Rules you MUST KNOW before coming to Malaysia

Summary

The video features Nordin, an Australian convert to Islam who has lived in Malaysia for 30 years, discussing his experiences and insights on Malaysian society. He highlights the importance of food culture, the blend of languages, and the deep respect for race, religion, and royalty in Malaysia. Nordin offers advice for foreigners looking to assimilate or conduct business in Malaysia, emphasizing the value of building relationships and understanding cultural nuances. He also shares his favorite off-the-beaten-path destinations and food recommendations, while humorously admitting his inability to appreciate durian.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Nordin, an Australian convert to Islam, has been living in Malaysia for 30 years and is involved in multiple businesses in Kuala Lumpur.
• 🍽️ Malaysians and Singaporeans share a love for food and can be found eating at small stalls regardless of their social status.
• 🏢 Singapore is described as having a more regulated and efficient business environment compared to Malaysia, but it comes with higher costs.
• 🤝 Building relationships is key to doing business in Malaysia, as it is in most of Asia.
• 🏛️ Avoid discussing sensitive topics like race, religion, and royalty in a disrespectful manner; instead, approach them with respect and a willingness to learn.
• 👥 Malaysia is known for its religious harmony, with people of different faiths having a deep understanding and respect for each other's beliefs.
• 🌆 The speaker refers to Malaysia's diversity and multiculturalism as the '1957 narrative', indicating a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures.
• 🌐 Foreigners are advised not to rush and to take the time to understand Malaysian culture and business practices.
• 🏖️ Sarawak, Langkawi, and Sakinchan are recommended off-the-beaten-path destinations for visitors to Malaysia.
• 🥭 The speaker has a love for local foods like roody Chennai but struggles to appreciate durian, known as the king of fruits in Malaysia.
• 🏗️ Kuala Lumpur has developed significantly over the past 30 years, with a booming property market and an expanding skyline.

Q & A

Who is Nordin, and what is his background?

Nordin is an Australian who converted to Islam and moved to Malaysia 30 years ago. He is currently running multiple businesses in Kuala Lumpur.

What similarities exist between Singapore and Malaysia, according to the video?

The similarities include the food culture, multilingual reality, and the ability of people to construct sentences using multiple languages. Both countries share a deep connection to food.

What are the 'No-No' topics to discuss in Malaysia?

The topics to avoid are race, religion, and royalty. These subjects can be discussed, but they should be approached with respect.

How do Malaysians feel about different ethnicities and religions?

Malaysians are generally respectful and knowledgeable about different religions and ethnic groups. They prioritize harmony and often have a deep understanding of each other’s cultures.

How does Nordin describe the business environment in Singapore compared to Malaysia?

Nordin describes Singapore as a more regulated and efficient business environment, but also more expensive. In contrast, Malaysia offers a more affordable yet relationship-focused business culture.

What advice does Nordin give to foreigners wanting to do business in Malaysia?

Nordin advises foreigners to invest time in building relationships over a cup of coffee. Understanding the person and their motivations is key, especially in family-run businesses or industries like the Halal market.

What is Malaysia's approach to relationships in business compared to Western countries?

In Malaysia, business is heavily relationship-based, and building trust is important. Unlike Western business practices where the focus is on selling, Malaysians value taking time to foster long-term relationships.

What challenges might foreigners face when trying to assimilate in Malaysia?

Foreigners who try to impose their own ways of doing things or who are in a rush to adapt may struggle. Success in Malaysia depends on showing respect, understanding local culture, and building relationships.

What unique places in Malaysia does Nordin recommend visiting?

Nordin recommends visiting Sarawak for its natural beauty and wildlife, Langkawi for its popular tourist spots, and Sekinchan for its rice fields and excellent seafood, which are less known to tourists.

Why does Nordin dislike durian, despite having lived in Malaysia for 30 years?

Despite trying durian many times, Nordin cannot get accustomed to its taste. He acknowledges that it is the 'king of fruits' in Malaysia, but he simply cannot enjoy it, possibly due to a personal dislike.