What makes Malaysia special is the diversity of its people.
Product engineering team leader Surachai Chan Somchit is a third generation Malaysian of Siamese and Chinese heritage.
He said his mixed background reflected the importance of embracing different cultures without demanding uniformity.
Born and brought up in Penang, Surachai grew up speaking English, Bahasa Malaysia and some Hokkien.
“While I embrace both sides of my parents’ heritage, with my mother being Taoist and father Buddhist, as a Malaysian I also celebrate multiple cultures and festivals.”
He values the ability to live, work and connect with others of different backgrounds in Malaysia.
His wife, recruitment officer Divyana Grace Velautham, who is also of mixed race, hopes Malaysians will continue to show kindness and understanding to one another.
Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Divyana was exposed to a blend of cultures and speaks English, Bahasa Malaysia, Bisaya and Tamil.
Her father is Tamil, while her mother is Bisaya, an ethnic group found in Sabah and Sarawak.
“To me, Malaysia Day means moving away from an ‘us versus them’ mindset and embracing a sense of ‘we’.
“This should extend to everyone, regardless of nationality, race or class, especially those who may need assistance.”
Insurance agent Syouzi Morishita said Malaysia Day is about remembering the sacrifices made by our leaders, who put the country first.
Born and raised in Penang, Morishita is half-Chinese and half-Japanese.
He speaks English, Japanese and Mandarin at home, and picked up Bahasa Malaysia and Hokkien in school.
His Malaysian identity became even stronger while living abroad, he said, including when looking for spices to add to his food.
“We are a mix of cultures who get to enjoy each other’s celebrations.”
