ten years or more... but l believe you're mature enough to make the best decision for yourself now.
l was in NY for five years and when l almost believe d myself as an american, l came back to KL. (by family force)

good luck!

with your dynamic personality, I'm sure you'll be a 'somebody' anywhere across the globe you go.

I sincerely wish you all the best whatever your final decision may be, and may all the happiness be yours, for now and in the future.

oh. btw...you're not fat lah. =)

everytime you write about perth and how you gave up everything just to return home to be by your parent's side, i'm hit with the cold hard truth... because i know, 5 years down the road i will be faced with the very same decision.

i'm currently in form 6 and planning to further my studies in melbourne, australia. to be honest i have no plans on returning after i complete my studies. but being the only child of the family, my heart tells me otherwise.

i hope that when the days come for me to make my decision, i would be able to come by one i would not regret. i don't really have anything to say regarding your dilemma being the mere 19 yr old i am, but i wish you all the best and do keep up the good writing!

Reading through your pros & cons, I think that no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.
Hence, the greatest challenge in your life now is to decide what's important and to disregard everything else.

Regarding to your life as a blogger, you got to remember that fame is written in ice and eventually the sun comes out.

Personally, I've learned to make little decisions with my head and big decisions with my heart.

So, follow your heart, Kenny.
I wish you the very best in your future undertakings.

Kenny,

Obviously the money is a significant push factor for you here. Therefore, I urge you NOT to make a big decision based on a simplistic assumption that you earn double what you earn in Kuching. Do your Due Diligence beforehand, and know EXACTLY what your costs and benefits are.

Hence, pull up Excel, and calculate your pay, minus taxes, rent, living costs, annual plane ticket back to Kuching etc, ultimately arriving at the amount that you can save every year in Perth. Compare that to the actual amount you save in Kuching every year (converted to same currency of course), and make your decision based on that amount.

Remember, do NOT purely look at gross pay alone. Do your homework.

For me, I'll rather stay with my family because that's the most important thing to me.

Definitely - Perth.

Forget about the fame in Msia now.. cause sooner or later you know this blog will not be so popular anymore, hence ur popularity.

Friends? Will always be available.. and I believe you do own a circle of friends in Perth. Your blog is so famous, it's not hard to find new siu mui mui in Curtin la hor... hehe. You are "somebody" wherever you go now, Kenny.

Money talks. And you know that.

All the best to you. Regards from Down under.

The grass may look greener on the other side, But you still have to mow it! Remember that...

kenny, i noe you are being mind-fcuk right now by the sms sent by your ex-boss. this is really a tough decision for you to make. do take your time to considerate it. you are at age now where you have to take full responsibility for every decision you make. but please dun let peer-pressure affect ur decision making.
all i have to say is, no matter at which part of the world or planet you staying at, i will still support kennysia.com.

I agree totally with what Mike said above. Do whatever that makes you happy. It is very obvious that you are happy in Kuching doing what you are doing. Why give up most of it for some short term moolah? If money is a consideration, I am sure you can make money in Malaysia with your talents, and probably even more than Perth in a few years time if you set up your own business.

Remember, no amount of money can buy you happiness.

I say stay.

Hi Kenny,

Spending time with family don't mean STAY with them

Similarly, a better financial package does not necessarily equate a more meaningful life.

How long can you blog? True friends stick together whether your blog is great or not.

To be known by many is not as good as being truly loved and appreciated by few.

My apologies if I'm blunt here but I hope to give you some honest comments.

Kenny,

I know you talk cock nia, if you wanna go you already go liaw. The pro is your No.1 will be take over by others.

I also agree with Wei De's perceptive entry above. I also think that you have sub-consciously made a decision, and would like people to support you. Hence, I would like you to know that I think you have made the right choice, and you shouldn't take the opportunity blindly. I think that you are giving up way too much if you go to Perth. Malaysia offers so much more for you, and money will come soon, and it will be more than Perth.

I say stay.

Go la..australia good!

Perth - i'd say - bl**dy h*ll it's f*ck*ng 3 hours away from KCH!

Better than f*ck*ng 15 hours from London

Hey Dude, Perth. I made a decision to leave back in the high school days and never regret it.

Given the opportunity to get you old job back, you should take it...send the products here for testing leh..I am testing ASNZ Transmitter Standard this week .

You have excellent command of Ausie style English, meaning you once blended in and accepted the culture and life..instead some oversead students still tok like tis ah after many many years loh.

In Australia, you'be able and encouraged to get the six pack, all cut up,14 inch guns on your arm... run a few marathons a year where as back home, you are considered too fat to run and to gay to go to the gym.

This is a great opportunity for you to work in an arena where you technical creativity is challenged among liked minds, the results appreciated and with more challene ahead. In Malaysia, do you see any room for technical improvement ? Even if you wanted to, your ideas will not be well accepted.

As far as friends goes, a person can only have a few true friends, the rest you can do without.

Plus, I'll be visiting Perth in a few years..need a place to stay!

if i were you (hoobastank song)...
i'll go to australia... with that kinda pay i'm sure u can afford to travel around...even u can come visit kuching often... even if u do go, i believe ur reader will stay on..i will tats for sure...

and when 1 day u are bored enough with aus (and with loads of cash) than u can come back here and open ur own biznez...

watever u decide may God bless u...
malaysian aussie or malaysian kuchingite..we'll support u

All I can say is, good luck in making the right choice. I'm sure that whatever you choose, you'll cope fine =)

hpmh...there are so many comments asking you to leave. so i choose to be otherwise :p

since i´m not financially independent yet myself... i guess i still don´t understand the "importance" of that fat pay check that you´ll get when u r in perth. it´s not like you are not earning enough to hv a good life n hv loads of holidays n still travel ard. so forget bout your 1st point.

i guess the deciding factor here would be your family... i´ve read that your dad has put in a lot of effort to make the business going as it is today. but rmbr it's your dad´s, not yours. your dad might hv loved his job, but if you do not enjoy it, rmbr that the business is there as a tool for a decent living and not vice-versa. Pls. do not live your life just for the sake of your father´s tool.

On the other hand, it´s okay if u r not becoming what you´ve studied to become. it´s not a waste, it´s just another step closer to realising what you really want out of your life. i don´t know which one you´ll enjoy more doing for the rest of your life. Engineer or Businessman, or maybe u can try to start a business in Perth too (though pretty hard, not an easy path, forget bout it if u r scared of hardship n uncertainties)

As for your family....esp. your mom... that´s the toughest choice.(from my point of view) maybe your mom can move back to Perth? But then again, pass a certain age and elderlies prefer to be back to where they are most familiar with, and i assume it´s Kuching, among a chinese culture, community and convicinity. I´m not your mom though, you need to ask her to be sure. If i were you, this "mom"-issue would also be the ultimate desicion maker. i guess for me, my parents are still the most important thing in the world (dunno y it´s coming out from the mouth of an oversea student, who´s not really much homesick at all) It could be out of social norms, out of obligations to "repay" them (which can never be done) , or simply out of love for my mom, i feel the need to tend to her every need, just like how she has done for me.
In your case, your mom might not have asked for or thought of anything in return, when she left her husband (who she loves) to a foreign land, far from her familiar surroundings,to take care of her children, You, Kenny Sia, who she loves even more. I´m not playing with your guilt here. Just trying to state the obvious.

But then again, there are no lives with no regrets. If there is, that´s a life without choices, which is not a life at all (life as a slave maybe) so if you have to regret later on, just try to make those regrets, which you think you can live with for the rest of your life.

All I can say is, good luck in making the right choice. I'm sure that whatever you choose, you'll cope fine =)

=) good luck

It's THE chance given to you. Grab it.

Most importantly don't regret your decision.

I am 36. you only get to live once. Do what you think best cuz to live or to die is your choice. Once a decision has been made. never look back !

It takes a day to fall in LOVE but it takes 4ever to forget a LOve ! :0

big fan of ur blog. if u do come back, i'll leave u my number so u can ring me up and we can go to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXotica as your welcome back party :D

i say you go for it! :)

=) good luck

go lah.

look at karen cheng, she also damn famous what. no need local presence one, if u r good, u r good anyone. Gosh, at least go, get bored, then come back lor. Dont DONT go and regret.

Mike, I know! Despite what all the stupid politicians say, I feel like I belong here.

Eddie, thanks! What you said make a lot of sense. If I do move, I'll make sure you have a room to stay! :)

Definitely perth dude. dont regret it. fame will only last you for awhile, there will be better writers. secure this opportunity and go for it.

sometimes don't let your head rule. follow your heart.

wow..
nice sincere sharing you got there kenny.

but with the fan base you have over here, and the popularity you gained, surely moving to elsewhere would not depreciate it.

I would go if I were you. You already have your PR, and now a job, how much easier can it get?

But again, it's all up to you. What are your priorities? Think about that......

Good luck in your decision ^_^

pls go for it kenny
it's not every you get such oppoturnity knocking at your door !

Hi Kenny,

I think I'm old enough to be your father. Probably I'm one of the oldest guys here who read your blogs occassionaly. My wife too reads your blogs. We have been encouraging our children to study hard and earn their living overseas. There is no future here unless you're a "son of the soil" or you join UMNO/MCA. I'm therefore giving you the same advice and encouragement if you catch my drift.

Remember, Kenny, opportunity knocks only once. I'm sure you already have the answer and there will be no regrets. Good Luck, Kenny

u can work in aus then come back when you are old and then retired in kuching ma...
after all, young people shouldn't stay at home all the time

Dream what u want to dream
Go where u want to go
Be what u want to be
Because you only have one life
and one chance
To do all the things u wanna do......

Ive been a silent reader of yr blog but this time I feel the need to say something. Look Kenny, u know the answer. Just go for it, and things will work out just fine. Life is a funny thing. U think that there is only one "good" path to take. But in actual fact, whichever path u take, it'll end up pretty damn good. Coz its what u make of it rather than whats "right" or "wrong". Listen to your heart and don't look back.

I've been doing this pros and cons thingy for the last 4 years. I also have Aussie PR and worked in Aust. But I came to Spore to work because ultimately I still feel more at home at Asian countries. Because of my profession, I can always get a job in Australia, but I'll loss my trainingship and my PR status if I don't go back the next few years. Its like cognitively i should go back to Australia but emotionally I prefer Spore (at the moment).

Anyway, think the pros and cons exercise doesn't really work. Just ask yourself what's you "feel" like doing, because there's really no right or wrong decision. I think the good part is, either way, you will still have a good life. :)

Good luck.

Touch decision man.
You're single and free now unless you worry about the family biz.
How about your ex?

Kang, just because you are old doesn't make you more credible than the next person. Your reasoning and logic must still be sound. If what you said is true, that means more than a quarter of the population has, and I quote, "no future" whatsover in Malaysia. Does that sound right to you? (I define no future as unable to make a decent living)

I believe that if you are capable, you will thrive no matter what the circumstances.

kenny, just go man!! PErth is definitely better than kuching, widen yr exposure, you're still young, make hay while the sun shines! just go mate! heck that kolo mee, save enough open a authentic stall yourself and let the bucks roll in! good luck mate!

Just do whatever you want. I'll still read kennysia.com wherever you are. Just make a move and don't regret it. Whichever way you choose, I'm sure your readers are wishing you good luck!

don't go back. stay here in kuching. life is more about earning large salaries. remember. you are a somebody in kuching. it is where you belong.

If I were you, I'd ask yourself what you really want. Ultimately, what do you want?

If its almost 50/50, then be decisive and flip a coin.

Since everyone is asking you to go, let me just chime in my experience. I left the US to come back 8 years ago, with no regrets. I have a great job in Malaysia, and although I don't earn as much, I am content with what I have. I believe that I can change the world and grow as much in Malaysia as I can overseas.

Whichever way you choose, as long as you believe in yourself, I think that you'll do ok.

They want you and are willing to pay you, unfortunately money makes a big part of this world, i say move to Perth it may even add more to your blog a new experience. All your cons are just speculation, if your blog continues to get the hits the advertisers most likely will stay on and in Perth you'd more than likely pick up more advertisers ;)

Tough decision.

Yes, as they say, you really have to sit down and ask yourself, "What do I really want?"

On one side, you have a life here. On the other side, you will have another life there. Either one, none is worse nor better.

i don't think the cons are really cons anyway. there are budget airfares around australia, and friends can be made all over again, tho the process is really quite tedious. =) and well being a nobody gives u another chance of becoming a somebody there too. all the best with ur decision. i would go for perth. =)

Hey Kenny, im a reader from Singapore & when u sometimes talk about malaysia i dont really understand but still i can enjoy it or see whats happening there. It still gives us knowledge of other things too u know?

It doesnt matter where u stay for ppl who read ur blog, cuz we are a READER only, we read WHATS GOIN ON IN UR LIFE, NOT ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE.

And u become POPULAR becuz of ur BLOG, NO MATTER WHERE U ARE IF U KEEP UPDATING UR BLOG REGULARLY U STILL BE A FAMOUS POPULAR MALAYSIAN BLOGGER.

So i feel that UR BLOG is like 'UR VIRTUAL HOME'. Get to pour ur life to it n get to known by other ppl too. So it doesnt matter hey?

Still dont believe me?

See XIAXUE, She stay in singapore, and thousands of her reader from over the asian countries, or other countries as well, but still she gets popular cuz of her blog (also cuz of her camera-whoring tho), not becuz she stays in Singapore.

I feel that for a better life, a better health, and a CHANCE WHERE NOT EVERYONE CAN GET. SO WHY U WASTE IT? IT'S A MIRACLE FOR U !!!!

U SHOULD GO TO PERTH, IF U THINK IT WILL MAKE U REACH UR GOAL OF LIFE TWICE AS FASTER.

I believe what I'm going through right now is called a quarter life crisis.

Damn. :|

I think theres not much to lose in Perth, u make the money, get the PR & make friends with aussie.

You will never lose your malaysian friends and you wont lose us as the readers. We have befriend you here and thus the only thing your gonna miss is a kon lo mee.

But with money from Perth and flexible working schedule. You can still travel. In any case we got your back dude... (not in a gay sense)...

Wah O_o" life changing decisions. Either u get it right or wrong xD

I'm in no position to talk about anything but...

Nevertheless, all the best to u yo =)

Perth lah!!

Another cons, 40% of the total salary goes back to the govt as TAX.

you speak as if you will be moving to perth permanently for the rest of life. you can always give it a go for a few years, save up that money and move back home if you don't like it?

change is inevitable. but in this case don't you think it will be good for you? don't worry too much, everything always ends up working out for the better =)

either way, best wishes kenny =)

Kenny,
Go for it. You will not regret it. Malaysia is becoming more and more cam. It is continue being ruled by some elite who has been and will continue to suck the country dry. In the end they will encourage people to fight each other to feed their greed. I am also looking for opportunities to go out. It is not easy you know! Aiya...I really love my country, but my country never loved me. Everything i have is due to my parent's and my own hardwork. So why holding on leh? Go for it man!

I have really no idea what to say. my mind was blank after read your blog....

Hmm.. about air tickets.. air asia tak boleh guna ka? if there's flights to perth, and if u dun mind the budget quality.. i think it's pretty much acceptable to travel back abit frequent if compared to other airlines.. but.. it's up to your taste ;)

Your cons all quite insignificant la. I say, go back to Perth. The main reason you came back here was because of your dad. Now he's in a better place already...so you can rest easy and continue your life in Perth. Honestly, you LOVE Perth! You brought it up so many times! I honestly believe that you WILL regret if you don't go...

Oh well...

Bro,

Go for it. Cost me Aussie 2M to apply to live there and thats before getting a citizenship.

Also when you get married and have a child, their education and living conditions will be way better.

One life,
one opportunity,
One longing,
one love.

Spread your wing,
Chase after your dream.

move to perth bitch. then come visit me in melb.

Well,

Maybe if you go to Perth, you will have new funny ideas to write in your blog hehe.

Everything is as transient as falling rain.

May you stay true to yourself in whatever decision you make.

love, LG

I left NZ after staying there for 6 years. I feel that if I stay there longer, I will start to have depression. Somehow Kuching is more like a home to me even though it's not my hometown too. People speak Hokkien everywhere and wear slippers to kopi tiam...cool. The cheap authentic local food is just never the same elsewhere. Most of the shops only close after 9 p.m. where in Australia, it's after 5 p.m.. I don't crave for Australia food but I'm sure I'll miss the weekend laksa breakfast with my friends. So think twice!

you are not a nobody. the fact remains you got an sms from somebody who REMEMBERED YOU. and even if you are a nobody there, remember how you came here thinking of how alone you were. it's not that much harder. go for your dreams, because i think that's what your dad would have wanted - that's what i had think anyways. :)

Ah, whatever u do, i support ya!

Is there any way to convince your family to go there with you?

I know how you're feeling Kenny. I was in the total same situation as you too. I studied in Tokyo, and the pay there is at least 6 times higher than Malaysia, and I chose to go back even though I'm the only child.

The money can do alot of good. Besides, you do only live once. No readers will stop reading kennysia.com just because it loses its Malaysia touch.

Once a kennysia.com reader, always a kennysia.com reader, ain't it?

But, think twice before you make a decision ;D

Go for it! Earn the bucks (if it's good minus the tax). If you want to come back, home is always here for you...you could probbly enjoy some perks (tax free cars?) as a professional who return to malaysia... ;)

hi kenny, hope you read this.

I'm a melbourne born Malaysian. stayed in melb till i was 5. then came back to msia. and returned to melb when i was 18.

anyway, your story sounds like my dad'd story. was in aus, came back to msia for family. he's done alright in msia. probably better than what he could have done in aus.

for me, i'm not sure if i'll choose aus or my. its still an open book. i'll see where the money brings me.

i think if u stay in malaysia, u will be alright.
but if you want to think about opportunities for your children and children's childern, i think australia would be safer alternative.

hope you make a decision that bring's you at peace.

Kennysia.com is kennysia.com because of Kenny Sia, not M'sia (pun not intended).

Do not know the other factors that might hold you back, but if it's just the ones on your list...you might as well hop on the plane right now.

If I had this kind of chance with no commitments to hold me back, I'd go without thinking twice. Malaysia, or what Malaysia is becoming and will become, is not worth staying back for, I totally agree with alp.

go perth and start a kolo mee stall.

personally i think you should go. its not easy tobe offered a chance for such a high pay. PLus, you're earning double so y worry bout the airfare ^.^? but in the end, it still depends on wat u want more. trust your instinct.

aiyoooooooooooooooooooooooo...GO LARRR

personally i think you should go. its not easy tobe offered a chance for such a high pay. PLus, you're earning double so y worry bout the airfare ^.^? but in the end, it still depends on wat u want more. trust your instinct.

Hey, just go back perth, at this age finance is the most important. Y do u study till uni? d answer should b so that u can earn lots in the future. Maybe after another 10 years or so u can settle down and come back to kuching and give ur family nice life with all the big bucks u earn.
Anyway all the best to u watever u choose. I will still read ur blog whereever u r.

i guess finance has never been a problem to u. but most importantly, u got to love what u're doing. ask urself, u have the answer. ;)

hey kenny, i'm from kuching and i was in perth. staying back in australia was not an option. i had commitments back home. i will trade anything to be away from malaysia and australia certainly isn't a bad place.

Perth..

it seems to me that a major reason to stay in kuching is for your blog and ur frens?

But money is like damn important you see, (and your career prospects etc.) Blog is a hobby, ur job is your career..

i duno..go perth lah =)

Listen to your heart, bro. Dont men-sia-sui-kan this once in a blue moon chance. And by the time u got rich over there, u can always airmail Kolo mees over. :D

if this blog is meant to be, then its meant to be. it doenst metter where you are, if you're good, then you're good.

no doubt abt it.

GO PERTH KENNY! Go!!!!

hey kenny, i'm not sure if u're gonna read this but i'll write it anyway just in case you do. i'm a lecturer at uwa and i came across ur blog by accident. since then i've bookmarked it and been reading it religiously everyday.

if you're after a poll, it is overwhelmingly leaning towards 'go back to perth'. but afterall u'd have to decide urself - taking into accounts ur family, rship, friends, lifestyle etc. i guess the point tht many had made is very vaild - perth is developing and booming, u'd have lots of opportunity here.

in my case, i'd really love to go back to asia after i submit my phd next month. i like the dynamic lifestyle in asia. in contrast, perth is a bit too comfortable and too settled. i'd wish to contribute my expertise to development projects in places like aceh, jogjakarta, china, india etc. the only downside to asia is that there isn't a critical mass and democratic space in many asian societies - critical intellectual debates and political critiques are deemed threatening and undesirable.

i suppose personal freedom and liberty is the biggest pull factor for me to stay in australia. i met the PM (john howard) at a leadership forum in the parliament house last month and a question i asked him in front of 300 delegates had absolutely humiliated and agitated him. should i have been in malaysia or singapore i'd have gotten myself into lots of trouble, but here i walked out the hall like a freeman.

i dont think u'd lose ur fame in perth. ur readership (fans) base here is evident from the comments above - i'm surprised that so many perthians read your blog. hope to read ur decision soon.

Hey kenny, put up a poll and let us vote on what u should do.

Personally, I think u should go for it, not everyone gets that kind of chance.

What I felt is that what decision you chose, you mustn't regret. That is the most important thing. Once you regret, you will eventually start to feel bad for yourself.

Think hard, Kenny!

I think you should go to perth. Your blog 'flavor' is not going to loose anything, and with the faster salary increases, you will be able to fly back and forth in no time. And no, the world really isnt that big, Common..
Soon, you can make enough money (even the tutoring money can be saved and buy you a ticket or two) and travelling, friends etc (you can see them once or twice in two months- only weekends possible anyways to see most people) and you'll be alright!

My instant gut feel after reading ur entry --- go to Perth:

1)I'm from Taiwan, but read KennySia.com daily not because of its Malaysian flavor, but bec. it's tastefully done and hilarious, regardless of culture

2) Job/salary in Perth seems more relevant for ur future and believe me, success follows people. Am sure u can get a mgt position in time, not just in Kuching. I feel that in Kuching, you may travel, but u can't really fly.

3) Friends come and go. You'll surely make new friends on top of the friends u have right now. Like I said, I have confidence u'll make a name for urself wherever u go.

4) Seems to me that you're just holding on to your past and to a comfortable present. Sometimes, life is about taking risks for the chance of something better. Hope u have the courage to take that leap.

Love your Malaysia Kenny...

Do part time there cannot ah? We still need u here..
U'll become our PM one day...maybe...:)

Normally, people would just jump at the offer the minute they get it.

Your haveing doubts and second thoughts about it... doesn't it signify something?

Personally, I think it sounds great, living and working overseas, BUT...

After reading your pros and cons, it sounds like, "if I go to Perth I'll have more money and a better career, if I stay in Kuching I'll have a better lifestyle (can travel, have friends, etc.)

So stay.

But that's just what I think.

Screw the blog. Your life is what matters more. I mean, don't put the blog so high on your list of priorities.

PS: Sorry if I misinterpreted anything. I speed-read.

i may not have went through as much as you but. screw what these people say. its your life, you decide. whatever makes you happy. it may sound selfish but it'll revolve around your environment.

as for the concern of losing popularity in blogging. ya i read your blogs in between classes and what not but just bc you moved elsewhere it won't change my habit of clicking kennysia.com. like you said you started this as a fun thing for yourself..keep it that way. you just got a bigger reader thats all.

wishing you all the best in life there man and love your blog too.

I was born in Malaysia and moved to Melbourne with my family.

My vote goes for the move to Perth.

Why? Best of both worlds - Western and Asian!And your life is bigger than your blog.
Plus there are loads of Asians in Perth and most of Australia's capital cities so
you can always find decent Asian food.
Besides, your blog can only get more popular. I'm living in France at the moment and I still read your blog!

super means supper huh?
I'll take it on accord of the supper. :p I'm starving now lah..

You know, there are too many eager people who wanna stay in Perth but they are just not allowed to. Reason? It's wayyyyy too hard to get PR nowadays.

And, before you left Perth, your blog didn't exist and there were not many people knew who Kenny Sia was. But with your blog, we (a bunch of Malaysian students in Perth) know who you are and we can be friends (if you want hehe). You still can write your blog with interesting entries like funny things in Perth. Also, with your bursting talent & creativity, I am sure you can write about anything and make them as attractive as well. This will feed our "hungry" Malaysians who haven't been to Perth with all exciting people and things in Oz.

Also, with your salary, I really don't think travelling would be a burden to you. E.g. flight tix frm KL-Perth is RM 1300++; while frm Perth-KL is AUD$800. I think is considerably much cheaper in dollar-to-dollar form, don't ya agree? So, quickly pack your bag and come back to enjoy the wonderful life here!!!

more votes for perth
and less confidence with malaysia's future.

I wud say, (once again)
money's not the determinant of ones life eh.
Eventho its important, and ESSENTIAL
but its not everything..

u have to balance it w others.
In a way, we r so called 'marginalised' in malaysia
but are we not when we r overseas?

urm~ jus some random tot~
Good Luck Kenny..

After all the discussion on pros and cons and your current life circumstances, I think at the end of the day, life is about the future. You sound like a visionary. Hold on to your vision and chase after it as hard as you can. When you do so, all other peripheral things in life will fall into place- whether fame, family, friends or kolo mee (btw, I'm a Mirian now living in Perth and after all these years the only thing I really miss is kolo mee I must admit). I think there's an inner part of us that is motivated by a hope of a preferred future- which is why we're always dissatisfied with the present. So, for the zillionth time, follow your heart- for your heart knows and longs for the future.

Your CONS are only about your fear. Fear= STUNTED GROWTH. if I can read your blog in Chicago, USA, you'll get readers & ads in Perth. Your success is because of your personality, which is wonderful btw ;-)
Sounds like your heart wants Perth. Go with it.
-kimberly

Kenny, listen to your heart and forget wat others say.. you know the answer yourself!
wat i hope to say to you is no where is perfect,
think about wat kind of person u wanna be and wat society can mold u into that person...and go for it,free to adjust when need to.

and pray
sincerely from Jerry

i know the feeling of dilemma .. i have it too ... i need to decide wher to study next year.. either aus or nz ... well, THINK carefully.. ask ur siblings for the opinion..

go perth! i should be going perth next year.. ;)

Dear Kenny,

Perth may be too isolated and airfares are too expensive BUT the pay there is more than double of what you get right now and 1 AUD = 2.77 MYR. With the extra amount you get to earn, you can easily save for the air tickets.

You might have to give up the management position you have at the moment BUT you will be paid more than what a person in a management position is getting. The people there are more friendly too.There is also zero stress, no deadlines in your work. And you don't even have to work on Saturdays.Your job will be more relevant to what you did at University. You can fully realise your potential and not be bound down by conservative rules.

In Malaysia, you might be somebody. In Perth, you are a nobody.You may not have much friends to go out with in Perth. But remember? When you just came back from Perth you also started out as a nobody. Your social circle wasn't as big then too. What you had done i believe you can do it again.

You may not do advertorials on my blog anymore because no way would any company send their products to Australia? Start attracting Austrlian companys ;)

This blog many not even be as interesting because it will slowly lose its Malaysian flavour and popularity over time. I believe its your style that readers like me have been religiously following up on your latest post. Its your righteousness and not bending to the authourites, your creativity, your guts and not forgetting those big coconuts =X The blog might or might not loose its Malaysian flavour. If it did, i did love to find out a more Australian side of kennysia.com. If it didnt, then why worry?Moreover,if you are unhappy with certain politicians or government policies, you can criticise them all you want without being abused.

Kolo Mee in Perth costs RM20 a bowl and tastes like dog poo drenched in shit oil but it's easier to stay healthy in Australia because the weather there is more conducive to exercise in and healthy food are more readily available. You get many other delicacies too.

Moreover i think auzzies can always call you kenny? And you are going to be considered as FIT there!

Most of the above will seem very very familiar to you. Because i am just quoting you! Subconciously haven't you already made a decision? I believe the greatest force holding you back is your family. You wish them to be happy i think. But i know definitely they would want you to feel the same way. They will be happy just seeing you happy.

It's a hard decision to make but i hope you will not regret years later. Whatever your decision may be, as your loyal reader i will support you.
GOOD LUCK! =))

Hi Kenny, always read your blog but not commented on it.. (silent reader...).

I've left KL and everyone else to be in a new city/country and try out something new... also cuz of the opportunities that are open to me here... No regrets...

Don't lose your OZ PR, it's not easy to get it and many people are tyring so hard to get it.

I feel in OZ, you can achieve your dreams faster.. then at least you can come back to Malaysia for the holidays, especially if there's more moolah... Go... get your family to support you and go... don't lose this wonderful opportunity...

Kuching will wait for you when you're ready to come back... Good luck!!

Kenny
I have been comparing my life here in Papua New Guinea with my friends in KL since I came here 3 years ago. U know what? Its all the same..the pros and cons...the usual cliche like u win some, u lose some, sacrifices u made for the betterment of yaself/ourselves or for anybody BUT the most important thing u really need to have wherever u are, its FRIENDS. I have been around following the career path that I wanted all my life (Penang, Langkawi, KL,Kota Bahru, Segamat, Kelang, and now PNG)and I am not too sure if u know anything about PNG but if u think u heard something bad about it, its probably true. So what makes life tolerable here or anywhere? FRIENDS. Friends,I can make anywhere and I am always thankful that I have the opportunity and 'luck' to meet and make good lifelong friends wherever I go...
So, what am i trying to say? If you have the dream and ability, go for it. If not, stop kidding yourself and stay at home be a jaguh kampung. But no regrets. NEVER.

I think a better choice will be accepting an offer in Singapore, where you can easily get double your pay and tax less than Malaysia beside the place is almost free from crime. Cost of living is even cheaper than KL. A place where the government welcome talent such as yours. You can be back to Kuching every weekend and beside that you can continue to blog. Another alternative is to work in UK just like me but I think still Singapore is better for you.

What made you think you are somebody? Stop chest thumping or blow your own trumpet. You merely want some of your naive readers to envy you only.

Just a passive reader but I'm sure you'll read all the comments so here goes mine:

- Just go! Like one reader said, fortune favours the bold and not many people have the chance like you have. So many have stated the reason why you should leave and I think I don't need to repeat it. It is best for you to leave a country where the rules and economic policies are favoured towards the bumiputeras.

To be honest I've been planing to leave for Australia myself with my family. ^_^

Hey Kenny,

Hope u make the right decision.

BUT dont give up ur OZ PR. Ur so lucky to get it and many others now are trying so hard to get 1 =)

IMHO, go back(to perth) kenny. Rachel pretty much sums up what i wanted to say. I left sydney and even gave up the chance to apply for australian PR for my parents which I kindah regret now.

Ever heard of the song 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra?
Just do it.

Kuching is HOME. Perth is NOT. Well, Perth CAN BE home but Kuching IS home.

Kenny, I have had this Kuching v Perth dilemma - and I have made my decision. Good luck in making yours.