Day 1: Putting KL on the map

🏫 Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management (MIHRI), Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves

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Meeting Mr Simon Benjamin at MIHRM and Dr Thiru from University of Malaya, I learned about cultural and economic factors creating challenges for HR in Malaysia: diversity vs division (Asian immigrants encouraged but with wage disparity, Indigenous given jobs without considering traditional cultures); diaspora to Singapore and Australia caused by an increasingly educated population (particularly women), higher incomes abroad, gender inequality; aging population addressed by expectations around women having more babies, immigration and reskilling.
“Malaysians have the ideas but not the implementation” was mentioned by Dr Thiru with examples such as Grab, F1, casinos and health tourism moving to Singapore due to systemic government issues inhibiting innovation and funding.
My observations highlighted gender biases with the female manager taking a quiet role in the corner, Mr Simon’s surprise at a male nurse “Oh that’s ok” and a female engineer.

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The Petronas Twin Towers was a highlight showcasing Malaysia’s ambition to put Kuala Lumpur on the map. Once the tallest in the world, they remain iconic, with Tower 188, the second tallest globally, emphasising how infrastructure symbolises national pride and progress.

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Gender equality (SDG 5) was evident in discussions about women leaving Malaysia and observed gender biases.
Climate Change (SDG 13) surfaced at Petronas towers. The implication of this highly visible tower, housing a government linked oil and gas company, employing many raised questions about whether there were incentives to reduce fossil fuels reliance. In contrast, Burf Khalifa had a strong sustainability message throughout the visitor experience when I’d visited in 2023.

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It was surprising that Batu Caves, a deeply spiritual site, is sponsored by Pepsi, an odd juxtaposition of religion and commercial branding.
I observed a cultural tendency of both our tour guide Nelson, and Mr Simon to avoid admitting “I don’t know” in relation to correct attire for the tower visit or other questions asked. “Saving face” is common in business settings across several Asian countries and was evident in Malaysia. The men responded confidently and provided an answer they believed to be acceptable even if not fully accurate.

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A key takeaway was Malaysia’s desire for diversity. The comparison between Indigenous communities in Malaysia and Australia reinforced that engagement must respect cultural preferences rather than impose institutional solutions. Diversity in the Care industry also stood out, with wage disparities between Filipino and Indonesian workers highlighting economic inequities.

*The long awaited 4th story of the Batu Caves has recently been written and can be found at this end of this journey.Læs mere