noosarabbit

Hi folks,

I am moving to KL in a fortnight now the ink is dry on my contract.

From reading some of the posts on here and other sites, I get the impression that "Expat Mingles" are to be avoided especially for the over 35s? Is this a blanket thing or just a question of being selective?

I quite agree with some of the comments re hawker food etc and certainly met some nice people on my last "inspection" visit.

Thanks

ajw

Hi Noosarabbit, welcome aboard.

I remember the thread which mentioned Mingles and I think it is completely up to you and how you approach these things.

If you are a single person coming over by yourself and want to meet some new people its probably a good way to kick things off.

As I have never personally been to a mingle I really cannot judge but I know that some people enjoy them.

You might as well give it a try at least once!

Cheers
ajw

Bocat

Hi noosarabbit

I don't really know what these Expat Mingles are. Not sure if they're aimed at younger people or as a sort of dating thing?

However, I can honestly say that www.meetup.com saved my life when I moved to Singapore! There are so many different groups on Meetup (including one that I eventually set up with a friend which - if I say so myself! - has been very successful and lots of friendships have been made through it). The one I set up was aimed at ladies in Singapore - locals and expats - I don't like excluding people - just to get out and meet people.

The one I joined when I arrived was aimed at Mums with toddlers.

But Meetup has loads of different types of groups - sports, hobbies etc etc.

So for me personally I think Meetup's a fantastic idea. You may not click with everyone you meet - and probably not on your first meetup - but keep going along.

The alternative for me was being stuck at home with two young kids all day waiting for someone to knock on my door - which wasn't going to happen!

It might be different for you as you'll meet people through work - but it can be nice to socialise outside of work too.

Have fun in KL!

noosarabbit

Thank you - I have subscribed already to the KL MeetUp Hiking/Climbing group and am really looking forward to enjoying some of the fascinating natural wonders of Malaysia and probably that is where more "like-minded" friends will come from.

It was more just a question of trying to get a flavour of the "do's and don'ts" as a newbie although I expect most of it is pure commonsense.

Anyway, thanks again.

bakedbean

I think this is one of Andy Davison's many ventures in KL. I've seen pics in his expat magazine and they look pretty horrendous to me and you bloody well have to pay to attend as well. But it's horses for courses eh.

That Meetup site sounds like a good idea. I know in Penang there's a group called Synergy that arranges lots of outings, meetups and the like. I've never been to any (so far) but a friend went and said it was good. Though, noted, you are interested in KL.

Seems to me, there's so many expats in KL on this forum now, why doesn't someone arrange a little meetup maybe at a foodcourt or a pub? If I were in KL, I'd do it.

RedDragon2008

Who is Andy Davison?

bakedbean

Well known 'entrepreneur'. Don't wish to elaborate as don't think it warrants a free plug on here. LetS say he is known

I think those looking for meetups should follow above advice frankly

noosarabbit

Hahaha BB - funnily one of the first things I had foisted upon me on my previous visit was Expat Mag - let's just say we seem to share the same opinion on Mr D.

Btw, am scheduled to go to Penang on 8th September for an Expo however I have no idea of format but maybe be nice to say "Hi"?

Agree with the MeetUp Bocat, have had a couple of messages and am really looking forward to participating in a few outings.

Overall, there seems to be quite a lot going on and it's just a question of immersing oneself to find out what suits and what doesn't - no change there then.

Keep well people

bakedbean

Hi Noosa, you're based in KL?

There's a MM2H makan meetup in mid September in Penang. Can't remember exact date but I'll post later. These are very informal meetups at foodcourts, no fees, no dress code... well t-shirts n shorts usually.

I've not actually met Mr D but several friends have. These things just not my cuppa tea.... but.... each to their own, whatever rocks your boat eh. And I'm retired. This guy has to work so good luck to him. Work is a 4 letter word

bakedbean

Noosa, there's a MM2H Makan night on September 18th at Northam Beach Cafe 7pm if you are interested. It's mainly MM2Hers or wannabe MM2Hers but come along if you like.

TheGreyGuy

Hello Bakedbean! Is Northam Beach Cafe, Jalan Sultan Ahmed Shah, still the best place to bump into MM2H'ers? I'm in Georgetown a few days now, and would like to meet someone who has maybe a few experiences to share?

Atilla

The Expat 'Mingles' are nothing more than social gatherings aimed at expats living in Malaysia with a focus, at the moment, on KL and Penang, with KL having them at a ratio of about 2 or 3 to 1 compared to Penang. They are not 'dating' circles or anything like that, merely gatherings of expats, often with some locals as well, some of whom will be on MM2H visas, others, working professionals and / or people with businesses.

I've been to two as a result of being asked to meet a couple of people who were going to them and they were OK. As with any social gathering it will depend on who is at each event, some could be great, others less so.

The Mingles are paid events BUT that payment covers free-flow wine / beer etc and what are often quite good buffets. You will end up paying for drinks / food wherever you go.

Personally I've not found a need to attend social gatherings like this as I prefer to forge ahead with local contacts and establish circles of friends with whom I have more than a visa in common. But, as a quick-hit in terms of meeting people already in Malaysia, especially if you are looking for an expat circle, the Mingles (and such like) are certainly no worse than any others I've been to, in fact I'd say the attendees tend to be more numerous with a greater age spread than some other groups.

It depends what you're looking for, not going to hurt to give Mingles or any other gathering a go, and I'd certainly not be put off them by comments from folks who've not attended one.

bakedbean

For anyone that's interested, there's another MM2H Makan Meetup planned for Tuesday May 21st 2013 at 7pm at Viva Foodcourt, Tanjung Tokong in Penang. These "events" have been going for 2 years now, with increasing numbers of folks - MM2Hers, other expats, locals - all are welcome. Arranged by the very informative MM2H Malaysia My Second Home site. All very informal. No attendance fee. Just turn up and you pay for whatever food and drink you order. See you there

julian1968

Ha ha, I want to know about Davies the 'entrepreneur' spill the beans 'bakedbean' :-)

Atilla

For those that have any difficulty finding details of Expat Mingles, they can be contacted via this link: http://www.theexpatgroup.com/events.php

Their next Penang 'Mingle' is at the Penaga Hotel on 22 May: http://mingle.expatgomalaysia.com/pe...nangnewsletter

Their next KL one is on 18 April: http://mingle.expatgomalaysia.com/mingle

The Expat Group also hosts a number of websites with some good information: http://www.theexpatgroup.com/websites.php

Commercial does not necessarily mean by default bad any more than non-commercial means by default good or better.