38. An overseas Chinese trying to find his roots by Yeang

38. An overseas Chinese trying to find his roots by Yeang

Hi there! My name is Yeang. I was born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, and I am of Chinese descent. I have traveled to more than 21 countries and worked in 5 different countries. For the past 10 years I have lived in China.

The Culture & Languages

As an overseas Chinese, we share very similar culture, language, and dialects with Chinese people. Many people may not know about the story and history of overseas Chinese migration from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. Most of our ancestors mainly came from Fujian and Guangdong provinces. Malaysia is a harmonious multiracial country and it has the highest population of overseas Chinese, and, so far, the best-preserved Chinese culture, religion, and traditions. In Penang, Malaysia, where I am from, our education systems were very different than any other country that I have ever visited. In schools we are taught in Bahasa Malaysia (Malaysia’s national language), which is similar to Bahasa Indonesia (the Indonesian language). English as a secondary language is compulsory in all levels. In some schools there are additional languages such as Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. I am English-educated, and therefore I could not converse in the Chinese language before I came to China.

It was really difficult during the beginning, especially the first year, when I couldn’t speak or understand Chinese in China, although I look no different than a Chinese. It took me a year and half to master Mandarin, and not just Cantonese when I am in Guangdong Province. I could speak it fluently, but still could not read and write in Chinese. I lead a team of 30-50 associates and it has been proven that my non-native Mandarin works very effectively and efficiently. I found that it is not how well we master the language, but rather how to deliver the message and have our communication be understood deeply though heart and mind, that is the most important.

Careers & Opportunities

In China, there is endless opportunity as long as we know what we want in life and what it takes to achieve it. “Where there is a will, there is always a way.” I first came to China through Shenzhen and started to work in the hospitality industry for years, until I saw another golden opportunity that matched my skills, ability, and capability; I immediately started a company and ran a small business. I never thought in my life that I would eventually be doing business though my own registered company anywhere. I am a typical corporate white-collar employee in a large MNC (multinational corporation). This is where I learned and elevated my capability to the next level where there is no support or well-structured organization. We have to do everything by ourselves, such as understanding how to run a legal and proper company in China. It is complicated and not easy everywhere to run a business and operate it successfully in compliance with the law.

As a startup, it can be really difficult to set up everything by ourselves with our experience, efforts, and ability in a country that is foreign to us. But as long as we insist on our passions and never give up, there is nothing that can really stop us from being successful. I am glad and very grateful that I am surrounded with a lot of great leaders who provide connections as well as business opportunities for me.

Sometimes in life, we just need to be positive and patient to attract good things to happen in our lives. Be grateful for what we have in life and life will be good.

 

The City

I love to travel and explore but ended up choosing to settle down in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is so far the best city for me as it reflects the modern and new China where everything is new, well organized, very green, fast-paced, and of course, warm. Shenzhen has a unique motto: “Everyone is a Shenzhener once you are in Shenzhen.” This is the reason I fell in love at first sight with China through Shenzhen.

The weather in Shenzhen is very similar to that of my hometown Penang. There are clear skies and it’s very hot, of course. For the past 10 years, I have learned and grown so much, and even been an eyewitness to the speed of development in Shenzhen. There was a time when there was just 1 metro line and now there are around 15 lines, 3 airports, and Asia’s largest international Convention and Exhibition Center in Shenzhen.

 

Last but not least

It is an honor and a privilege to see a city grow and to grow together with it. I started my career here and grew as an entrepreneur/startup because I was given an opportunity to prove myself and compete in the corporate ladder with my hard work and passion.

I am very lucky and fortunate to be part of the growth and development of a great city and a country called China. I welcome more and more people to know about the existence of us overseas Chinese here and anywhere. I have met many and various people who create and share their experience or even exchange wonderful stories with me. I have never experienced such great moments and I am proud of myself and whom I’ve become in China.

 

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