He later studied at King's College in the UK where he met with future Malaysian political leaders, including Tun Abdul Razak.
He controversially settled in Kuala Lumpur at the height of Indonesia's "Konfrontasi" with Malaysia where he engaged, using a pseudonym, in a broadcast to lambaste Sukarno.
Alwi played a role in easing political tensions between Indonesia and Malaysia in the 1960s by approaching then Malaysian prime minister Tun Abdul Razak.
Des managed a hotel and resort in Banda Naira, with a guest list featuring Princess Diana, rock star Mick Jagger and Sarah Ferguson.
He co-authored a book "Turbulent Times Past in Ternate and Tidore" together with Willard A Hanna on the history of Maluku and Banda Naira.