Coming from Vietnam to Malaysia it was easy to notice the contrast between these two southeast Asian countries. The first thing I noticed is how widely English is used in Malaysia. English is one of the official languages here, so I can read and understand signs, menus, Uber drivers, hotel clerks, etc. I can actually make a phone call knowing the person on the other end will speak English. In Vietnam, I do not make calls.
A few other things that stood out about Malaysia. The sidewalks are clear and smooth – you can walk on them safely! Traffic is orderly. The air is clean. Public transportation is quick and easy. I rode buses, subways, trains (high-speed and commuter), a funicular railway, a cable car, ferries and a monorail.
Another big difference is the blend of people in Malaysia. Malay, Chinese and Indian are the main ethnic groups here. Each city I’ve visited has a Little India and a Chinatown. There are Muslims, Christians and Buddhists living side by side. On one street, you can find temples, churches and mosques. All are always open and welcoming to visitors from all over the world. You cannot tell if someone is Malaysian just by their appearance. People here come from all races, religions and ethnic backgrounds. Maybe that’s why English has become a common language.
In Vietnam, I have gotten used to seeing one dominant culture of the Viet people throughout the country. There are many ethnic minority groups living outside of the cities, but more than 86% of the people are Viet and speak Vietnamese as their first language. Every street has similar food and cafes. It’s not a bad thing, just very different from Malaysia.
Malaysia’s history also has Dutch, Portuguese and British influence. The architecture, food, language, infrastructure and customs all reflect these various cultures. Malaysian food is known as among the best in the world since it is a blend of so many different types of food.
On the surface, Malaysia seems like a perfect blend of cultures. On the surface, everyone seems to get along and respect each other. However, I know from just a little bit of research that Malaysia has its share of problems between different ethnic groups. Each group is stereotyped by the others and each group naturally looks out for their own best interests. It’s not a perfect society, but from my brief visit there, Malaysia makes blending different cultures seem easy. And maybe they’ve done things that other countries can learn from when it comes to learning how to live together in peace.
Here’s a few more photos from my week in Malaysia. You can read more about my trip and see more photos in recent posts.
Lori
December 2, 2016 at 12:49
🙂
Linda Wight
December 2, 2016 at 13:37
just read this post today, 12/2/16- very interesting!
Tim Flanagan
December 5, 2016 at 20:09
Thanks. I just posted it. I’m falling behind in my posts – too much work to do here in my last month in Vietnam.
Denise Zalaski
January 31, 2017 at 14:31
Hey Timmy! It’s Denise:-) I am just catching up with all your blogs and I am SO fascinated by EVERYTHING!! I am going to share all the school and educational blogs with my kids; they’ll find it so interesting. We’re studying ancient China now so this definitely will connect when we look into what’s happening in the modern times of southeast Asia. I am in awe of all that you’ve done!! You are AMAZING!
Tim Flanagan
February 2, 2017 at 05:51
Hi Denise! Thanks for reading and commenting. Glad you can find this useful in your teaching. Spread the word about my poetry site (click on “Where I’m From” above) with any teachers who may be interested.
Paula Agins
December 2, 2016 at 15:30
Nice photos!
Tim Flanagan
December 5, 2016 at 20:09
Thanks!
Millie
December 2, 2016 at 17:56
You hit on two of Jeff”s favorite topics…smooth sidewalks and organized traffic.
Great photos!
Betsy
December 2, 2016 at 19:58
Those would be Jeff’s favorites (lol) great post Tim!
Tim Flanagan
December 5, 2016 at 20:10
Thanks!
Tim Flanagan
December 5, 2016 at 20:10
I actually thought of Jeff while walking around Melaka. It’s a very walkable and beautiful city.
Monica Schnee
December 3, 2016 at 04:41
As always, informative, beautiful and thought provoking – getting closer to our saying goodbye to these great countries…
Tim Flanagan
December 5, 2016 at 20:10
Still so much to do, but time is flying by.
Diane
December 10, 2016 at 16:57
Tim, I think you should write/produce a travel show for the travel channel network for a second career.
Tim Flanagan
December 11, 2016 at 18:33
Thanks. I have a feeling it’s a lot more work and not as much fun though.
Marika Heughins
December 14, 2016 at 19:16
Tim,
BEAUTIFUL Pictures. I love the black and white shots.
Tim Flanagan
December 16, 2016 at 06:38
Thank you!