5 Young, aspirational Malaysians share what their dream Malaysia looks like

In the blink of an eye, another year has passed and Malaysia is a year older.

It’s no doubt that as Merdeka day inches closer and closer, the fire of patriotism burns hotter in our hearts. 

But, is Malaysia today the Malaysia you hoped it would be?

One step along the way is to recognise our role in society and doing what we can to shape our country into the best Malaysia it can be.

After all, Malaysia is nothing if it’s not its people.

So, we decided to ask a diverse group of young Malaysians what they aspire Malaysia to be, what is their “Dream Malaysia”, and what are they doing to make this dream a reality?

Fakhrie’s Dream Malaysia is a clean one.

Fakhrie Baharudin, 30-year-old photographer said he wishes to see Malaysia become the benchmark country in Southeast Asia in eco-friendliness.

“My “Dream Malaysia” is a healthy and eco-friendly benchmark country in Southeast Asia for reducing plastic use and harmful materials from the ecosystem.”

Fakhrie to TRP

And to achieve this, Fakhrie is doing everything he can in his daily life and sharing his efforts on social media to encourage his followers.

“I’ve been promoting healthy eating – sugar-free, lightly seasoned, home-cooked food prepared in weekly batches – on my social media.

“I carry my own food containers and drinking bottles, and use my own shopping bags when buying personal items and groceries to reduce plastic usage and waste.

“By setting a good example for others, I encourage them to be mindful of their lifestyles too.”

Fakhrie to TRP

Anne’s Dream Malaysia is one that’s inclusive.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anne Law (@its.anne.with.an.e) on Sep 17, 2018 at 10:22pm PDT

For Anne Law Dorall, 25-year-old environment enthusiast, she’d like to see Malaysia become truly united in its diversity.

“My “Dream Malaysia” looks like a country where everyone isn’t just tolerated, they’re included.

“Everyone is free to practice their culture and religion without being judged or shunned by it.”

Anne to TRP

Anne believes that by simply being a little bit more open and accepting, Malaysia will easily become that.

“By being accepting and open to learning of other people’s cultures and being considerate of their needs.

“By being open to discussion and not taking things personally or be immediately defensive. To agree to disagree, but never letting differences in opinion create a divide.”

Anne to TRP

Dinesh’s Dream Malaysia is a united one.

Dinesh Athinarayanan, 37-year-old husband and father, believes that our nation is already beautiful but we just need to have a little more faith in each other.

“My Dream Malaysia is a country where our fellow Malaysians are united regardless of race or religion. We’d have equal opportunities for prosperity and success.”

Dinesh to TRP

To achieve this, Dinesh simply shows some compassion towards his fellow countrymen.

“By being more sensitive and conscious of one another. To refrain from inciting hate or being bias towards others on social media and in public.”

Dinesh to TRP

Farhanah’s “Dream Malaysia” is one that has a high sense of civic duty.

Farhanah Farid, 28-year-old mother of two aspires for a Malaysia where the people don’t treat each other, or the environment, like trash.

“My “Dream Malaysia” is a country where people understand their responsibility to the environment they live in and takes care of their relationship with nature and with the other people around them.”

Farhanah to TRP

To achieve this aspiration, Farhanah practices the little things that go a long way and teaches her kids to practice them in their daily lives too.

“I don’t litter. I also educate my kids about personal and environmental hygiene. Cleanliness begins in the home. It’s these little things that go a long way. 

“I teach my kids to befriend everyone, no matter their race or religion. Ignorance breeds fear. By teaching them that different doesn’t mean bad, they learn to refrain from passing judgement and avoid prejudice.”

Farhanah to TRP

Serene’s “Dream Malaysia” is one that is woke.

Serene Nazari, 23-year-old student, would like to see a nation that’s free from judgement and discrimination.

“My “Dream Malaysia” is a place where mental illness is acknowledged and nobody is discriminated for suffering from it.”

Serene to TRP

She advocates for mental health awareness on social media and speaks up about the hardship she faces personally so that her peers know they aren’t alone in their struggles.

“I try my best to make this a reality by talking publicly about my own struggles with anxiety and depression.

“I make it known that I suffer from these illnesses when I go for job interviews because I’d rather not work somewhere that would drop me later when I’m having a tough time.

“I also reach out and make myself accessible to friends that seem like they’re struggling with their mental health and encourage seeking professional help.”

Serene to TRP

---

Are these Dream Malaysias the Malaysia you hope to see?

Share your Dream Malaysia with us and tell us what you do to achieve this dream on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

This inspiring piece was sponsored by Sime Darby Property!

Building sustainable communities for Malaysians for the past 45 years, this homegrown Malaysian corporation has been quite literally, building the nation by creating both homes and careers for Malaysians.

Sime Darby Property is behind popular townships like Subang Jaya, Taman Melawati and Bukit Jelutong. All neighbourhoods that have matured into vibrant and diverse communities over the years.

The multi award-winning company strives to create spaces and places that inspire, connect and lasts for generations to come.

Their newest neighbourhood, Serenia City, is a vibrant township, perfect for young Malaysians to create a home and live their aspirations.