Global talents adapting to local culture: Foreign executives navigating Malaysia's job market

British national Ally Robertson joined the company in January 2024 after spending 17 years with the same group in the UK, South Africa, India, the US, and Australia. His extensive international experience brings a unique perspective and leadership acumen.

"When I first arrived in Malaysia, the difference between work and life was obvious. However, the friendliness, support, and warmth of the local people dispelled my discomfort like a warm sun. Aside from traffic jams, not enough sidewalks, and a lot of reliance on cars due to the hot weather, Malaysia is almost perfect."

He was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of cultures and cuisines, as well as the sight of various ethnic groups celebrating festivals together. In particular, the food culture has become an important bridge for him to quickly integrate into the team and get closer to his colleagues.

"For example, I used to have my lunch with a simple sandwich at my desk, but when I came to Malaysia, I found that lunch was highly valued. Now, I try to find time to have lunch with my colleagues at least once a week. It is not only a treat for my taste buds but also an important social and team-building moment."

Actively Building Relationships

He was also pleasantly surprised by the high value his colleagues placed on "building relationships" and actively participated in it, which he found to be a very positive aspect of Malaysia's work culture.

"It's not just about getting the job done; it's about making genuine personal connections with colleagues. Honestly, it's a lot easier than when I was working in some other countries. While the work can be overwhelming, we also make sure to make time to socialize and celebrate together. Colleagues at work can quickly become your family in a foreign country, and building that trust is essential to a successful organization."

In the process of working with the Malaysian team, Robertson was deeply impressed by the tacit collaboration between the team members and the strong spirit of unity and cooperation.

"When teams are successful, they tend to emphasize the strength of 'we' and 'ours' and less on individual heroism. In this case, my role is more like that of a cheerleader or bandleader for the team, reminding everyone to be proud of their shared achievements, because they tend not to stop to celebrate after a good achievement."

More Emphasis on Consensus and Harmony

Robertson observes that the Malaysian team values consensus and harmony more than teams in other countries, "which may mean that they can sometimes be less direct or confrontational than other markets I've worked in. This isn't entirely bad, but it can sometimes lead to tricky conversations that don't get through in time."

He said that his experience working in different countries has benefited him a lot, broadening his global perspective, improving his leadership skills, providing the opportunity to work with talented people from different cultural backgrounds, and offering a deep understanding of business operations in a multicultural context. This has enabled him to navigate the complex and diverse business environment and has also served as an important springboard for his career, bringing him to his role in Malaysia. His responsibilities in Malaysia are broad and heavy, covering a number of key areas such as strategic planning, automation, claims, operational governance, and technology.

What are the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Malaysia?

"The digital insurance space is experiencing rapid growth, with growing consumer interest in technology-driven solutions that make insurance more accessible at the click of a button, and there is tremendous potential for growth. In addition, Malaysia's maturity in applications and digital payments is even higher than in many parts of Europe, presenting a market opportunity for companies with strengths in the digital space. The challenge here is to constantly adapt to the ever-changing regulatory environment and market demands."

"I would advise successful businesses in Malaysia to seek out local partners and take the time to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and consumer behavior. Building trust with local customers is key to long-term success. We need to make the most of our strong global brand, but also make it closer to the Malaysian people and make our products more in line with their needs."

Ally Robertson: One of the things I appreciate most about Malaysia's multicultural environment is how it allows me to look at things from multiple perspectives.

Source: Multinational talents follow the local customs, and foreign executives enter the Malaysian workplace