Malaysian dancers performing at the Summer Night Market. | Photo courtesy of MSBCA

Vancouver attracts immigrants from all over the world, creating a mosaic of different peoples and cultures. For immigrants from Malaysia, this diversity is not necessarily something new.

“Vancouver is a melting pot of cultures, and in Malaysia many races [Malays, Chinese, Indians, etc.] live harmoniously together – and everyone speaks English in Malaysia,” says Carmen Chu, a Malaysian student studying at UBC.

Malaysia was colonized by the British in the 18th century and in addition to Malay and Mandarin, English became one of the primary languages spoken. Most Malaysians do not face the language barrier, unlike immigrants from other countries, and this eases their transition into Canada.

Assisting Malaysians immigrants

While their English proficiency and openness can help in the process of adapting to Vancouver, Malaysian immigrants still face significant obstacles, from loneliness and isolation to needing to acquire new educational and professional credentials.

Stanley Low, president of the Malaysia Singapore and Brunei Cultural Association (MSBCA) immigrated from Kuala Lumpur to seek better prospects for his family. The MSBCA has been established for 38 years, and strives to promote and develop the culture of the three countries it represents.

“We help them [new immigrants] to not feel so lonely here,” says Low.

Honorary advisor to MSBCA and recently elected chairman of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, Sing Lim Yeo, adds their association feels responsible for helping fellow Malaysians integrate into society. The association also provides scholarships for children to encourage them in pursuing higher education. Yeo and Low hope to continue promoting Malaysian culture around Vancouver through cultural performances and participating in charity events.

Yeo estimates that there are approximately 30,000 Malaysians in the Lower Mainland – although no official statistics have been recorded yet. Yeo proudly says most Malaysians will do well here in the sense they will be able to feed their families and educate their children. Furthermore, he emphasizes most will not need to rely on social assistance.

“Everyone has an equal opportunity here and they must have confidence and a positive attitude [towards others] to be successful here,” says Yeo.

Professional challenges

Low was an entrepreneur and a construction contractor in Malaysia, and wanted to continue his profession in Vancouver. Despite being successful and experienced in Malaysia, he faced difficulties with the business culture in Canada.

“You need many references and a long work history here [in Vancouver], and it is difficult to run a business alone,” explains Low, who immigrated to Canada in 1988.

He says although immigrants may be proficient at their jobs in their home country, there are different educational standards in Canada. An immigrant’s credentials may not be recognized, and can result in many immigrants going back to school or wasting their talents. Low feels this was the biggest challenge he faced coming to Canada. After personally experiencing these employment difficulties, Low now advises new immigrants to reach out to S.U.C.C.E.S.S for assistance in finding employment and learning interview skills.

Yeo was also in the construction business and furthered his education at BCIT. He is now the co-owner of Royal Pacific Realty, the largest real estate firm in Western Canada. Yeo strongly believes in giving back to the community and devotes much of his time to volunteer work. He was awarded the 2013 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award last year.

Cultural adaptation and acceptance

Chu says she feels the Malaysian community in Vancouver is small and she does not encounter many Malaysians on the streets. Unlike Chinatown, where one can run into many Chinese people, there are no specific neighbourhoods with more Malaysians or Malay businesses. Chu feels the only time she meets other Malaysians is at social events run by the Seri Malaysian Club at UBC.

Yeo and Chu both believe Malaysians have an open mind when it comes to accepting others from different religions, cultures and backgrounds. Chu feels most Malaysians should have no problem adapting to new environments.

The MSBCA holds various get-togethers and social events throughout the year at their club house in Richmond. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.msbca.com. Non-members are welcome.