#PeopleofSIS - Meet Mr Keddy!

For this series of #PeopleofSIS, we get up close and personal with Mr Jared Keddy, who has been teaching at Sunway International School since 2014.

• What brought you to Malaysia?
  I first came to Malaysia (from Canada) to pursue a one-year teaching opportunity at Sunway International School in Kuala Lumpur. Aside from professional endeavours, I had also been convinced by a dear friend of mine that I had to come for the lifestyle; according to her it had the jaw-dropping beaches of Thailand and mouth-watering foods of China, India, and Indonesia combined.  After my first glance at the gorgeous sunsets of Perhentian islands (and my first Penang Laksa) I knew she was right. It’s been 8 years now and haven’t looked back since.  
   
• What do you like and dislike about living here?
  Malaysia is a truly charming country. The greetings I get from my local mamak servers, at the petrol station, and smiles from my students every day I walk into class remind me of that. Aside from the Malaysian people, the endless search for the best laksa, roti canai, and tom yum fried rice is more than enough to make this Canadian happy. 
   
• Name three typical weekend activities that you enjoy. 
  Malaysia, especially KL and Penang, has some of the best spots in Asia for street photography. Since moving here, I have become involved in the Malaysian film photography community and I try to get out into the alleys of KL with my Minolta SRT 200 at least once a month. The bustling city, the stunning street art, and the way the radiant Malaysian sunlight hits the street of the city makes it hard to sit at home! When I’m not out looking for the perfect shot, you can find me at Jalan Alor (Beh Brothers is the best!) taking in the through traffic, or escaping the city by hiking KL’s various hiking trails.
   
• What is your favourite holiday destination in Malaysia or in the region? Why? 
  Penang - it has it all. It’s a food and coffee haven (tip: if you want to see a heated argument take place simply ask two locals which Penang restaurant serves the best Tandoori Chicken - Kapitan has my bet!); it has endless small alleyways to wander and inevitably get lost in; and has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife. Any evening that begins at Red Garden’s karaoke and ends at the China House with live music is a perfect 10/10 for me.
   
• Describe a memorable eating experience you have had here.
  When I first arrived in KL some friends and I took a trip to Batu Caves. Climbing that massive staircase works up a healthy appetite, so we decided to explore a local Indian restaurant near the foot of the cave. The place had no menu. Instead, without asking us, the waiter brought to our table what looked like long leaves of a palm tree (now I know they were banana leaves) and heaped rice, curry, pickles, and papadams onto the leaf in enormously generous portions. It was to be my first and best banana leaf experience - truly magical. I’ve been making monthly trips to Bangsar for Nirvana ever since.
   
• What do you miss most about your home country?
  Call me crazy, but I miss the Canadian weather most of all. Not that I don’t enjoy the eternal summers of Malaysia, too. But I particularly miss the Canadian spring and the fall (not so much the winter), when you have the opportunity to throw on a pair of jeans, a plaid, and even a cardigan! 

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