Valuing Malaysian Culture

Dalat students connect authentically by valuing and appreciating Malaysian culture.

Whenever I tell people in the international community that I’ve been in Penang at Dalat International School for 13 years, they always have the same response. “Wow! That must be a great place.” I completely agree. I feel extremely grateful and blessed to live in Penang and make this my home. I love the weather, the natural beauty, and the people.

Sometimes it’s hard for us as “global nomads” to communicate a sense of appreciation for the place we currently live. Many of us have lived in several different countries throughout our lives, and that brings nostalgia for places we have left behind. However, it is always important to live fully in the present. At this time, that means fully embracing our current home of Malaysia. Spoiler alert! Next year, our school theme will put Malaysia at the front of all of our minds.

With the recent Labor Day holiday on May 1, I asked some people how they celebrate. I found out that there isn’t really a “traditional” Labor Day celebration in Malaysia, so we tried to combine an American tradition with the Malaysian holiday by hosting a staff family picnic. A number of our Malaysian staff brought their extended family – parents, cousins, and kids. It was so much fun to spend a relaxing time together on a day off from work. We shared food and visited while the kids enjoyed playing outside. I strongly believe that spending time with Malaysian people is the best way to value and learn to appreciate their culture.

It is important for all of our students, both Malaysian and foreign, to appreciate and value the place they currently call home. No matter where our alumni scatter after graduation, I hear again and again how much they miss their Malaysian home. The best way for us to teach this to the kids is to model it for them. This week, try to take some time to talk with your kids about why you love Malaysia.