Part of building a vibrant and supportive community here on MyHeart includes sharing captivating stories of Malaysians around the world. Our traditions continue to bring Malaysians together wherever they are. From students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers to stay-at-home husband or wife, there's a story for everyone!
If you’re a Malaysian abroad who is keen on sharing your personal story, drop us a message and we’ll be in touch. Story submissions from overseas Malaysian associations covering events organised are also welcome — our guidelines can be found here.
From Kelantan to Taipei: A Journey of Exploration and Contribution
Culture & Lifestyle
Zalya Abdul Rashid’s career in civil engineering has been as dynamic and structured as the...
October 16, 2024
From Kelantan to Taipei: A Journey of Exploration and Contribution
Culture & Lifestyle
Zalya Abdul Rashid’s career in civil engineering has been as dynamic and structured as the infrastructures she helps create. Born in Kelantan, Malaysia, Zalya’s academic journey in civil engineering began at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), driving her into a world of complex projects and international opportunities. “I started as a project engineer in a Chinese company in Malaysia, handling significant projects like the Genting Highlands and Rapid Pengerang under Petronas,” she recalls.
The Leap Overseas
Her career first took her overseas to Brunei, enhancing local development as a project engineer from 2011 to 2014. Upon her return to Malaysia, she was promoted to senior project engineer and began focusing on project management, taking on increased responsibilities. However, her shift to transportation infrastructure marked a pivotal turn in her career.
Recognising the need to diversify her skills, Zalya explains, “That led me to transition from building and services to focusing on transportation, managing projects like Kuala Lumpur’s LRT and MRT.” In her pursuit to advance her career, she eagerly accepted the challenge of becoming the planning manager for a new line of the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project in Taiwan. She has been in this role for over a year, and the project is expected to continue for a decade.
“It was both an opportunity and a challenge, stepping into such a pivotal role in an unfamiliar environment,” she says. Motivated by financial reasons and wanting to diversify her career, Zalya was excited about the move.
Having recently completed her master's degree in project management and currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sustainability Management online, Zalya is not just advancing her career but also her academic pursuits. “I came here alone, and while I faced challenges such as language, I am gradually adapting,” she shares, adding that there was a mix of excitement and apprehension at the beginning of her Taiwanese adventure in November of 2022.
Life Beyond Work
Life in Taipei offers a work-life balance that Zalya finds refreshing. “After six, I'm free to enjoy my time. On weekends, I enjoy hiking, jogging, cooking with fellow Malaysians, and exploring Taiwan's lush landscapes together,” she says, highlighting the camaraderie and support among the Malaysian community in Taiwan.
Despite the challenges of finding halal food, the availability of vegetarian options makes it easier, reflecting the country’s significant Buddhist population. Her adaptation to the new environment includes tackling the language barrier.
“Although I took language classes in Malaysia, adapting to Taiwan's traditional Chinese characters remains challenging, and I often use a translator during client meetings. It's challenging, but I’m still learning,” she explains.
Cultural Adaptation
While Taiwan may look modern and technologically advanced, Zalya found some aspects surprisingly traditional, particularly in banking and documentation. “Even for a simple bank application or loan, the amount of paperwork required is quite surprising compared to Malaysia’s more cashless system,” she notes.
Zalya encountered challenges such as language and cultural disparities but found solace and joy in the bonds she established. In the future, she is excited about joining a language exchange café, where she can learn and socialise simultaneously. “I found a cafe that offers language learning sessions where you can learn languages like French or Chinese while enjoying coffee,” she shares.
She believes the initiative will help her improve her language skills and facilitate cultural exchanges in a relaxed, informal setting. “It's a brilliant way to immerse myself in the local culture and meet new people,” Zalya adds.
Nurturing Connections Back Home
Though she is oceans apart, Zalya maintains a strong connection to Malaysia by frequently making trips back to the country she calls home. This allows her to manage her PhD studies and stay close to her family and friends. “Every three months, I go back to Malaysia. It doesn't even feel like I'm working abroad because I'm there so often,” she laughs.
Each trip back to Malaysia is eagerly anticipated, not just for academic purposes but also for the precious moments she spends with her family and reconnecting with friends. “The gathering with family is the most important thing I look forward to. Also, I catch up with friends I didn’t keep in touch with while in Malaysia,” Zalya shares. She also takes this time to enjoy local cuisine, especially dishes from her hometown in Kelantan, like nasi kerabu, which she misses dearly while abroad.
Embracing the MyHeart Initiative
When asked about MyHeart, she explains how the initiative is vital in helping people like herself maintain close relationships with Malaysia while overseas. She discovered the initiative through a podcast and recognised its potential to help Malaysian expatriates stay connected.
“The effort will take time, but I believe it is something Malaysians abroad can benefit from,” she says, adding that more awareness and participation among Malaysians abroad are needed.
Zalya is determined to utilise the skills and ideas she gained in Taiwan to benefit Malaysia, particularly in public transportation. “With the knowledge and experience gained in my host country, I am confident in my ability to contribute further to Malaysia,” she concludes.
Like many Malaysians abroad, Zalya tries to stay connected to home as much as she can via MyHeart. If you haven’t already, sign up to MyHeart to find fellow Malaysians in your area and get connected.
Ho Jiak : Spreading Malaysian Culinary Heritage throughout Sydney
Culture & Lifestyle
“I’m Junda Khoo, the co-founder and executive chef of Ho Jiak,” begins Junda as he...
October 7, 2024
Ho Jiak : Spreading Malaysian Culinary Heritage throughout Sydney
Culture & Lifestyle
“I’m Junda Khoo, the co-founder and executive chef of Ho Jiak,” begins Junda as he recounts his journey from a young boy in Kuala Lumpur to a culinary innovator in Sydney. Born into a family from Penang, Malaysia, Junda's upbringing was immersed in the vibrant food culture of his home state. However, his move to Sydney at 16 unexpectedly shaped his future. After high school, he pursued further education in finance and IT and briefly worked in banking, but his love for food remained. So, he boldly decided to quit his job and dive into the food industry, starting with a cafe that sold coffee and bread. “I always knew that food was my passion,” he reflects.
This kickstarted his journey in the culinary world, leading him to bring the Papa Roti franchise from Malaysia to Australia. “My passion grew bigger and bigger,” he admits. “I was very homesick, and there wasn’t much Malaysian food you could eat here,” he adds. This longing for a taste of home drove him to establish Ho Jiak, which means “delicious” in Hokkien.
The Multifaceted World of Ho Jiak
There are four Ho Jiak restaurants in Sydney, each offering a unique aspect of Malaysian food culture. The one in Townhall features a playful and innovative menu that reinvents traditional dishes with a modern twist. On the other hand, the Chatswood and Haymarket branches serve family-inspired meals that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, like that of Junda's grandmother's kitchen. The Strathfield outlet has a hawker-style menu that captures the lively energy of Malaysian street food markets. It provides an authentic street-side dining experience, bringing the vibrant flavours of Malaysian cuisine to Sydney.
Australian feedback on Malaysian cuisine has been overwhelmingly positive. He explains, “At first, there was a challenge with the perception of what authentic Asian food is. I focused on crafting delicious dishes, which won over our guests, regardless of their initial expectations of authenticity.” This approach has broadened Australians’ culinary horizons and built a loyal customer base that appreciates Ho Jiak's genuine flavours and innovative dishes.
The upcoming Ho Jiak restaurant in Melbourne will have three levels with distinct dining experiences. The ground floor will serve hawker market staples; the middle floor will offer creative takes on familiar flavours such as laksa broth dumplings, and the top floor will feature a beer hall with large, shareable dishes.
Innovating Malaysian Cuisine in Australia
Junda’s approach to maintaining the authenticity of his dishes while adapting them to Australian tastes hinges on the fusion of high-quality local ingredients with traditional Malaysian spices and cooking methods. “The produce and ingredients in Australia are fresher, better, and more accessible,” he explains, adding that it allows him to elevate traditional dishes such as beef rendang.
His innovative creations, such as the char kway teow, aim to redefine what's considered authentic by future generations. Dishes like grilled prawns with burnt butter showcase his talent for blending Malaysian flavours with Western techniques, offering a unique dining experience. “Our goal isn’t just to replicate traditional recipes but to make them resonate with our diners here,” he adds.
Junda also doesn’t shy away from adjusting the spiciness or oil content of his dishes to cater to dietary preferences. “It’s not about making everything traditional; it’s about making it delicious,” he explains. Examples of his playful reinterpretation of Malaysian staples include the “KFC rendang”, which turns a fast-food favourite into a culinary delight using traditional rendang sauce.
Collaborations and Community Impact
While Junda has not yet partnered with other Malaysian-run restaurants due to the similarity in offerings, he actively engages with a broader network of Malaysian businesses in Sydney. “We have a lot of Malaysian businesses that help us, like our vegetable supplier, who is also Malaysian. They support our events significantly, and I promote them on my platforms,” he explains.
Working closely with chefs from diverse backgrounds, Junda combines culinary ideas to produce something unique and engaging. “I have collaborated with several chefs, such as Manu Feildel and Dim Sim Lim, who bring their distinct style to our joint efforts,” he explains. These collaborations often result in innovative dishes and food events that merge different culinary traditions, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Malaysian cuisine when combined with other global flavours.
In addition to creating new culinary experiences, Junda and his partners believe in giving back to the community. A recent initiative raised $6,000 to help those affected by the cost-of-living crisis. This commitment highlights his belief in food's power to impact positively.
Spreading Malaysian Flavours and Wisdom
“I want to share Malaysian cuisine with the world, spread love, and educate people about our culture,” states Junda, who draws his pragmatic yet heartfelt philosophy on expanding his culinary empire from his roots and experiences. He advises other Malaysian entrepreneurs looking to start businesses abroad to leverage the hardworking ethos and community-minded spirit prevalent in Malaysian culture. “Apply the knowledge you have from your home country, but also adapt to the local context,” he advises, highlighting the importance of understanding and adhering to local regulations for sustainable success.
Under Junda’s innovative leadership, Ho Jiak has evolved into more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural journey that connects diners with Malaysia's rich culinary heritage. Khoo's dedication to authenticity, creativity, and cultural promotion has placed Malaysian cuisine firmly on Sydney's culinary map. Looking to the future, Junda remains focused on the day-to-day joys and challenges of his culinary enterprises while keeping an eye on long-term goals. “Every day is a blessing,” he concludes.
Do you have a Malaysian business abroad and would like to share your story? Get in touch with us to let us know your interest in being featured.
From Malaysia to the UK: Painting a Story of Heritage & Innovation Through Batik
Culture & Lifestyle
From a successful architect who traversed Southeast Asia to a flourishing artist championing batik in...
September 27, 2024
From Malaysia to the UK: Painting a Story of Heritage & Innovation Through Batik
Culture & Lifestyle
From a successful architect who traversed Southeast Asia to a flourishing artist championing batik in UK, Shirlyn Low’s creative spark has taken her on many adventures.
Her first foray to the UK started when she pursued her master’s degree in architecture there in the early 2000s. Subsequently, she stayed on to work there for another 3 years before moving back to Malaysia in 2008.
After building up her portfolio with various hotels and luxury residences across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia for over a decade, she returned to the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was there that her spark for batik was ignited. As interest in her art grew, she decided to forgo her comfort zone of architecture and dive headfirst into batik painting full-time.
With that, Batik Ying was born.
Finding passion and balance in batik
The first seed for Shirlyn’s passion was planted quite some time ago when she worked as an architect in Southeast Asia, having worked closely with batik artisans to develop artwork for the hotels she designed.
Fast forward to 2023, she realised that her enthusiasm for architecture had dimmed. At the same time, the mother of two sought an alternate career path that would allow her more flexibility and time to spend with her children. With that, she took baby steps into batik by sharing her artwork at community events in the West Midlands region.
She was then invited by a local dumpling shop to organise her first ever batik workshop. To her surprise, the event sold out in two weeks, signalling considerable interest in her art and the art form itself.
From then on, Batik Ying also known as batikying on Instagram has gone from strength to strength, having been selected to participate in numerous group exhibitions in Birmingham and Manchester, as well as collaborate with brands such as the John Lewis department store, World of Women Foundation and Birmingham Design Festival and work on commissions by the Great Western Arcade and other private clients.
Changing the perspective of batik with a contemporary approach
Collaborations and exhibitions aside, Shirlyn has also shared the heritage of batik by delivering workshops to over 200 people combined.
Unlike most artists in the same vein, Shirlyn had not received any formal training prior to embarking on Batik Ying, having come from a background in architecture.
However, she was able to pick up the skill through her work with traditional batik artisans and self-learning.
Her informal education has clearly worked in her favour, as she is now known for her singular batik art style that weaves in modern influences for a fresh, contemporary twist.
“I think if we can continue modernising batik and change the Malaysian perspective of it as just a traditional kraftangan to an art medium filled with rich history and heritage, batik will grow and continue to thrive,” said Shirlyn of the motivation behind her art style.
Connecting Malaysians abroad through batik
While Shirlyn already has many workshops and galleries under her belt, she has plenty more to look forward to, such as her upcoming exhibition at the prestigious Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Gallery.
Recently, Batik Ying had one of its most memorable collaborations yet —an art exhibition and group batik painting workshop held jointly with MyHeart as part of TalentCorp’s Salam Dari Malaysia UK Outreach Programme.
Together, Shirlyn and the participants completed a piece of art that is as vibrant in colour as it is in Malaysian symbolism. The masterpiece featured flowers decorated with dots, a motif that is often featured in the traditional Malaysian batik sarong.
Through the design and the activity of batik painting, Shirlyn wanted to transport her fellow UK-based Malaysians back home and evoke the spirit of unity.
At the same time, the batik artist was able to showcase her work to the Malaysian Minister of Human Resources and Chairman of TalentCorp, thus elevating Batik Ying’s profile.
Growing Batik Ying & new connections with MyHeart
On the subject of MyHeart, Shirlyn expressed that she is looking forward to using the platform to search for networking events with entrepreneurs like her and small business owners, whether for personal development or collaboration opportunities.
She also hopes the portal will connect her to other Malaysians based abroad who wish to make batik art a part of their events.
“I think what MyHeart does in reaching out to Malaysians abroad and closing the gap between us is meaningful,” she said in regards to her experience with the platform.
Are you a Malaysian abroad looking to organise an event in your area? Sign up on MyHeart to feature your event on the portal and invite Malaysians near you.
From Johor to Singapore: Soaring High on Cloud Nine
Culture & Lifestyle
The job of a flight attendant is often perceived to be quite the glamorous career...
September 20, 2024
From Johor to Singapore: Soaring High on Cloud Nine
Culture & Lifestyle
The job of a flight attendant is often perceived to be quite the glamorous career choice. What’s not to marvel at when travelling the world to some of the most unique destinations is part of your daily routine? This is the story of how Shahril Abdullah went from working in corporate banking in Malaysia, to the world of hospitality as a flight attendant at Singapore Airlines.
This Bachelor of Corporate Administration graduate had a childhood dream, and it was to be part of a cabin crew. Nevertheless, Shahril recognised the need for higher education regardless of the career path he chooses to pursue. “Education is very important, I needed to have a degree. It helps in the application for any job". His exposure during his diploma and degree days had taken him to corporate working life, which built the foundation of his work ethic and discipline, the two important factors that helped tremendously during the four months of intensive training as a cabin crew member and subsequently as an official flight attendant.
Life as a cabin crew
After two years of working in corporate banking, Shahril took a leap of faith to follow his dream of being a flight attendant. When making this decision, Singapore Airlines was an obvious choice, as this Johorean shared that he wanted to ensure he could travel home easily to see family on his days off. The first four months of his new career were dedicated to extensive cabin crew training, which also happens to be the longest compared to other airlines.
While Malaysia and Singapore share many cultural similarities, there’s nothing quite like home, “Singapore is about the same, but dia sama tapi tak serupa”, he explains. The transition to this new life came with a set of challenges, from being away from family to adapting to a new life entirely. However, as the saying goes, ‘nothing worth having comes easy’.
Interesting perspective not commonly heard is that part of the job is “like studying human behaviour”, explains Shahril, who views meeting passengers from different countries and cultural backgrounds as a learning opportunity. This role keeps him on his toes and exposes him to unique scenarios, enriching his experience as a steward even after eight years of flying.
As exciting as travelling and exploring the world may be, this job is no easy feat. Ever wondered what a 4-sector flight to New York looks like? Shahril shares some interesting insights. The first leg of the flight begins at night on a 13-hour flight from Singapore to Frankfurt. Cabin crews are expected to report 2 hours prior for a briefing session where they go over list of passengers, special requests and frequent flyer profiles. After an overnight layover at Frankfurt, they are off on a 9-hour journey to New York. Every so often, he gets the Singapore-Manchester-Houston-Singapore roster, which comes up to a whopping 12 days of travel altogether.
Clocking up career milestones
The travel and tourism industry endured some tough times, especially during the pandemic, which affected airlines globally. Nonetheless, it was during this period that Shahril experienced one of the highlights of his career. During the peak of uncertainty in the early days of the pandemic, he was part of the cabin crew that ferried multiple Airbus 380 flights to London to bring Malaysian and Singaporean students home. Hearing students say, “Wow, you all are so brave to come to London to bring us back, you’re our hero” is something he will never forget.
When discussing the differences between Malaysian and Singaporean hospitality, Shahril advises that there isn’t a major difference between the two, which is understandable considering the cultural similarities shared. That being said, “Cabin crews come from different countries, so when people ask me if I’m Singaporean, I always say no, I am a proud Malaysian”. There is no denying that his uniqueness shines through his colourful and warm personality, especially when meeting Malaysians onboard.
From the perspective of someone who is in the airline industry, he strongly believes that local carriers can improve in terms of providing better in-flight services, connectivity and maintenance of new aviation hardware to compete with other airlines.
Hopes and dreams for Malaysia
Even after living in Singapore for almost a decade, Shahril remains a very proud Malaysian. He still comes home to do his duty as a responsible citizen, such as voting during the general election. Learning about MyHeart was exciting, he shares, as there isn’t anything quite like it, and he sees potential in its growth - “!” Being part of a Malaysian community is important to him, especially since living abroad, and being able to do so via MyHeart is exciting. He hopes to see more job opportunities and features that can benefit Malaysians globally.
“Who wouldn’t want to return to Malaysia and serve your own country?”. Like most Malaysians, Shahril hopes to see Malaysia’s economy thrive for the betterment of the people. Given the chance, he would be delighted to return home to work, given how close he is to his family and his sense of attachment to Malaysia.
Enjoyed this story? Indulge in a variety of uniquely Malaysian stories and be sure to sign up to the MyHeart portal to stay up to date with the latest news from us.
Happy National Day and Malaysia Day from MyHeart to Yours
Culture & Lifestyle
Every year we watch Malaysians from all corners of the world patriotically celebrate our National...
September 13, 2024
Happy National Day and Malaysia Day from MyHeart to Yours
Culture & Lifestyle
Every year we watch Malaysians from all corners of the world patriotically celebrate our National Day wherever they are, Malaysian style. Regardless of how far they have travelled, their heart beats for tanah air tercinta.
This year was no exception.
In the UK, Malaysians enjoyed an array of live music and cultural performances, traditional games and a plethora of delicious food at the Malaysia Carnival held at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) in Brickendonbury.
In Shanghai, hundreds gathered to attend MayCham China’s 67th Malaysia Merdeka Gala Dinner, commemorating both our National Day and the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
Meanwhile, 15,000 km away in the Big Apple, the Consulate General of Malaysia, New York held a Flag-Raising Ceremony at Bowling Green Park, to commemorate this important day in Malaysian history. The ceremony was attended by Mayor Eric Adams and Malaysians based around the area.
In Toronto, the Malaysian Association of Canada (MAC) united over a hundred Malaysians at the Merdeka Summer Picnic 2024 on a glorious sunny day to celebrate the National Day together.
Near, far, wherever they are, Malaysians globally come together as one to celebrate Malaysia. This annual affair is a testament to their love for the nation and commitment to their Malaysian community.
In the spirit of the National Day and Malaysia Day, MyHeart hopes to continue building a united global Malaysian community where we celebrate every Malaysian today and every day. Join the MyHeart community today!
From Penang to Tokyo: Bridging Two Nations Through Research and Collaboration
Culture & Lifestyle
From the suburbs of Bukit Mertajam to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Dr. Amy Poh...
September 10, 2024
From Penang to Tokyo: Bridging Two Nations Through Research and Collaboration
Culture & Lifestyle
From the suburbs of Bukit Mertajam to the bustling streets of Tokyo, Dr. Amy Poh has certainly come a long way. A multidisciplinary researcher who holds two PhDs in Economic Management and Mathematical Sciences, Dr. Amy is nothing short of a force in the field of academia.
Her outstanding qualifications have culminated in her current role as Special Research Fellow at the University of Tokyo, where she is focusing on developing a model to evaluate the factors influencing the public acceptance of security measures in smart grid initiatives. At the same time, she is chairing the inaugural Malaysia-Japan Visionaries Conference 2024 (MJVC), which aims to facilitate dialogue and knowledge exchange among academics, academicians and industrialists from both Malaysia and Japan.
On top of all that, she is a loving wife and mother to two children, demonstrating her remarkable ability to balance work and her personal life. This is the story of how she got to where she is today, and how she is working to strengthen the ties between Malaysian and Japanese researchers.
Balancing Academia and Family Life
Prior to moving to Japan in 2015, Dr. Amy first stepped foot on Japanese soil in 2010 to pursue her first PhD at Meiji University’s Institute for Advanced Study of Mathematical Sciences. She went on to hold research positions at esteemed institutions around the globe, including the University of Tokyo, California Institute of Technology, University of Hong Kong, Taiwan’s Tamkang University and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
Following her marriage, she made the decision to move back to Tokyo, Japan, to start a family. Over the next four years, she earned her second PhD from the Division of Mathematics and Physics at Okayama University’s Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, supported by a scholarship.
During this time, she also grew her family by welcoming a son and a daughter.
Speaking on her research focus, Dr Amy revealed that it was inspired by her formative years at SRJK (C) Sin Ya, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature’s power. Besides that, her inspiration is “rooted in the belief that secure digital technologies are pivotal in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for energy distribution,” said Dr. Amy.
Leading the Malaysia-Japan Visionaries Conference 2024
Besides her research work and motherhood, Dr. Amy is keeping busy by chairing the Malaysia-Japan Visionaries Conference 2024.
Due to take place from 14 to 16 September this year at the University of Tokyo, the conference is a partnership between the two nations in every way, with a team of 45 Malaysian and Japanese researchers on the organising committee. Furthermore, the event will see 500 participants gather to discuss advancements in various disciplines such as Science and Technology, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law and more.
Among these participants are 100 presenters, who will be submitting papers for publication in a 500-page proceedings book titled ‘Proceedings of the Malaysia-Japan Visionaries Conference 2024 – Integration and Innovation across Diverse Disciplines’.
Moving forward, these proceedings will serve as a valuable resource for industries in both Malaysia and Japan who seek R&D collaboration opportunities. As the strategic partner, TalentCorp is providing a ¥1 million (equivalent to RM30,000) grant to support the conference, as well as a RM50,000 bursary to assist up to 20 participating Malaysian researchers.
Inspiring the next generation of researchers
In the long run, Dr. Amy hopes to continue collaborating with more Malaysians via MyHeart, to give back to Malaysia. Receiving scholarships from the Malaysian government for her undergraduate and master’s studies has fostered in her a strong sense of responsibility to contribute to Malaysia, regardless of where she may be stationed.
As such, she hopes to engage with TalentCorp and MyHeart to explore ways to work together to support the development of talent and promote research excellence across borders.
For Malaysians inspired to go down the same path as her, Dr. Amy advised starting by cultivating a solid academic foundation and seeking mentorship to navigate the global academic landscape effectively.
She also encouraged staying connected to one’s roots, as one’s cultural heritage is a source of strength and identity that can foster meaningful connections and collaborations worldwide.
Are you a Malaysian abroad seeking to collaborate with other Malaysians in your field of work? Sign up on MyHeart to explore collaboration opportunities or discover potential collaborators.
From Malaysia to Europe: When Passions Align and Malaysians Unite towards Sports Innovation
Culture & Lifestyle
Despite having lived in the UK for 16 years, Dr. Ahmad Syahid A. Fawzal heart...
August 30, 2024
From Malaysia to Europe: When Passions Align and Malaysians Unite towards Sports Innovation
Culture & Lifestyle
Despite having lived in the UK for 16 years, Dr. Ahmad Syahid A. Fawzal heart remains faithful to his one and only home, Malaysia. This computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engineer, whose expertise and talent have garnered him multiple sponsorships up to the completion of his industrial automotive PhD at Coventry University, expresses this deep-rooted love through working towards the betterment of Malaysia’s industries; such as the automotive industry and in this case, the cycling industry! However, how was he to do this 10,500 km away from home?
It began with reaching out to the community that mattered to him the most. Through social media, Dr. Aid built himself a reputation within the Malaysian engineering community, where he was able to share his knowledge from abroad into the domestic realm, as well as network with the most prominent leaders in the field. He had also made use of MyHeart, granting him the opportunity to connect with diverse Malaysian talents around the world. Through one new connection to the next, Dr. Aid was more than delighted to contribute his knowledge back to his home country, albeit of a smaller impact than expected.
Tenaciously, he did not stop searching for more opportunities to give back to his nation; an effort soon to bear fruit in the near future. Soon enough in 2022, destiny knocked on Dr. Aid’s door when he returned to Malaysia for vacation. Bostami Ahmad, CIDe , a young man whose childhood passion in design and cycling had now extended to coincide with Dr. Aid’s passion in propelling Malaysia forward, had invited Dr. Aid out for durians. As they sat together in the sweltering heat, their conversation unfolded to be just as sweet as the saccharine fruits in hand: Bostami had presented him with an initial design collaboration involving the Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (ISN).
“Let’s create the world’s very first Malaysian bicycle brand!”
The Bozetta FZ8: Born in Malaysia
Now, the year is 2024. Bozetta Bikes has been established as a Malaysian brand on par with international standards and its very first creation, the Bozetta FZ8 bicycle, has finally come to be. It feels just like a dream, one that both Dr. Aid and Bostami have been very fortunate to turn into reality!
As the Centre of Excellence in Sports Technology R&D, the ISN provided Dr. Aid and Bostami with the resources to focus their efforts on enhancing the bike’s aerodynamics. By making use of their connections abroad, they allowed for the experts to test their bike’s wind resistance at the Silverstone Engineering Hub in the UK. As for the way Dr. Aid and Bostami worked collaboratively, their individual expertise truly complemented one another. Where Bostami specialised in the bike's design – having had previous experience in Lamborghini, a supercar company in Italy, Dr. Aid specialised in regulating the practicality of such design by facilitating aerodynamic tests.
This marked the beginning of the Bozetta FZ8’s journey in finding its rightful place in the global sports world!
What’s Next for Malaysia?
Currently, the Bozetta FZ8 is being used by Malaysia’s athletes during their warm up sessions, having garnered positive responses from our athletes in terms of its comfort and flexibility. Although it has yet to compete in the Olympics itself, Dr. Aid , Bostami and the ISN look forward to its involvement in Los Angeles 2028. Furthermore, we are sure that the entire nation similarly hopes for glorious victories by our athletes in the upcoming Paris Olympic bicycle race after these training enhancements.
On a wider scale, as Dr. Aid and Bostami explain that their vision for the Bozetta had always been one of accessibility and for the general public, they anticipate Malaysia’s revolutionary bike cycling their way into neighbourhoods, city streets and various places around the world! The ISN is similarly hopeful, having initially supported Dr. Aid and Bostami’s passions in hopes of Malaysia’s industries growing further through more extensive R&D and its potential to enter the commercial field; to which the Bozetta FZ8 has successfully fulfilled!
The CEO of ISN, Ahmad Faedzal Md Ramli, adds to this as well, explaining that he hopes the Bozetta FZ8’s success story inspires Malaysians to be more involved in the betterment of the nation either through R&D, technology advancement initiatives or leveraging one’s expertise. He additionally expresses his gratitude towards Dr. Aid, stating that having a local expert on the team is a legacy; one that uplifts the story of Malaysian diaspora contributing back to the nation.
This cross-border collaboration returns to the very core of MyHeart, aligning with the aim to bridge incredible Malaysian talents abroad with organisations and individuals back home for the continued growth of our nation.
Truly, their success story is reflective of how successful Malaysians are when talents convene and put their expertise together when working towards one, united goal. From Dr. Aid’s sincere love and dedication for Malaysia, Bostami’s passion in pushing Malaysia forward into the global sports (cycling) industry, to the ISN’s commitment in the development of Malaysian sports industries, they’ve come together to take one revolutionary step forward for the whole nation.
Looking back on what Bostami has created with Dr. Aid ’s aerodynamic analysis support, it is undeniable that when Malaysian talents work with one another, their efforts can truly lead to big opportunities. This is especially so when it comes to those living abroad and equipped with experience from working in world-class companies. It is instances such as this one that fuel Dr. Aid’s and Bostami’s encouragement of Malaysians worldwide using MyHeart to accomplish milestones never before imagined. With a platform that facilitates connections between Malaysians regardless of where they are in the world, it allows for discovering new and unexpected collaborative opportunities that can help one realise their aspirations and chase their dreams for a better future!
Inspired by this collaboration across borders story? You could do the same as a MyHeart member. Register on the MyHeart portal and explore the opportunities available!
From Penang to Jakarta: Representing Malaysia in the Heart of ASEAN
Culture & Lifestyle
Dr. Sasikala Sankaran Pillai, affectionately known as Dr. Sasi, is the Chief Internal Auditor at...
August 23, 2024
From Penang to Jakarta: Representing Malaysia in the Heart of ASEAN
Culture & Lifestyle
Dr. Sasikala Sankaran Pillai, affectionately known as Dr. Sasi, is the Chief Internal Auditor at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta. Over the past six years, she has embraced the region's cultural diversity and fostered unity among ASEAN members. Despite her impressive role, she describes herself as “just an average Malaysian who looks at life with positivism and adventure.” Her journey from Malaysia to Indonesia reflects her commitment to bridging economic and cultural divides within the ASEAN nations.
A Legacy of Patriotism and Family Influence
Dr. Sasikala's deep sense of patriotism stems from her family's history of military service. “My father served in the Malaysian Army, and my younger brother joined the Malaysian Air Force,” she explains. “Even my grandparents served in the police force, and my great-grandfather was taken by the Japanese during the occupation to build the River Kwai bridge.” Growing up surrounded by such dedication instilled in her a strong desire to contribute to her country, ultimately leading her to ASEAN.
Family plays a central role in her life. “We are a very patriotic family,” she says. “I felt I had the honour to serve my country in a unique way, contributing to the region without holding a gun.”
Educational Pursuits and Professional Achievements
Dr. Sasikala's academic journey is impressive. “I did my Bachelor of Accounting at Universiti Utara Malaysia,” she begins. “Then I did my MBA in the United States, followed by a one-year internship,” she recalls. “I continued working there for about ten years before returning to Malaysia to complete my PhD at Universiti Sains Malaysia.” This solid educational foundation laid the groundwork for her career.
Breaking new ground, she became the first Malaysian and the first woman to hold the Chief Internal Auditor position at ASEAN. “The selection process was rigorous, involving interviews with ten ambassadors from the ASEAN countries,” she shares. “It was a tough journey, but my determination and qualifications helped me secure the role.” Her professional achievements also include coordinating the ASEAN Audit Committee meetings for five years and working with different chairing countries. “I've gained a lot of exposure working with different people and cultures, which has been incredibly enriching.”
Challenges and Adaptations
Relocating to Jakarta presented challenges, particularly regarding the cost of living and language barriers. “The cost of living in Jakarta was a major shock. Buying basic household items was unexpectedly expensive,” she explains. “However, my background in accounting helped me budget effectively.”
Language barriers also posed a significant challenge. “I assumed that speaking Bahasa would be enough, but soon realised there are significant differences in everyday words,” she notes. One memorable incident highlighted these challenges: “I asked a Gojek driver to 'ikut kereta depan,' expecting him to follow the car in front, but he was confused and panicked because 'kereta' here refers to a train, not a car.” This experience reminded her of the importance of understanding local language nuances.
Her commitment to cultural diplomacy is evident in her efforts to represent Malaysia at every ASEAN audit meeting by wearing traditional attire such as baju kurung or baju kebaya. “This is our national attire, and by wearing it, I make sure to represent my country appropriately,” she explains. Beyond attire, she hosts events such as open houses during Deepavali and Hari Raya, serving traditional Malaysian dishes like nasi lemak, nasi tomato, and mee goreng mamak. “These events educate my staff about Malaysian culture, many of whom have never visited Malaysia,” she says.
Bringing Global Insights Home
Dr. Sasikala eagerly shares her intentions when asked if she plans to return to Malaysia. “I'm looking forward to coming back home and finding a position to pass on my experiences from the U.S. and Jakarta to our young folks in Malaysia,” she says. Her time abroad has enriched her professionally and provided valuable lessons. “Life isn’t going to be easy with digitalisation shaping our future; it’s more competitive than ever,” she adds.
Dr. Sasikala's professional achievements include completing her PhD while in Indonesia and earning several professional certifications, such as Certified Fraud Examiner. “These accomplishments have prepared me to contribute significantly upon my return to Malaysia,” she asserts. She is passionate about mentoring the younger generation and sharing insights from her diverse experiences to help them navigate a rapidly digitalising world.
Strengthening Cultural Bonds Abroad
As an avid reader of the stories on the MyHeart Portal, Dr. Sasikala is a strong advocate for the initiative. “I think this is excellent because it gets everybody together. It's networking and shows the initiative of TalentCorp to connect and feature Malaysia and Malaysians,” she says. Maintaining connections with Malaysia is essential, regardless of one's location worldwide. “This platform helps us stay connected with Malaysia, no matter where we are in the world,” she concludes.
Like many Malaysians abroad, Dr. Sasi deeply values her ties to home and is glad to be part of a global community of Malaysians through MyHeart. If you have yet to join the community, sign up on the MyHeart portal today and start connecting with fellow Malaysians worldwide.
From Kuching to the World: Improving Financial Literacy and Sharing Malaysian Stories
Culture & Lifestyle
Growing up in Kuching, Sarawak, Edrea Lee Yian Huay values her parents' dedication to ensuring...
August 14, 2024
From Kuching to the World: Improving Financial Literacy and Sharing Malaysian Stories
Culture & Lifestyle
Growing up in Kuching, Sarawak, Edrea Lee Yian Huay values her parents' dedication to ensuring she receives an excellent education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Michigan, USA, where she also gained valuable experience working for a year post-graduation. Returning to Malaysia, Edrea honed her skills as a Strategy Analyst before embarking on a career break.
Currently, she is pursuing a postgraduate degree in Business Analytics at the Imperial College Business School, London. Edrea embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and takes pride in her Malaysian roots.
Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Edrea's entrepreneurial journey began with Vespid, a financial literacy platform for Malaysians. Initially funded with USD 10k from the University of Michigan’s optiMize Social Innovation Challenge, she envisioned Vespid as an interactive stock investing platform designed to simplify trading for beginners overwhelmed by traditional platforms.
Navigating Malaysia's strict regulatory environment for trading platforms prompted a pivot towards addressing a more urgent need: financial literacy. She recognised that Malaysians need accessible financial knowledge, and thus, Vespid transformed into a platform dedicated to educating users in bite-sized financial concepts.
“Though this entrepreneurial journey has not always been a bed of roses, and there are times when the team feels very lost about what they're doing, their passion for problem-solving, specifically addressing the issue of financial literacy, does not die.”
With a team of just five, Edrea is now focused on accelerating Vespid’s development to meet the growing demand for financial education.
Storytelling Across Borders
Beyond entrepreneurship, Edrea amplifies Malaysian voices through Borak Overseas (B.O.S), a podcast showcasing the experiences of Malaysians worldwide. B.O.S provides a platform for Malaysians to share their diverse experiences abroad.
“I'm very impressed by how talented Malaysians from all corners of the world really are, regardless of their profession [...] Meeting Malaysians abroad, we can always feel this sense of connection and warmth.”
Edrea has interviewed a diverse range of guests, including the co-founder of CoffeeSpace, a Tinder-like “match-making” app for connecting co-founders; an accounts executive turned content creator; a civil engineer who has built his career from Malaysia to the Middle East and then to London; and a couple pursuing their dreams of travelling and working remotely as digital nomads.
Edrea's hosting skills earned her the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion on "Advancing Malaysia’s Venture Ecosystem" during the MyHeart Innovate Startup Accelerator Sharing Session. Her skilled moderation brought out the best in the panel members, including the Group CEO of Cradle (Malaysia’s focal agency for the startup ecosystem), the Founding Partner of RHL Ventures (a multi-stage venture capital firm in Malaysia), and the Founder of Accendo Technologies (a local startup). The participants, primarily venture builders and aspiring entrepreneurs, gained valuable insights into Malaysia's startup landscape.
A Journey Back Home
Despite her global journey, Edrea is drawn back to Malaysia after pursuing studies and work in the USA and the UK. With her Master's degree in sight, she aims to contribute her skills and experiences to Malaysia and Southeast Asia's evolving landscape. Edrea's aspiration stems from a desire to find meaningful work that aligns with her values and makes a positive impact in her homeland.
Edrea believes that Malaysians abroad can contribute significantly to the country. Addressing brain drain doesn't necessarily mean just brain gain—brain circulation is key as global mobility increases. Malaysians can support national development even while living abroad.
If you’re a Malaysian abroad looking to connect with fellow Malaysians like Edrea, join the MyHeart community to tap into its global network of Malaysians.
Editor’s Note: In September 2023, Edrea returned to Malaysia after completing her Master’s degree in the UK. She currently serves as a Senior Strategy Associate at ZUS Coffee and continues to develop Vespid with the support of MyHeart Innovate—a program designed to help Malaysians abroad embark on entrepreneurial ventures in Malaysia.
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Dr Catheryn Lim
Who is Dr Catheryn Lim?
Currently a Senior Research Fellow at Matthew Wood group and Chair, Early-Mid Career Researchers Committee at Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford. Received her Ph.D., Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry from UNSW
Dr. Lim is now working on understanding disease mechanisms and developing genetic treatments for neuromuscular diseases. Two of these strategies are now at later stages of development where she is collaborating with industrial partners to optimise the strategies in preparation for first-in-human clinical trials.
Format of the sharing session
The participants for the session consisted of students and academicians coming from various biological and related sciences background.
During the session, Dr. Lim shared about her experience and journey in the research world and delved into the new developments being made in genetic treatments (specifically in neuromuscular diseases). She also shared some tips and advice on how to be active in the biotechnology research industry.
Outcome
The session has exposed 183 participants to new development in genetic treatments (specifically in neuromuscular diseases).
Dr Aid Fawzal
Who is Dr Aid Fawzal?
Experienced CFD Engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the automotive, energy and oil & gas industries. Strong professional background with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical, Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering from Coventry University. Invented a constant number which is called the Fawzal Number (Fa) which is used to optimize supercar’s cooling system.
Format of the sharing session
Our participants consist of students from various engineering field and various level of studies, from bachelor’s degree to PhD.
During the session, Dr Aid shared with us the step-by-step process involved in designing a car using a simulation software where he explained why certain components are designed in such ways and the importance of each component. He also shared some tips to students who are planning to go into the automotive field.
Outcome
The session has benefited 284 participants with new knowledge and exposure to the automotive world and inspire our future engineers to pursue and improve our automotive industry.
Samantha Chong
In 2022, we collaborated with KL City Opera and organised a masterclass with
Samantha Chong, a Malaysian mezzo-soprano based in Hong Kong
Objective
To develop the performing arts scene in Malaysia via a collaboration with a
leading name in classical Italian opera.
Format of the masterclass
The masterclass was held over 2 days, where 4 participants were selected to perform
an aria or duet. Samantha then provided verbal and demonstrative feedback to each participant for 7-9 minutes each, which included song and scene interpretation, and stage presence.
Outcome
Samantha made a conscious effort to focus her sharing NOT on singing, but on the various aspects of performance, something that Malaysian performers lacked. So, MyCollabs acted as a medium for her to guide the students in navigating the world of classical opera, including dealing with different stakeholders like conductors, music directors and repetiteurs.
The students, on the other hand, received a rare opportunity to undergo a masterclass conducted by a seasoned performer for free. They could then use the knowledge they gained to enhance their opera skills and hopefully, pursue a career as full-time professional opera singers, something which is a rarity in Asia.
