Colleen Augustin is a personal trainer, and an amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. She was a gold medalist at the 2019 MMA Asian Open Championships.

How long have you been vegan, and what made you decide to take up veganism?

I've been a vegan for about four years now. I went vegan because I didn't want to harm any animals, and it also helps reduce my carbon footprint in this world. To me, it was like killing two birds with one stone.

Does being vegan bring any challenges to your lifestyle or job? If yes, how do you overcome these challenges?

The only challenge I face as a vegan MMA fighter is my nutrition. Sometimes I do not get enough of certain macronutrients and micronutrients into my diet which can aid in recovery, as I need to eat more of certain foods in order for me to hit the right amount of protein I would need for my training. I would overcome this by supplementing but I always believe in trying to get all nutrients from natural foods.

What benefits do you think being vegan has brought to your life?

It has taught me to be more compassionate and more aware of living beings around me.

Where do u go for a good vegan meal here, and what do you usually order?

Hands down my favourite places are Sala and Ganga Café. If I were to go to Sala I would always get a make-your-own burrito bowl. If I'm at Ganga Café, I always change my order every time to try different things. The people there are always friendly.

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Vythilingam Pillay has been a medical general practitioner in Kuala Lumpur since 1980. He is a former president of the Asia Pacific Vegan Union.

How long have you been vegan, and what made you decide to take up veganism?

I adopted a vegetarian diet since 1983 after seeing raised cholesterol in my blood profile. Knowing that my father died of an acute heart attack at the age of 53, I felt that a change in the my lifestyle was the way to go. Subsequent years were challenging for me as my circle of friends, relatives and doctors were all non-vegetarians and I had difficult times going out with them. Despite being a vegetarian, my blood showed raised cholesterol as I was consuming milk and milk products, processed foods, snacks, and soft drinks daily. When I later turned vegan, it gave me better health.

Does being vegan bring any challenges to your lifestyle or job? If yes, how do overcome these challenges?

Yes, that was a challenge. I was not invited to many parties and wedding dinners in hotels as my friends found it difficult to cater for vegan food. Hindu temple weddings are an exception as only vegetarian food is served. I avoid foods containing ghee and milk products like yogurt. During working days, I normally buy back vegetarian food from non-vegetarian restaurants as vegetarian restaurants were difficult to find in the 1980s and 1990s. At times I packed my lunch from home. I was the only vegetarian at home and that was another challenge. 

Are there any particular health risks that come with being vegan?

Vegans must be aware of Vitamin B12, Folate, Vitamin D, omega 3, iodine, iron, zinc and calcium deficiencies. Adopting a well-planned vegan diet, however, will take care of all that.

Where do u go for a good vegan meal here, and what do you usually order?

Most Chinese and Indian vegetarian restaurants provide vegan options. Dedicated vegan restaurants can be expensive. I am not a fan of Western-type vegan meals. Plantbased (PB) Kitchen provides tasty well balanced healthy meals which can be ordered online.  You can also check out the GoVeggie Malaysia app and Happycow's website.

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Yin Yin Boey, also popularly known as Raw Chef Yin, is a raw vegan chef and culinary instructor. 

How long have you been vegan, and what made you decide to take up veganism?

I started transitioning from flexitarian to vegetarian to vegan in 2015. I think I was fully vegan in 2016.

In 2014, I had just bought an ice cream maker and was looking for healthy ice cream recipes when a raw vegan lasagna recipe caught my eye and I made that instead. I was amazed how good it tasted and what blew my mind was how energised I felt after that meal. I started doing more research on raw vegan food and found out about the health benefits. My health improved tremendously and my immune system was boosted. I had suffered from eczema for over 30 years but once I went raw vegan, it was cured.

Later on, I also learnt about the horrors of the meat and dairy industry. Plus the effect it has on the climate emergency, it totally made sense to be vegan.

What benefits do you think being vegan has brought to your life?

I used to catch cough and colds really easily but I hardly fall sick anymore. Also, no more eczema problems. Raw vegan food gives you so much energy and vibrancy in life.

Where do u go for a good vegan meal here, and what do you usually order?

For something healthy but yummy, I love the food at Chef Dave’s PB Kitchen. He gets the Malaysian flavours spot on. The Nyonya Laksa and Nasi Kerabu are my favourites. Sala is also a firm favourite. I love its Nasi Lemak and Shroom Asada burritos. The Hungry Tapir has great offerings as well. I especially like its Rainbow Ulam Fried Rice. I'm also a fan of the the Green Hulk Curry and Manhattan Curry from Savor Of Life.

What advice would you give someone who is considering to take up veganism?

Do your research. Learn how to make your own vegan food—it’s not difficult and can be fun. And join the vegan community for support.

See also: Chef Dave Puts A Vegan Spin On Popular Malaysian Dishes