Lim Kai Xian’s journey from Johor to Lille, France is one of intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and community service. Currently pursuing a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) at the European School of Political Social Sciences (ESPOL), Kai Xian’s academic path reflects a desire to explore the world and contribute meaningfully for the future of Malaysia.
Kai Xian has always been drawn to studying abroad. “Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of exploring the world, experiencing new cultures, and even culture shock, as I believe it is all part of personal growth”, she shared.
After successfully securing a scholarship under the Japan, Korea, France and Germany Special Programme by the Public Service Department (JPA), she set out to study in France—a country known for its rich intellectual history and commitment to global political discourse.
Kai Xian’s decision to enrol at ESPOL for its PPE programme was motivated by a desire to understand the complexities of the world.
“Philosophy challenges established ideas and encourages rethinking, politics touches on every aspect of society, and economics provides the framework to understand decision-making processes”, she explained. ESPOL’s focus on contemporary global issues aligned perfectly with her vision of addressing social challenges through academic and professional pursuits.
Gaining Insight and Experience on a Global Stage
Although it is still early in her academic journey, Kai Xian is already exploring various career paths, with interests ranging from diplomacy to international relations and even academia. While she remains open to boundless possibilities, Kai Xian is committed to contributing something meaningful to society. “The more I learn, the more I realise how vast the world of knowledge is”, she remarked.
In addition to her studies, Kai Xian has gained practical experience through volunteering at international conferences. She served as a student volunteer at the 17th EISA Pan-European Conference on International Relations, where she provided logistical support, guided delegates and gained invaluable insights into how academic research is conducted.
“It was an eye-opening experience, especially being able to participate in discussions on peacebuilding and foreign policy with scholars”, Kai Xian said.
Kai Xian’s interest in diplomacy deepened during her internship at the Embassy of Malaysia in Paris where from May to June 2024, she had the opportunity to work across various departments, including defence, trade and investment, and participated in site visits and industry roundtables.
“I was able to observe diplomatic discussions firsthand and refine my understanding of geopolitical dynamics”, Kai Xian said, noting the insights gained from her involvement in sustainable development and trade negotiations.
Connecting Malaysians to Home with Extracurricular Pursuits
Beyond her academic pursuits, Kai Xian has taken on leadership roles that allow her to give back to the Malaysian community in France.
She currently holds the role of Communication Bureau Director for the Malaysian Students’ Association in France (MASAF), which has been instrumental in helping her stay connected to Malaysia. Her responsibilities include managing social media channels, promoting cultural events and fostering a sense of community. “Our goal is to keep Malaysian students informed and engaged, despite being far from home”, Kai Xian explained.
One of Kai Xian’s key initiatives in this role was organising MASAF’s annual general meeting, where new committee members were elected, and the association’s vision for the upcoming year was presented. She has also been involved in planning workshops to help fellow students develop social media and communication skills—an area she is passionate about.
Like MASAF, MyHeart keeps Malaysians abroad connected and informed through various initiatives aimed at building a global Malaysian community. Under its Young Global Leader (YGL) programme, MyHeart collaborates with MASAF to support their student events, helping to strengthen the ties among Malaysians worldwide. In April this year, YGL partnered with MASAF and the Malaysian German Students Society (MGSS) to host a virtual career fair, connecting over 165 Malaysian students in France and Germany with employers in Malaysia, France, Germany, Switzerland and other countries in Europe.
Reflections on Home from Abroad
Living abroad has been a transformative experience for Kai Xian, shaping both her personal and professional perspectives.
She admitted that homesickness is one of the challenges of living far from family, but it has also given her a deeper appreciation for Malaysia’s warmth and sense of community. “Northern France can be gloomy and rainy, which makes me appreciate the sunshine and the people back home even more”, Kai Xian said with a smile.
Her time abroad has also broadened her understanding of global issues and Malaysia’s position in the world. “Studying PPE taught me that while policies that work in one context may not always be directly transferable, the methods of analysis and critical thinking can be adapted to address Malaysia’s challenges”, Kai Xian reflected.
Looking ahead, Kai Xian envisions contributing to Malaysia’s development in areas such as governance, policy analysis and regional cooperation. She is particularly interested in sustainable development and promoting open dialogue between sectors of society. “I hope to bridge the gaps between Malaysia and other countries, leveraging what I’ve learned about global political systems and economics”, she said.
Building a Global Network with MyHeart
Kai Xian first learned about MyHeart through MASAF’s career fair. Now a registered member, she’s excited about the possibilities MyHeart offers for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“I see myself engaging in discussions on international relations and helping to spread awareness about MyHeart within the Malaysian student community in France”, Kai Xian said.
As she continues her studies and embarks on new professional ventures, Kai Xian remains grounded in her Malaysian roots while looking to the future with optimism. Her journey serves as a reminder of the importance of curiosity, community and the desire to make a difference, both locally and globally.
Are you a Malaysian abroad hoping to share your expertise or gain new insights in your field? Sign up on MyHeart to connect with fellow Malaysians and expand your professional network.
