The world has grown increasingly interconnected as a result of globalisation. Our world feels smaller now, as almost every country and city is accessible through the internet.
With heavy foreign influence, Malaysian youths are increasingly exposed to global cultures like Hollywood and Korean movies, as well as Japanese and American songs.
Do our youths know more about foreign culture than what happens here? And are they rejecting Malaysian pop culture?
Ariana Deena Buswani, 16, believes that embracing other cultures does not sever her connection to Malaysia.
She has visited the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but national monuments like A’ Famosa in Melaka and Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, with their rich history and heritage, still captivate and inspire her.
As much as she loves watching ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and singing along to Adele’s music, Ariana also delights in supporting the local creative industry.
“I think it’s very important to show support to the locals, as the future of our country’s creative industry is in their hands,” said Ariana, who loves singing.
“Without our support, they won’t be able to soar higher, and it could even affect the development of the local creative industry.”
She said that if anything, the spread of foreign values has only strengthened her sense of identity as a Malaysian.
Being raised by parents who are both Sarawakians, Ariana’s first language is Bahasa Sarawak. But she is also fluent in Bahasa Melayu and uses English on social media.
“I definitely feel more connected to Malaysian culture. I was born and raised here. I could travel across the globe and still choose to be back in Malaysia. As the saying goes, nowhere feels better than home,” said Ariana.
Ariana’s deep appreciation for her home country can be attributed to the influence of her mother, Malaysian singer and actress Sharifah Zarina Wan Hassan.
Sharifah Zarina said that as a parent, she actively instils a sense of patriotism and pride in the nation in her children.
“For me, patriotism is not just about flying the Malaysian flag – it’s about appreciating and passing on our culture,” said Sharifah Zarina.
She said she often takes her children to iconic cultural sites, including the Sarawak Cultural Village and Dataran Merdeka, to remind them of Malaysia’s abundant accomplishments and history.
Sharifah Zarina also encourages them to understand and value the talent of their own country by exposing them to local films, music, and creative works from legends like Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin.
“I want them to know the value of our Malaysian identity. Whether we’re visiting KLCC or watching a Malaysian movie, it’s about finding that balance between embracing the world and staying connected to where we come from,” said Sharifah Zarina.
Despite attending and graduating from an international school, 16-year-old Ayden Zafran Khairul Azri remains very much rooted in everything Malaysian.
He said although the syllabus at his school was British-based, he still has a strong understanding of Malaysian history.
“I enjoy local films like ‘Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa’, just as much as Western movies like ‘Saving Private Ryan’,” said Ayden.
He said he also visits national monuments, including Tugu Negara, to honour the Malaysian fighters whose sacrifices helped build the nation.
Like many international school students whose education is foreign-based, Ayden’s most frequently used language for daily communication is English. However, he occasionally mixes English with Malay in casual conversations.
He says the blend of foreign and local culture is an example of Malaysia’s unique diversity.
“Getting to live peacefully with people of different races, cultures, religions, and upbringings is truly a blessing,” added Ayden.
Christopher Foong, 14, who is also an international school student, believes that maintaining a strong connection to Malaysian culture is important despite studying at a school with a global focus.
“I have always been someone who adores and treasures Malaysian culture, so I believe that maintaining a strong Malaysian identity can foster patriotism and drive progress for the nation,” said Foong.
“I believe that as Malaysians, it’s only right for us to have an identity and connection to the very land that we were raised and live in despite the appeal of foreign cultures.”
While Foong often attempts to communicate in Bahasa Melayu with e-hailing drivers to make his rides more engaging, he rarely uses the language in school or with friends. English, being his mother tongue, remains his preferred and more comfortable language for communication.
Although it may seem that many international school students are not always connected to our local culture, parental influence appears to play a crucial role in determining how connected students are to Malaysian values.
Mother of four, Dr Aisah Rahim, believes that having a close connection to local culture depends on the individual.
“I can only speak about my own kids and their circle of friends who are, unfortunately, not so connected to our culture. Why? Probably because there’s not much exposure to it,” said Dr Aisah.
Does the rapid exposure to global cultures make young Malaysians lose touch with their roots, or is it an opportunity for growth and learning?
“It’s both. I think of it like a tree. We need to have strong roots to grow and reach the skies. One does not negate the other. The human mind, I feel, has infinite capacity,” said Dr Aisah.
“I have kids at multiple stages of life, and I find that at different stages, different friend groups cause an ebb and flow. Sometimes it goes in one direction, sometimes the other.”
In the end, the notion that Malaysian youths are cut off from reality due to global influences is not completely accurate.
It is possible to embrace the world while remaining deeply connected to one’s Malaysian identity.
Globalisation has broadened perspectives, providing opportunities for growth, learning, and self-expression, but it does not imply a loss of connection to one’s roots. Whether through language, culture, or education, the balance of local and global identities is ultimately determined by personal experiences, values, and family influences.
Just like a tree, deep roots are required to grow, and that growth might extend beyond boundaries.
To give the younger generation an avenue to express themselves, Twentytwo13 has a dedicated space called Young Voices. If you are a young writer (aged 17 and below) and would like your article published on our news website, send your contribution to editor@twentytwo13.my.
All articles must be accompanied by the young writer’s full name, MyKad number, contact number, and the mobile number of the young writer’s parents/guardians for verification purposes.
