Trained nurse gives up medicine for painting and art therapy career

Bayoud doing what she loves best – drawing.

She was born in Newcastle, England, then trained as a nurse in London, and worked in Melbourne, Australia, for a large part of her life.

But Melanie Bayoud, an artist and designer who now lives in Malaysia, could probably tell you where to find the tastiest cendol and ondeh-ondeh, or the best foot massage in town, as well as any local.