Though I grew up in Conway, Arkansas, I call Houston, Texas home. My partner and I are on our third expat adventure, having also lived in Haarlem, Netherlands and Calgary, Canada. My background is in music education and marketing, but I've reinvented myself a few times, having moved internationally so often. An editor in the Netherlands and an NPO communications manager in Canada – I'm currently the Media Relations Director for a company headquartered in the US (and will be opening a branch office here in KL). I love to travel, people-watch, and be outdoors. When I'm not doing those (or working), I hang out with our 4lb chihuahua, who has about as many stamps in her passport as I do.

president.aam@gmail.com

A California native who has lived in Arizona, Ohio, Virginia, Washington D.C., and New York. I transitioned from NYC to KL in September 2017. In my previous life, I was a chemist working as a federal government employee who had a very unconventional career shift to sports media. I worked with ESPN and then Bleacher Report for 7+ years. Since coming to Malaysia, I have started up my own digital media consulting company, explored more of Southeast Asia, and engorged myself with way too much delicious food. You can spot me looking for the best char kuay teow or hidden nature gems in Malaysia.

firstvp.aam@gmail.com

Guru Jaswant Khalsa AKA Jaswant hails from New Mexico from a small town near Santa Fe. She loves mountains, reading, the movies, making new friends, traveling, and the beach. She is part time mom to a 12 year old son, part time finance officer, wife and entrepreneur. She has been in Malaysia about 17 years and counting! She also volunteers in the Sikh community, teaches yoga and bhangra dance. She joined the American Association to have fun and enjoy new friends who share the love of the US.

treasurer.aam@gmail.com

Born and raised in a small town 45 minutes east of Cleveland, Ohio, I always knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay put. Inspired by my Aunty Godmother, who was always in a different country, I moved to Edinburgh, Scotland for a 6-month work program after graduating from Ohio University. I later moved there permanently in 2001 and lived there until moving to KL in 2019. I married my Irishman husband in Mexico, and we have 2 kids, ages 13 and 11, who are unsure if they are American, Irish, or Scottish. A certainty is that we are all deeply committed Cleveland Indians (Guardians) baseball fans. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom in KL, I have rediscovered my love for reading and taught myself crochet. If you ever see me, please remind me to finish the blanket for my mom’s Christmas present!

secretary2.aam@gmail.com

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, my journey has taken me across Arizona, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia and eventually to Seoul, South Korea, in 2009. There, I taught English Communications for three and a half years. In 2012, I returned to the U.S. and earned a Master’s in Intercultural Communications. Then, I founded Expat Women of Color, a boutique consultancy for expats.

After nine years in the U.S., I moved to Merida, Mexico, where I launched my podcast, Life’s A Vacay. This platform reflects my passion for blending work and play into a fulfilling lifestyle. A year-long global search for the perfect home brought me to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a city that captivated me during my travels in Asia. I am excited to embrace life in Malaysia with my almost five-year-old son, documenting our adventures on my YouTube channel. Living on my terms, I look forward to connecting with the vibrant community here.

eventsdirector.aam@gmail.com

I was born and raised in Owasso, Oklahoma. I lived in Clovis, New Mexico, for about 3 years. After moving back to Oklahoma, I met my Malaysian husband while he was attending the University of Tulsa. We were married in 2017, and I have lived here ever since. Malaysia is full of diversity and allows me the opportunity to learn about other cultures from around the world. Being a member of the AAM keeps me feeling connected to my fellow Americans abroad and is a big support when looking for a Superbowl watch party or answering questions about life in Malaysia. I previously held the Membership Director position in 2018 and look forward to serving the association again.

membershipdirector.aam@gmail.com

I’m originally from Mauritius Island and married to a US citizen from Richmond, Virginia. We are currently living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where we’ve lived since 2018. I have a Bachelor’s of Law and in Arts from Paris. I also had the opportunity to work in the Marketing and events field. Joining the AAM is so rewarding and keeps me connected to the American culture.

digitalmedia.aam@gmail.com

We are currently looking to fill the position of Sponsorship Director. Do you like meeting new people and negotiating deals? If you like to build partner relations and help guide sponsorship marketing strategies for events and programs, scroll down to request more information and apply. You do not need to be a US citizen to hold this role.

Seeking a dynamic Operations Director to oversee daily operations, ensuring efficient and effective management of resources, programs, and volunteers. Do you enjoy fostering a collaborative team environment? Join us to make a meaningful impact in our community! You do not need to be a US citizen to hold this role.