I am off to Kuala Lumpur this week to promote the services of my new venture Exponasia Growth Partners. It's been 19 years since I first set foot in KL, where I initially lived for a year. After a few years away, I began returning regularly, each visit providing a new perspective on the city’s evolution.

Back then, the Western expat community was predominantly composed of professionals in the Oil & Gas industry; a large number of companies in the Oil & Gas had an office in the Petronas Towers, and I used to say KL is the only place I know you travel to meetings by taking the elevator. Also in those days, if you were sociable enough, you could know almost every Western expat in town. I remember the camaraderie in the community and the friendly sarcasm by our colleagues in Singapore: "Not good enough for Singapore? Try KL."

Over the past 19 years, I have observed KL changing in various ways, not always for the better. However, one undeniable positive change has been the significant increase in the breadth of businesses and talents. Today, KL boasts a diverse and vibrant business community, where you can meet people in the service industry, tech startup founders, investors, venture capitalists and the like.

Throughout these 19 years, one thing has never changed for me: there is no such thing as a bad day to travel to KL. I recognize the city's shortcomings and hear the criticisms from detractors. However, KL provides a representation of life at its fullest, with all the good and bad that come with it, so that if you love the multi-faceted aspects of life, you cant refrain from loving KL.

As I prepare to invest over the next weeks and months more time in KL, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and excitement. I look forward to spending more time with old friends and making new connections. Ultimately, I look forward to being part of the vibrant business landscape that has become synonymous with Kuala Lumpur.