MALAYSIA: THROUGH FOREIGN EYES
News Today decided to take to the streets in Bangsar, a small but affluent neighbourhood just at the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, a place known for a high number of expatriates living there.
Chic and popular among the socially-savvy, News Today asked three foreigners what they thought of Malaysia.
Fiona Bach, 37, have lived here for the past four years, and have loved the warm weather. Her expat husband, who works with an oil-and-gas company, share her feelings about Malaysia being a good place to raise the kids.
"It's different, for sure, we had quite a shock when I came here, because where I'm from in Scotland, the weather is cold, and its pretty country," she said.
She has two children, both of whom go to school here.
"I love Malaysia. It's been an amazing place to live in, and the weather is amazing."
As for a 79-year-old former Malaysian who refused to say his name, he left his home country to be with his wife in the 60's, who worked with the Peace Corps.
"I used to be a Felda manager," said the casually-dressed man. Felda is a government brainchild to help poor Malays and protect their income.
"But I left. It's a long story, though."
He said he had travelled back and forth yearly from USA to Malaysia, mostly to do volunteer work and to help out when he can.
"I live by the three H's: help the hopeless and the homeless." He said he will continue to help people for as long as he can.
For journalist and writer Neil Marquez, 25, being here for the past 12 days has been quite an experience.
Here as part of an international journalism fellowship organised by the Malaysian Press Institute, Neil has enjoyed his time here as he has met loads of friends and new people, all whom he said has helped him experience Malaysia to its fullest.
MALAYSIA: TRULY ASIA
As a fairly small developing nation, Malaysia has had its fair share of ups and downs, whether economically or politically.
Comprising of thirteen states with a 27million and growing population, Malaysia boasts, among others, a culturally rich society and a healthy appetite for food, which has clearly benefited from the various races that live here and call Malaysia home.
A warm and tropical climate complements the warm and friendly people of three major races: the Malays, Indians and Chinese.
An ethnic Chinese girl
And ethnic Indian man
It also boasts a diverse flora and fauna, more dialects and spoken languages than one can count, and a rapidly growing economy.
Malaysia has also grown to be a popular tourist destination since its pristine beaches make for lazy afternoons in the sun.
