Well-accustomed: Ahmad Syukri wearing traditional Chinese attire in Xi’an.
PETALING JAYA: Six years ago, Ahmad Syukri Azmi arrived in China knowing little Mandarin.
But he has “survived” to tell the tale. As he put it, it was not a big problem for him then.
In any case, he started learning Chinese three years ago.
“My proficiency in Mandarin is still poor. I would rate it one out of five,” he said.
However, Ahmad Syukri, who is an editor in Beijing, said that his knowledge of the language had enabled him to forge closer connections with the locals and gain deeper insights into their culture.
He said language barriers, which could have been significant a decade ago, are mitigated by the multitude of translation apps available on smartphones these days.
As for his experience working in China, Ahmad Syukri said he noticed that many Chinese had a good impression of Malaysia.
“Typically, when people inquire about my origin, my mention of ‘Malaysia’ would often elicit a positive response. Most of them are familiar with us and our history,” he said.
Ahmad Syukri, 33, finds Beijing to be a safe city where he is now based with his wife and four-year-old son.
“With a low crime rate, many female residents feel safe running alone at night.”
The capital city, he said, was well connected as well.
“I am impressed by the last mile connectivity and facilities, the easy access to buses and ebikes especially when they are far from subway stations.
“There are also high speed rail and dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, which are essential for many residents,” he added.
For Malaysians seeking to work in China, his advice for them would be to prioritise learning the culture and language as well as preparing to adapt to a new culture and cuisine.
As for the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-Chinese diplomatic ties in May, Syukri said that it would have significant meaning.
“Fifty years represent more than just a numerical milestone; it signifies the progress made in understanding each other in this modern era.
“Enhanced mutual understanding helps mitigate miscommunication and misconceptions, elevating our relationship to new heights,” he said.
In the case of Siti Jehan Ahmad Bakatal, China is no “stranger” to her, having worked in the Middle Kingdom in 2009 and 2017.
In February last year, she got her third stint in China when she was posted to Hangzhou to work as Proton assistant manager for project management and localisation.
Hangzhou was where the 19th Asian Games took place last year.
“The city was doing a lot to promote the Games and it was very well done. There were a lot of decorations and awareness about the Games.”
“Everywhere in Hangzhou, there was a mascot. And at airports and shopping malls, there were interactive quizzes about the Games with giveaways for participants,” she said.
Unfortunately, she was too preoccupied with work and did not manage to catch any of the competitions.
Siti Jehan, 47, who is marking her fifth year in China, said she could get by in the country despite knowing just basic Chinese.
The language barrier, she said, is not as critical anymore.
“This is especially so as more younger Chinese can speak and understand English,” she said.
She recalled her early days when she arrived in China for the first time.
“Back then, it was difficult to even check into hotels because the front desk staff could not speak English, even in Shanghai.
“Now most big city hotel staff can speak English,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that it was rather difficult to find halal food in Hangzhou Bay.
“There is only one shop selling halal meat. I don’t have other options so I just have to make do,” she said.
Siti Jehan has come to appreciate the culture, the fast growing technology and the four-season climate in China.
“One of my favourite places is Shanghai because it is a modern and stylish city.
“I also like Xian. It is a historical city which has many beautiful places to visit. And there are the old mosques there as well,” she said.
During Ramadan, Siti Jehan said that she would pray in open spaces as there are no big mosques in Hangzhou Bay.
However, the festive mood is there for her.
She would prepare Malaysian food such as curry, satay and ketupat.
During last year’s Hari Raya celebration, Siti Jehan was invited to join a festive event at the Malaysian consulate in Shanghai.
“Chinese friends have also invited me to their house to share food together,” said Siti Jehan, whose husband works in Malaysia.
The Malaysia-China 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, she said, would give opportunities for the people to enjoy economic, cultural and educational benefits.
“Closer diplomatic relations may lead to collaborations in education, such as student exchange programs, scholarships and joint research initiatives.
“It will also encourage tourism, attracting Chinese tourists to Malaysia and vice versa,” she said.
