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 Ipoh to Singapore: A Writer Shedding Light on Stories that Matter
Culture & Lifestyle
From a young age, Ipoh-born Amanda Yeap knew she was drawn to writing. She would...
August 6, 2024
From Ipoh to Singapore: A Writer Shedding Light on Stories that Matter
Culture & Lifestyle
From a young age, Ipoh-born Amanda Yeap knew she was drawn to writing. She would get lost in words and worlds, at first in story books, then later on in novels. In time, this blossomed into ambitions of being not only a writer, but a reporter who makes a difference through highlighting stories that matter.
Today, this dream has brought her to the metropolitan city state of Singapore, where she has now resided for nearly six years.
Early beginnings & eventual move
After finishing her studies in KL, Amanda decided to return to Ipoh and work as a reporter for The Star. It proved to be the ideal fresh grad job as she was not only able to further her career at a well-established company but do so within the comfort of home. During this time, she saw firsthand how reporting can play a significant role in resolving community issues. “I could give a voice to the voiceless and uncover issues that plague residents who don’t know where to turn to.”
Four years after that, Amanda decided it was time to expand her horizons. With that, she set her sights on Singapore. “The journey (to Singapore) wasn’t very smooth because it was hard for me to get the first step in, even by applying for jobs that are related to my field.” In fact, it took her six months of sending out applications before she finally scored her first interview. Furthermore, it was only upon her second interview that she secured a job and thus a way into the next chapter of her career trajectory.
Solidifying a career in the Lion City
In Singapore, Amanda kickstarted her media career as a writer at alternative news outlet Must Share News, the news publishing arm of media company The Smart Local. Here, Amanda spearheaded some of its most viral news stories, such as a comprehensive report on alleged staff mistreatment at a leading YouTube channel and an insightful interview with a full-time cosplayer.
Inspired by the growing emphasis on mental health awareness and how to provide adequate support in the wake of Covid-19, she also delivered company-wide talks on mental health at the workplace, playing a substantial role in reshaping office culture.
Advantages & challenges as a Malaysian reporter in Singapore
In many ways, Amanda’s experience in Malaysia has given her a leg up abroad. For one, Malaysia’s multiculturalism fostered in her an innate understanding and empathy of different viewpoints and cultures. Additionally, her trilingual education helps her overcome language barriers much more easily.
That is not to say that she has not encountered challenges transitioning to a familiar industry in a new country. One of the top ones was understanding the issues that resonate with Singaporeans. Specialising in social media news at Must Share News became the perfect crash course, as it helped her gauge Singaporeans’ topics of interests and the sentiments surrounding them through the intense discourse that usually surrounds this type of news. The knowledge and insights she gained from this job would later serve as a launchpad for her current role as a Senior Journalist at TODAY, a news website under the Mediacorp banner.
Staying connected to home through connections
Despite coming such a long way, Amanda still finds ways to connect with fellow countrymen, whether it be through friendships with Malaysian expatriates in Singapore like herself or through the MyHeart Stories. She hopes that the portal can continue to find ways to spread awareness among Malaysians living abroad all around the world, so that others like her can reap its benefits.
Are you a Malaysian living abroad who hopes to connect with others like yourself? Register yourself on MyHeart to register and begin your search!
From Subang Jaya to Birmingham: Adlinn and Danial’s Story on Perseverance, Courage and Family
Culture & Lifestyle
Seated by the coffee table, Danial can barely contain his excitement as his wife and...
July 23, 2024
From Subang Jaya to Birmingham: Adlinn and Danial’s Story on Perseverance, Courage and Family
Culture & Lifestyle
Seated by the coffee table, Danial can barely contain his excitement as his wife and son return home from school. He watches them enter the room, young Ezra quickly toddling away while Adlinn’s hand remains on the handle. As she closes the door gently behind her, Danial decides that it is time. “Adlinn,” he begins slowly. “I dapat kerja ya.” “Kat UK?” she asks, trying to stifle the enthusiasm in her tone.
She can already see it: Autumn strolls with her children as crimson leaves fall. Winter rolls around and her little ones are playing in the snow. It’s going to be perfect! “Yes, kat UK,” Danial replies. Adlinn pauses briefly as she keeps herself in check, Danial’s response nearly rendering her speechless. It’s final.
Turning to face him, she smiles and exclaims, “Jom!”
A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity
How did all this happen? The couple’s journey to Birmingham, UK, began with a sparkling test engineer job offer at TUV’s European branch on LinkedIn. Not putting too much thought into it, Danial submitted an application to test his luck and sure enough, the stars above bestowed upon him a confirmed job offer in only 2 days!
Looking back, he says that this opportunity could have been due to the way he uses LinkedIn. By networking and sharing relevant information whenever he can, Danial has built himself a reputable image within the engineering community brick by brick and advises others just beginning their engineering careers to do the same.
Another piece of advice Danial has to offer stems from his former and current work experiences in Malaysia and the UK. Firmly believing that Malaysian talents are on par, if not better than those abroad, he encourages Malaysians to keep striving for success and advises them to continue improving their communication skills to ensure clarity and not to hesitate when asking questions or voicing opinions.
These pointers have undoubtedly helped guide Danial to the success of his engineering career and his new life halfway across the globe. Yet subtle doubts cloud his mind: Will things be better living in a foreign country? Will I be able to make my family happy in the UK?
New Experiences, New Lessons
Fast forward and Adlinn and Danial have spent their first year in Birmingham. They reminisce about their ‘settling in’ period with pride and a sense of achievement.
Building their new home had been one of Adlinn’s greatest accomplishments as it was built from the ground up upon beams of sacrifice and risk. Prior to their move, she and Danial had also just recently moved into their newly bought home in Malaysia, meaning that she had to let go of past dreams about the life she and her family could have led back home. For instance, Adlinn had envisioned their kitchen to cater to her content creator scene and intended to carve out a mini workspace for herself. Nevertheless, she’s successfully managed to put together the beautiful home her family now lives in, which Adlinn has ensured every nook and cranny is child-friendly and as reminiscent of home as much as she can.
People say that the grass is always greener where you water it. Adlinn and Danial agree. Then again, moving to a first-world country inevitably comes with higher expenses and having to make life adjustments. The couple share the differences of living a minimalist lifestyle: having to cook most of their meals instead of dining out, running frequent grocery trips or something as simple as being unable to head to the mamak for a snack at any time of the day. On the topic of food, ingredients differ and the authentic flavours of home can never truly be replicated. The culture shock extends even outside of home. Danial knows all too well the alienating feeling of bringing rice and freshly-packed lauk as he sits by his colleagues at lunch as they munch away on a singular bag of crisps.
However, these changes have led to the couple’s more profound sense of appreciation for one another. As Danial himself says, “My biggest supporter? My wife.”
Knowing that her husband would become the sole breadwinner for their family, Adlinn took it upon herself to start a personal shopper business, ‘Add Your Business’, to support him. She had also been the one to constantly reassure Danial’s doubts, reminding him that while they did indeed have to start from scratch, they were both doing this together. Living 10,500 km away from his comfort zone, Danial is more than grateful to have Adlinn by his side.
A Sense of Community and Belonging
As for the cultural differences, a friend of Danial’s had recommended MyHeart to him. It is a platform that allows him to meet and connect with other Malaysians around the world, giving him hope towards finding more people like him and his family. He encourages every Malaysian abroad to learn more about this effort and join the Malaysian community on MyHeart.
Now, Adlinn and Danial host regular potluck dinners with their newfound community in Birmingham and take their children to celebrate Malaysian holidays in London, such as Malaysia Day and Chinese New Year. They additionally make it a point to speak only Bahasa Melayu when at home, maintaining a strong sense of Malaysian pride and culture in Eleena and Ezra.
While life in the UK may continue to change as challenges and new experiences arise, what remains constant is their family and the heartfelt moments Adlinn and Danial spend with their children. As Danial encapsulates best in his own words: “Life in the UK is Adlinn, Eleena and Ezra.”
If you’re a Malaysian abroad who would like to connect with other Malaysians in your community, register yourself on MyHeart to get started.
From Kedah to Wellington: Championing youth involvement in public policy
Culture & Lifestyle
Muhammad Nur Hisham bin Md Haron, or more fondly known as Hisham, grew up in...
July 9, 2024
From Kedah to Wellington: Championing youth involvement in public policy
Culture & Lifestyle
Muhammad Nur Hisham bin Md Haron, or more fondly known as Hisham, grew up in Sik, a small town up north of Malaysia in the land of paddy fields, Kedah. Fuelled by his humble beginnings coming from a low-income household, much of his motivation to succeed today is driven by his commitment to providing his family a better life.
Now an accounting student minoring in public policy at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, Hisham balances working towards his professional career in auditing and a passion for public policy.
Our Role as a Malaysian Citizen
This aspiring policymaker has an interest that started early on in his schooling days, during which he would participate in public speaking and parliamentary debates representing his school. “I think it's very important for all of us to learn public policy because every policy made by the government will have the ultimate impact on the people” he shares. However, now more than ever as a JPA scholar, he explains that he shoulders more responsibility in keeping himself informed and involved. “We are sponsored by the government - all the tuition fees, flight tickets and monthly allowances are paid by the rakyat”, he elaborates.
As a member of the student wing of a Malaysian political party, he advocates for student issues such as concerns on water supply at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and stateless children in Sabah and Sarawak. Though far from home, he continues to contribute virtually wherever possible. This aligns with the spirit of MyHeart, which encourages all Malaysians abroad to give back to the nation from wherever they are.
In addition, being part of the International Bureau of the Youth wing of the said political party connects him with Malaysian students globally from the USA and Jordan who share the same aspirations and political ideology to represent their student community.
The Future of Public Policy in Malaysia
In sharing his views, Hisham has a positive outlook on what’s to come for Malaysia, “Honestly, we are on the right track because we have many long-term policies that are currently being implemented, such as Dasar Ekonomi Madani, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the New Industrial Master Plan, and Dasar Gaji Progresif.” To him, the focus should be on the welfare of the people, not the development of skyscrapers and the like.
Being Part of a Malaysian Community
Just like many Malaysians we’ve spoken to, Hisham shares the same sentiment of the importance of staying connected to Malaysians abroad. Taking care of the relationship among themselves is important, especially in times of need. Referencing a recent road accident involving five Malaysian students, Hisham explains that fellow Malaysians were ready to assist in handling many things. “Ustaz Idris, the imam of Masjid An-Nur, is one of the Malaysians in New Zealand who helped a lot in handling things for the students. When in need, they are ready to help”.
The strong bonds of Malaysians across borders and the sense of unity wherever they are in the world is heartwarming. MyHeart continues to grow its community of Malaysians globally – creating a space for them to stay in touch and collaborate. Speaking from a student’s point of view, Hisham finds MyHeart to be a great platform to leverage on building connections with professionals in his field.
As a proud Malaysian, Hisham hopes to see more youths keeping up with current affairs and taking an interest in understanding how public policies impact the people of Malaysia. Understanding the importance of keeping our audience informed, MyHeart continues to find ways to bring the latest news on Malaysia’s development through monthly newsletters, bite-sized social media content and sharing of news articles on the portal.
Looking ahead, Hisham hopes to build a career in audit upon graduating. Exciting times await this driven student, and we hope to see him continue thriving and making Malaysia proud.
Are you a Malaysian student abroad looking to connect with fellow Malaysians? Sign up on MyHeart today and discover other like-minded individuals.
From Malaysia to China: Raymond Hong’s journey to fostering diplomatic and economic ties between Malaysia and China
Culture & Lifestyle
For some, being a people person allows them to easily make new acquaintances and appreciate...
June 18, 2024
From Malaysia to China: Raymond Hong’s journey to fostering diplomatic and economic ties between Malaysia and China
Culture & Lifestyle
For some, being a people person allows them to easily make new acquaintances and appreciate social settings. For Raymond Hong, it became a lifelong calling. Now having lived in China for 16 years, he takes his ambassadorial-like role for Malaysia seriously via his company, RecruitPlus, a recruitment firm specialising in linking companies from China and ASEAN to deserving talents, as well as his services for the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce China - Shanghai (MAYCHAM Shanghai).
Money isn’t everything
Raymond’s initial decision to move to China was simple - he wanted to learn Mandarin, a language he didn’t get a chance to learn during his formative years in Sekolah Kebangsaan.
When it comes to his efforts as then Vice Chairman and now as Secretary General in MayCham Shanghai, Raymond simply does it out of his love for connecting with people; he even admits that there is no monetary value for him in the endeavour.
The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce China - Shanghai or MayCham Shanghai for short, serves as a diplomatic and economic facilitator between Malaysia and China. It hosts between 2-3 events monthly to further strengthen ties between Malaysia and China, be it for ministers and dignitaries through government-related events or between companies from either country to promote investment, trade and information sharing. One of these events includes a Merdeka Gala dinner which he has been hosting annually, with around 700 participants, being the largest national celebration by a foreign chamber in Shanghai. Raymond estimates that he would have spent at least 30% of his time on his efforts with MayCham Shanghai as he truly enjoys meeting people and promoting Malaysia to the Chinese community.
The importance of resilience
While Raymond is all in favour of developing and strengthening professional networks, he does not overlook the importance of hard work, staying innovative and working smart to achieve your goals. The ability to be resilient to overcome setbacks and failures is something he knows all too well, having competed in a market made up of 1.4 billion in its population. The key to thriving in his opinion is to take everything one step at a time and continuously believe in whatever you set out to accomplish.
This is why he believes that all Malaysians abroad have a role to play for the betterment of the nation. No matter how big or small their contribution, every little bit will help in the long run.
Patriots come from all walks of life
Like Raymond, MyHeart also believes in the ability of Malaysians abroad to share their expertise and unique perspectives with fellow Malaysians, allowing those still at home to implement new ideas and be inspired to create a brighter tomorrow.
Join other like-minded Malaysians abroad by registering on the MyHeart portal and explore what else is in store for you!
A collaborative synergy between the Malay Language and Culture Society (MALECS) Manchester and Anak Rantau...
June 5, 2024
A celebration of Malaysian Music in the UK
Culture & Lifestyle
A collaborative synergy between the Malay Language and Culture Society (MALECS) Manchester and Anak Rantau UK brought the Malaysian pop musical band Masdo to an international stage in February this year.
MALECS was established in 2014 to introduce the diverse Malaysian culture to an international audience and serves as a platform for Malaysians in Manchester to socialise with each other. Focused initially on promoting Malay literature such as pantun, puisi and sajak, MALECS members consist of 22 members. Over the years, the association evolved, and the events organised diversified.
In the summer of 2023, Adi Irfan, MALECS' event coordinator, an accounting undergraduate student at the University of Manchester, met Masdo at a fan meet and greet session in Malaysia. During their conversation, Adi discovered that the band had seen videos of him performing Masdo’s songs in Manchester during the Rainbow of Culture event, an annual cultural event organised by MALECS. Leveraging this opportunity, the idea and possibility of having Masdo perform in the UK in 2024 were initiated. Fast forward a few months later, Masdo expressed their commitment to doing a UK tour, and Adi immediately got to work and proposed the idea to the head of MALECS.
Bringing the concert to life
As a student association, they faced unique challenges in planning an event of such a scale. To see this event through, a collaboration was formed with Anak Rantau UK, a Malaysian event production company based in London, who played a significant role in the making of the concert by providing support through funding and guidance from start to finish. Between exams and sourcing a venue within a tight timeline, it was the beginning of a steep learning curve for Adi.
“Having a good team matters.” As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work. Supporting him was a team of 10 people consisting of students and professionals who managed different areas of the event. On the day of the concert, he had a total of 21 crew members, including representatives from Anak Rantau UK, alongside him.
Leveraging on Malaysian networks
To promote the concert, MALECS worked closely with Malaysian Student Associations across the UK. Meetings were set up to spread the word about the concert and create noise in the social media space. Anak Rantau UK and Masdo showed their support through cross-posting on Instagram to promote the concert to their .
Now, with MyHeart, MALECS and other Malaysian associations alike can list their events on the MyHeart portal to reach a wider Malaysian audience. They can also easily manage their events via the events module.
An overwhelming turnout
Months of hard work were made well worth the effort. Malaysians travelled far and wide from all around the UK to attend the concert. The show in Manchester almost sold out with 480 turnouts, while London completely sold out all 350 tickets. Adi shared that Malaysians who attended that night were ecstatic and in disbelief that Masdo was actually in the UK to perform. MALECS even received requests to bring more local performers to the UK.
Reflecting on the journey
Recalling an incident, Adi shares that the team encountered technical issues at the London show due to the venue’s sound system being different from the one typically used by the band. This was something they did not anticipate happening. Having faced this, Adi had to think one step ahead and prevent the same thing from happening in Manchester.
Overall, “It was fun, I learned a lot, and we as a team learned a lot”, Adi shares.
What’s next for MALECS?
This year, the association will continue to plan its usual annual events, such as the Rainbow of Culture and Pasar Malam. These are their flagship events, open to both Malaysians and non-Malaysians. Rainbow of Culture is a social event that showcases performances by students, traditional Malaysian games and the selling of Malaysian food. Their Pasar Malam event needs no introduction. With an array of Malaysian food being sold by students and working professionals, it is something many look forward to that reminds them of home.
Adi hopes to promote MALECS’ upcoming events on MyHeart to reach a wider audience. He is also looking forward to using the new event management feature on the MyHeart Events Module to create, share and manage their events moving forward.
Are you a Malaysian association looking to organise an event abroad? Sign up on MyHeart to list your event and manage it all in one place.
From Malaysia to the USA: Navigating Motherhood While Striving for Balance
Culture & Lifestyle
“Being a mother is a wonderful journey for me”, shares Mida, a full-time stay-at-home Malaysian...
May 10, 2024
From Malaysia to the USA: Navigating Motherhood While Striving for Balance
Culture & Lifestyle
“Being a mother is a wonderful journey for me”, shares Mida, a full-time stay-at-home Malaysian mum based in Missouri, USA. This Penangite lived many different lives before finding her way halfway across the world five years ago, where she started a family.
Quite the globetrotter, Mida is well-travelled, having been to 25 countries during her youth. She was also a System Engineer in the IT industry who was driven, ambitious and committed but also had personal goals that kept her grounded. “I paid off my car loan, my student loans, so I'm happy with what I was doing back then” she shares.
After years of chasing her dreams in corporate, it came to a breaking point when she experienced burnout. Not long after that, Mida left her job, got married to her American husband and uprooted her life in Malaysia to embark on a new adventure on the other side of the world.
The roller coaster of motherhood
It was during the pandemic when she welcomed her firstborn, “He was an easy baby until now”, she said. While admittedly rewarding, this journey came with a multitude of challenges that Mida could not have anticipated. Two years later, she was blessed with another son who, not long after his birth, was diagnosed with a health condition.
Two months of sleepless nights and unending anxiety caring for her son through medical procedures took a toll on her health. “It’s a very tough journey for me because since the second one was born, I think I’ve been through like a depression phase”, she recalls. During a health check-up, her doctor noticed some early signs of postpartum depression. It was a wake-up call for realising that she needed to make changes before the situation escalated further.
Lifestyle and mindset changes made a world of difference. She was committed to putting herself first and finding time to practice self-care. Mida found solitude in having morning walks and working out at her home mini gym.
Having a support system
When asked how she kept her spirits high through challenging times despite being away from family, her immediate response was, "Thank you for asking me this question, I feel like someone heard me”.
“I usually video call with my mum; she’s old now, and my dad has passed”, she added. She also stays connected with friends back home through WhatsApp groups. Mida mentioned that, at times, she used to wish she was back home during her confinement days. After giving birth, Mida tried to follow the traditional Malay postnatal care on her own. The traditional confinement practices tend to be elaborate, so she improvised and tailored them to make them more manageable. “My husband mana la reti masak sup ayam melayu or ikan goreng Melayu” she laughs.
Early on in her move to the States, she joined different Malaysian groups on Facebook. However, due to her circumstances, she did not have the chance to foster a close bond with them.
As a one-stop platform for all Malaysians abroad, MyHeart hopes to help Malaysians like Mida to connect with Malaysians alike. Whether a working professional or a homemaker like Mida, MyHeart welcomes you, providing a space for individuals from all walks of life to come together, engage and build meaningful connections.
In Foreign Parts
Mida started blogging when she moved to the States, with the intention of sharing her travel adventures, passion for fashion, and inspire her readers. Some of her blog entries were written in Malay as she wanted to ensure her mum, who does not understand English, could read her stories.
Many may be able to relate, but there’s nothing quite like expressing your feelings in your mother tongue language. “I want to rant or write in Malay too sometimes. It's just more expressive". She adds that she also speaks Malay to her kids, emphasising the importance of them learning it alongside English.
On an exciting note, Mida has started creating content again on YouTube where she vlogs her days, sharing a glimpse of her life in Missouri. Moving forward, Mida is keen to see Malaysian content creators on MyHeart share their craft and speak about their tips and tricks in making videos.
If you’re a Malaysian content creator living abroad, sign up to MyHeart and explore collaboration opportunities on MyHeart!
From Malaysia to Japan: Chasing Dreams from the East to the West and Back
Culture & Lifestyle
In a world full of accountants, Mun Soon from Penang and Kay Ryln from Kuala...
May 7, 2024
From Malaysia to Japan: Chasing Dreams from the East to the West and Back
Culture & Lifestyle
In a world full of accountants, Mun Soon from Penang and Kay Ryln from Kuala Lumpur proves to be an accounting powerhouse. It is interesting to see how similar their journeys turned out from university days to landing their first job at PwC KL, Malaysia where they met. Together, they have travelled the world in pursuit of career growth and an exciting adventure of a lifetime.
The beginning of life abroad
After working at PwC for several years, Mun Soon was offered a role at EY Singapore. As daunting of a decision it was, he took a leap faith and accepted the offer kickstarting his journey abroad. It was made extra special with the support of Kay Ryln who cheered him on from Malaysia as she worked on completing her CPA post-qualification experience in Malaysia. The transition from working in Malaysia to Singapore proved to be quite the challenge he shares. Naturally being in a new environment poses its own challenges. Luckily for him, there were familiar faces at the office as he reunited with some ex-college mates and was surrounded by fellow Malaysians.
Time works in wondrous ways. Just as Kay Ryln completed her three years CPA post-qualification experience in Malaysia, Mun Soon received an offer to move to Houston. By then she was ready to make that move with him and decided to embark on a new adventure and explore the world.
Since then, they have lived in Houston, Manchester, San Francisco and now Tokyo. Their move was mostly attributed to Mun Soon’s career progression. He expressed his gratitude to his partner, Kay Ryln for supporting him through the years of moving from one city to another. Having a support system is admittedly crucial especially when making major life changing decisions.
Fast forward to 2023, when the opportunity presented itself for Kay Ryln to move to PwC Tokyo under a global mobility transfer, Mun Soon was completely onboard and ready to start a new chapter together in the vibrant city. “I think for us, the great thing is we have both of us to support each other”.
Adapting to life abroad
During their time in Houston, Mun Soon and Kay Ryln were part of the Malaysian and Singapore Association of Houston (MSAH). “I think that's one of the places that help us connect back to our own roots”. Festivities such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and National Day celebrations were celebrated together. Now that they’re in Japan, they partake in Malaysian events held by Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (JAGAM). Like many Malaysians abroad, being part of a Malaysian society gives them a sense of home away from home and makes adapting to their new life in a foreign city a little less lonely.
MyHeart aims to make it easier for Malaysians abroad to connect with associations in their city and keep users informed on Malaysian events they may be interested in.
Hitting milestones together
Reflecting on their respective careers, Mun Soon shared that one of his achievements is being able to stay relevant and successful in other parts of the world. “It goes to show we Malaysians are equally talented if not better than people from other countries”. Kay Ryln on the other hand highlighted that being able to strike a balance between work and family has been a huge blessing. Additionally, she is proud to represent women in her industry and playing an active role in driving female leadership in her field.
Harnessing local talent
Sharing their thoughts on talents in Malaysia, Mun Soon and Kay Ryln spoke about how international companies are keen to set up businesses in Malaysia due to an interest in local talents. Explaining further that Malaysians are knowledgeable, hardworking and multilingual which goes to show how capable we are.
While Malaysians abroad have their personal reasons for living overseas, he shares that having a platform like MyHeart where likeminded professionals can connect and share stories is a good start. Bridging Malaysian abroad to home opens a myriad of opportunities such as collaboration for knowledge transfer which will leave a positive impact on the nation.
Key takeaway from an experienced auditor
When Mun Soon started off with interning at PwC before being offered a full time role, he could not have predicted what would become of this career years down the road. He explained that “I believe interning at PwC was the reason why I managed to join them after I graduated,” emphasising the importance of training and having industry experience. He adds that “For students out there, I want them to know the importance of internship. I would strongly encourage them to make full use of the internship opportunities out there”.
In addition, having a good boss who acts as a mentor can transform an individual to unlock their fullest potential. In his case, with his talent, unwavering work ethic and guidance from his bosses, he was able to perfect his craft, making him a desirable talent for many companies.
Mun Soon and Kay Ryln are keen on seeing MyHeart grow within the Malaysian community and is onboard with working together where possible to contribute to Malaysia even from afar.
If you’re a Malaysian abroad who would like to leverage on a global Malaysian network for your career or to simply keep in touch with other Malaysians, register yourself on MyHeart to get started.
From Malaysia to Canada: Henry Lee’s Love for His Home Country
Culture & Lifestyle
After over 40 years of residing in Toronto, Henry Lee’s passion for promoting Malaysia is...
April 25, 2024
From Malaysia to Canada: Henry Lee’s Love for His Home Country
Culture & Lifestyle
After over 40 years of residing in Toronto, Henry Lee’s passion for promoting Malaysia is still as alive as ever. In our conversation with the Honorary Consul and Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Canada (MAC), he shares some insight on the importance of promoting good relations between countries and nurturing relationships amongst the local communities of Malaysians living abroad.
Henry has been involved with the MAC since its conception in 2001. The organisation aims to bring Malaysians residing in Canada and Canadians together through educational, social, cultural and economic activities, promote the interests of its members and foster Malaysian-Canadian understanding and cooperation. The MAC also acts as a voice for Malaysians residing in Canada with its ties to the Police Department of Toronto and the Canadian federal, provincial and city governments.
As an Honorary Consul, Henry promotes business opportunities and the Malaysian image in Canada by encouraging friendship and good relations between Malaysia and Canada. He also supports the Malaysian community in Canada by helping with tasks such as renewing their passports and any other aid that they may need.
The power of building good relationships
The relationships between Malaysia and other countries can affect business opportunities and Malaysia’s economy. As Henry mentions, with Malaysia recently signing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), free trade between Canada and Malaysia will be made easier as 95% of tariffs between the countries will be reduced. He states, that with the removal of tariffs, there will be great opportunities for Canadian businesses to set up operations in Malaysia.
Malaysia as a standout business partner
Most Malaysians speak English well, making it easier to communicate internationally. Additionally, we adapt to different cultures quickly as we live in a multicultural society from a young age. Malaysia also shares similar law systems to Canada, having both been ruled by Britain at some point in their history. All these similarities make it easier to form good relations and in Malaysia’s case, makes the country an easy choice for international relations as both the country and the people are very adaptable to other cultures and economies.
Henry has certainly done a great job in his role as an Honorary Consul and Chairman to make the Malaysian presence known in Canada over the years. Having done so much for the Malaysian economy from over 12,000 kilometres away, his story is a prime example of how the diaspora can contribute back to their country directly and in a meaningful way even whilst living abroad. This begs the question of what regular Malaysians living abroad can do to support their nation from wherever they are.
To quote Henry: “The Malaysian diaspora are the best ambassadors for Malaysia.”
Malaysians living abroad can promote the image of their home country by keeping up-to-date with local news and events and continuing to spread the word about Malaysian culture. They can also make an effort to gather Malaysians in their communities, keeping Malaysians abroad connected to their roots and aiding to ease the feeling of homesickness.
This is the essence of what the Malaysia @ Heart or MyHeart platform aims to achieve. MyHeart strives to help Malaysians abroad find and connect with other Malaysians in their areas to form their local Malaysian communities. Not only can you find Malaysians in your area, but you can also connect with Malaysians from many different countries worldwide and organisations such as the MAC near you.
As we talk to Henry, Toronto is in the middle of another cold winter season. And though he has settled down in Canada, he states that he will always be a Malaysian at heart. He expresses longing and fondness for Malaysia’s overall ‘warmth’, from the weather to the people and their smiles.
If you are a Malaysian Association abroad, head over to MyHeart to register your association and be part of a large global Malaysian network.
From Malaysia to the UK: Pursuing Higher Dreams in Nutrition Sciences
Culture & Lifestyle
For Nur Najiah Zaidani Kamarunzaman, pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition Sciences at...
April 15, 2024
From Malaysia to the UK: Pursuing Higher Dreams in Nutrition Sciences
Culture & Lifestyle
For Nur Najiah Zaidani Kamarunzaman, pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nutrition Sciences at King’s College London was a dream come true. After completing her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan and her master’s degree in Sports Sciences at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Kelantan, going abroad under the Graduate Excellence Programme (GrEP) by MARA provided her with the opportunity to further explore her interests in the areas of nutrition and exercise.
Najiah has always been interested in exploring ways to encourage people to stay healthy by combining nutrition and exercise. Her research examines how nutrition can affect one’s mental health, where she is specifically researching how cranberry juice can reduce one’s stress and improve one’s mood.
Pushing the boundaries beyond your comfort zone
Najiah’s biggest advice to anyone considering furthering their studies abroad, especially to pursue a PhD, is to be open to new knowledge.
“You may come into a programme with your own set of skills and experience. But remember that everyone in your cohort has their own unique set of knowledge and experience to share. You may need to clear out some space so you can take in new knowledge and learning, rather than sticking with your own experiences.”
As a PhD student, having a good relationship with her supervisor is key to getting through the challenges. “Even if you are not confident in trying out something new, just go ahead and try. Your supervisor will be there to support you.”
For Najiah, the biggest challenge for her during her PhD journey is the immense focus on lab and hands-on work. During her undergraduate years, it was very heavy on practical hospital work, where she worked with patients on their dietary needs. Transitioning from the social aspect of dietetics into the lab-based nutrition sciences posed a steep learning curve for Najiah, but she is grateful for her supervisor’s support, guidance and encouragement, as well as the support from her PhD team. “When you’re stuck during your study, always ask for help from your friends!”
PhD – Passionate & Highly Dedicated
The biggest difference between doing your undergraduate and master’s as compared to a PhD is that your PhD is very much dependent on your supervisor rather than the university or the course itself.
“The first thing that you choose is your supervisor – you want to be really particular with who you work with,” Najiah advised. She herself researched hundreds of potential supervisors, looking at their research profiles and interests before sending out cold emails.
On top of being a dedicated PhD candidate, Najiah is also taking the opportunity to explore life outside of academia. This includes travelling across various cities and towns within the UK, as well as other European countries. As an outdoorsy person, Najiah enjoys visiting places with magnificent natural landscapes and views and finds Switzerland as one of the most beautiful places to visit. She also plans to go hiking up in Lake District later in the summer to explore the beautiful countryside with her friends.
Connecting with Malaysian postgraduates and professionals
Being far away from the country does not stop her from connecting with people. Forming new friend groups and getting to know more people is a beautiful experience. It happened when one of her friends invited her to be a part of the Malaysian Association of Postgraduates and Professionals (MAPP). “Through MAPP, I can connect with Malaysians in London, build my self-confidence, learn how to become a leader and leave a long-lasting impact on society”.
MAPP provides a channel for Malaysian postgraduates, researchers, academics and professionals in the UK and Ireland to network and connect with one another. For Najiah, MAPP is more than just an avenue to network and develop professionally, but it also provides the opportunity to connect and learn from one another on a variety of topics.
As the Head of Activities, she works with a small team to plan various activities for the members. This ranges from informal gatherings and interactive dialogues with panel speakers, to Malaysian Sports Day, as well as sharing sessions with field experts.
“MAPP has also grown a lot! We are not just in London, but we have branches in Manchester, Sheffield and other cities,” Najiah added.
Aside from being an active MAPP member, Najiah is also a member of the Nutrition Society; a diverse collaborative and research community within the field of Nutrition in the UK. Through her involvement as a representative in a Special Interest Group (SIG), she has the opportunity to meet and network with subject matter experts in the Nutrition field. This widened her perspectives in the field and allowed her to exchange knowledge and research ideas with industry leaders. “Don't stick to just one person or a group of people. At the end of your course/term, you might have friends from many places around the world whom you can visit in the future!”
She is keen on leveraging on the platform to initiate collaboration with other Malaysian associations and like-minded professionals.
Are you a Malaysian abroad who’s interested in collaborating with Najiah or MAPP? Head over to MyHeart to register and get the conversation going
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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.
