“Some places aren’t just locations—they’re a part of who you are. Kuala Lumpur isn’t just a city I lived in, it’s where I grew, laughed, and found a family in the people I met along the way.”
Kuala Lumpur will always feel like home. It’s the city where I spent most of my younger days, and it’s filled with memories that shaped who I am today. My first visit was back in 2010. I was still in a relationship then, and life had its ups and downs—marriage, divorce, and eventually returning to KL. In total, I lived here for 8 years, and those were some of the most important years of my life.
I began my career as a Software QA at Accenture Malaysia, working on a Telekom Malaysia project. It was here that I met so many wonderful people who became not just colleagues, but friends—and in a way, a second family. This is where I grew, not just in my QA skills, but also in communication and leadership. It was a time of both professional and personal growth, and I’ll always cherish it.
The late nights working on deployments were something else. There was pressure, yes, but it also came with a lot of fun and camaraderie. We’d stay up late into the night, huddled around our desks, fueled by endless snacks—who can forget the late-night snacks! Those deployment nights were stressful, but at the same time, they brought us closer. We’d laugh, complain, push through the pressure together, and somehow still manage to have a great time. Whether it was the satisfaction of a successful deployment or the random food runs, those nights were unforgettable.
Then there were the gatherings, where we’d step away from the work pressure and just enjoy each other’s company. Whether it was a simple meal or a bigger get-together, every moment felt amazing. I look back on those times fondly because it wasn’t just about the work—it was about the bonds we formed, the inside jokes, and the shared experiences that turned colleagues into lifelong friends.
One of those friends is Alfonz, who also worked with me at Accenture. He’s been a great friend over the years, and one of the best things about him is how open he is to meeting my other circle of friends. Whether it’s people from Exact, Pactera, or anywhere else, Alfonz is always ready to join in, which has helped make every meet-up even more fun and connected.
Even after moving away, I make it a point to visit KL whenever I can. In fact, as I write this, I’m back in Kuala Lumpur! Each time I come back, it’s like being welcomed home. The city feels familiar, and the people here always make me feel like I belong. I’ve worked at three different companies while living in KL, and with each job, my circle of friends grew. I love bringing together friends from different stages of my life—whether from Accenture, Exact, or Pactera—and creating new friendships along the way.
The IT world is a small one. It’s funny how paths cross. For example, my friend Christie from Exact is now a colleague with Shahril, who I worked with during my Accenture days.
Then there’s Ilyana from Accenture, who connected with Nafishah, a colleague (which become a friend now) I met during my time at Pactera – and ofcourse Alfonz is there with us. 🙂
It’s always fun to bring people together, even if it’s just for a short visit. My trips to KL are always packed with meet-ups and gatherings. Even though time is limited, I try to squeeze in as many catch-ups as possible, because the bonds I’ve made here are too important to let fade.
Kuala Lumpur may not be where I live anymore, but it will always be where my heart feels at home.
Cheers, – elsyaFhani
ELSYA goullet 
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