I USED to stutter when I spoke Bahasa Malaysia (BM). When I was accepted into the competitive Bachelor of Science (Dietetics) (Honours) programme at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), I feared that my lack of proficiency in the national language would hold me back.
Who would have thought that the real challenge was not the course, the examinations or the workload, but the mastery of the very language meant to unite us?
My first semester began during the Covid-19 pandemic. Classes were online, and most interactions happened on WhatsApp. At first, I did not realise the depth of the language barrier. Slowly, confusion crept in.
My classmates communicated almost entirely in BM. I struggled to follow their conversations, not because I did not want to understand, but because I could not.
Having been educated primarily in Mandarin and later studying in English-medium institutions, BM existed mostly in textbooks, examinations and formal writing for me. I had no idea then that the real test would only begin when we returned to campus.
Breaking out of my bubble
When pandemic restrictions were lifted and physical classes resumed, I participated in the Kem Perkasa Siswa organised by Kolej Tan Sri Mustaffa Babjee (KTMB). It was the first time I truly interacted face to face with students from different races and backgrounds.
Everyone spoke BM – not the textbook version I was familiar with, but a casual, everyday language filled with shortcuts and modern expressions.
At first, I felt lost. I could have chosen the easy way out and spoken English, but I refused because I realised something important: language is not just a tool to communicate; it is also a bridge to truly connect with people. So I tried. I spoke slowly, made mistakes, sounded awkward, but I kept going.
The camp changed my life. I realised I had been living in a bubble.
For the first time, I saw Malaysia as it truly was, through the stories, accents and lived experiences of others. Mixing with people of different races, cultures and backgrounds taught me more about Malaysia than any textbook ever could. I began to understand that BM is not merely a subject to be studied, but a shared space where Malaysians meet.
Choosing growth
After the camp, I decided to be active throughout my university life – to see Malaysia through the diverse perspectives and experiences of its communities and in doing so, learn to speak our national language with confidence.
I started as a KTMB college representative council member, learning the fundamentals of leadership. I found my command of BM steadily improving through constant interaction with friends and the community.
My commitment to service soon eclipsed my initial goal of simply improving my language skills. What began as a mission to connect with my peers evolved into a passion for community building, leading me to take on escalating responsibilities.
Through community engagement, I developed empathy, purpose, as well as collaborative, problem-solving and communication skills.
Language, identity and unity
BM has the power to unite a multiracial nation like Malaysia. However, unity does not mean abandoning our mother tongue. We do not need to choose one at the expense of another. True unity begins when we are willing to learn, adapt and understand one another, accepting and embracing our unique differences. Language should build bridges, not walls.
I am grateful to my past self for choosing discomfort over familiarity. To those who never mocked my broken sentences, who patiently taught me phrases, and accepted me as I learnt – thank you.
To anyone afraid to step out of your comfort zone, remember this: courage is the decision to act despite fear. Growth begins the moment you choose to try, even when your voice shakes. You do not need to wait to feel ready. You simply need to take the first step and allow the journey to shape you.
Lee Si Jie
The writer was presented with the Sultan Idris Shah Endowment Award during the 49th Convocation Ceremony on Nov 29, 2025, by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is the UPM chancellor.
