2026 yongting’s blog

Living and interacting in a diverse world is an ongoing learning process. When cultures meet, I believe the primary responsibility to adapt lies with the guest or foreigner rather than the host. Entering a new space requires active observation and a genuine willingness to adjust our habits to respect local norms. For me, it comes down to the old saying: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Personally, I always make it a point to thoroughly research what we can and cannot do before entering another culture, ensuring I step into their world with respect and awareness. However, adapting to a new environment does not mean compromising on professional standards. In a workplace setting, I believe tasks and personal feelings must be kept completely separate. If a colleague's idea is flawed, being vague just to shield someone's feelings can jeopardize the outcome. To me, preserving the success of the project is the most responsible choice and the highest form of respect. Ther...

I think comparing Malaysia and Japan shows a big difference between warm friendships and quiet harmony. When someone asks about my part-time job, I like to share my dream of working in a cafe again. In Malaysia, people are very friendly. Sharing small stories is a quick way to make friends. But in Japan, people prefer to keep a polite distance with acquaintances. They usually give short, simple answers to respect each other's space. We also handle disagreements differently. If someone disagrees with my favorite place to live, I feel shocked. However, I will try to explain my feelings so they can understand my side. Malaysians like to use gentle talking to fix misunderstandings. In contrast, Japanese people care a lot about Wa  (social harmony). They often use Tatamae   (a polite public face) to avoid arguing. Finally, I do not like long silences or people who only talk about themselves. In Malaysia, conversations need to keep moving with active chatting. But in Japan, silence ...