Well-accustomed: Ahmad Syukri wearing traditional Chinese attire in Xi’an.
PETALING JAYA: Six years ago, Ahmad Syukri Azmi arrived in China with minimal knowledge of Mandarin.
He managed to adapt and described the language barrier as not a significant issue at that time.
Despite starting to learn Chinese three years ago, he still rates his proficiency as poor, giving himself a score of one out of five.
Ahmad Syukri, who works as an editor in Beijing, emphasized that learning Mandarin helped him connect with locals and understand their culture better.
He noted that technology, such as translation apps on smartphones, has eased language barriers that were more challenging in the past.
Regarding his experience in China, Ahmad Syukri observed that many Chinese people hold a positive view of Malaysia.
He mentioned that mentioning Malaysia usually elicits a favorable response from the locals who are familiar with Malaysia and its history.
Living in Beijing with his wife and four-year-old son, Ahmad Syukri finds the city to be safe with a low crime rate, especially for women running alone at night.
He praised the city’s connectivity, including last-mile transportation options like buses and ebikes, as well as facilities that cater to cyclists and pedestrians.
His advice to Malaysians considering working in China is to prioritize learning the language and culture while preparing for a new culinary and cultural experience.
Regarding the upcoming 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties in May, Syukri believes it symbolizes the progress made in mutual understanding and encourages further growth in their relationship.
In another account, Siti Jehan Ahmad Bakatal shared her experiences of working in China, having been there multiple times, including her current stint in Hangzhou as a Proton assistant manager.
She noted the city’s efforts to promote the 19th Asian Games, with decorations and activities creating awareness about the event.
Although busy with work, Siti Jehan appreciated the city’s preparations for the Games and its festive atmosphere.
Despite her basic Chinese skills, she found it easier to communicate in Hangzhou as more younger Chinese individuals can understand and speak English now.
She recalled the challenges of her earlier visits when it was difficult to find English speakers in certain establishments, a situation that has improved over the years.
Siti Jehan mentioned the scarcity of halal food in Hangzhou Bay, with only one shop offering halal meat, making it challenging for her dietary requirements.
She expressed her fondness for Chinese culture, technological advancements, and the diverse climate in the country, particularly enjoying modern Shanghai and historical Xian.
During Ramadan, she adapts to praying in open spaces due to the limited availability of mosques in Hangzhou Bay, yet she embraces the festive spirit by preparing traditional Malaysian dishes.
Attending a festive event at the Malaysian consulate in Shanghai during Hari Raya, Siti Jehan also shared meals with Chinese friends, highlighting the cultural exchange opportunities between Malaysia and China.
She believes that closer diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China on their 50th anniversary can lead to economic, cultural, and educational collaborations, benefiting both nations through initiatives like student exchanges and tourism promotion.
