Savour BlackBookAsia Magazine’s 2021 exclusive with 24 year old Keith Lim, Malaysia’s National Swimmer. He studied Finance & investment at UCSI University. In a family with 3 other siblings, he started swimming since he was 7 years old because his mom wanted him to follow his sister to training. At first, he hated it but as he got better, he started to like swimming more and more until it became an everyday affair. Keith started competing at the age of 8. Fast forward till now, his swimming career had given him many opportunities to travel overseas for competition and also compete in big meets such as the Commonwealth, World University, SEA and Asian games.
1. What is your dream destination and why?
My dream destination is Tasmania. It is known for the wilderness at Cradle Mountain. It is one of Tasmania’s greatest natural icons that reflected in mirror-clear Dove Lake.
Tasmania offers feast on the best local produce such as beer, superb wines and delicious seafood, and there is a three-day celebration of the Tasmanian summer, this Launceston festival features local wines and beers, cider and food, all accompanied by live music, street performers and comic acts. It makes me feel like visiting this beautiful place.
2. Three things that you could never travel without?
I could never travel without my headphones as music helps me to relax my mind no matter where I am. Secondly, would be my neck pillow so my neck doesn’t get sore from sleeping on the plane and of course, my smartphone so I can communicate with my family & friends & take pictures of the places I travel to.
3. Which destination surpassed your expectations and surprised you the most?
I went to Napoli last year for the World University Games & it definitely surpassed my expectations because it was my first time living in a cruise ship also everything inside was amazing.
4. Where and what was your most memorable meal you have ever had while travelling?
Napoli was the most memorable place I’ve visited so far. The seafood on the cruise ship were amazingly fresh and we also had a chance to go out on the last day to go try one of their famous classic homemade pizzas.
5. Where are you looking to travel to next?
I was suppose to travel to Taiwan later this year but due to this pandemic, who knows? I would really like to travel to Maldives one day though! I like the ocean & I would really like to experience swimming with the manta rays, baby sharks or whales for once.
6. What projects are you currently working on?
For now I am currently focusing on my studies in university as I’m planning to get my degree by next year. I wouldn’t want anymore deferments.
7. Do you have any tips or advice for budding athletes?
I always believe that one should balance everything in their life such as school, sports and family. Keep working hard towards your goals and be grateful to those that supported you all the way.