#malaysia citizenship

[kazifatagar]

Penang High Court Grants Citizenship to Stateless Man After 40 Years

After 40 years of being stateless, Mohd Razwil Abdullah was granted Malaysian citizenship by the Penang High Court on 14 November. Judge Datuk Quay Chew Soon ordered the issuance of a new birth certificate reflecting his citizenship.  Penang High Court Grants Citizenship to Stateless Man After 40 Years Found as an infant near a garbage bin in 1984, Razwil spent his youth in welfare homes. His…

[thisisbjoeblog]

History 101: Famous Malaysian Indians & Their Major Achievements

Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry is woven together by the diverse communities that call this beautiful country home. Among these communities, the Indian diaspora has played a significant role in shaping the nation’s history and development since achieving independence, known as Merdeka, in 1957. Image source: Aliran Continue reading History 101: Famous Malaysian Indians & Their…

[handweavers]

"‘Trans man’ remains the preferred identity for Malaysian individuals who were Assigned female at birth but live their adult lives as men. The jettison-ing of pondan, pak nyah, wanita keras, tomboy and pengkid in favour of ‘trans man’ likely serves as a ratification of personal-communal empowerment and a repudiation of derision. It is even more likely that ‘trans man’ reflects a deep-seated desire to imitate and participate in ‘collective identifcation’, notably that which is cultivated in North American (and European) contexts, ‘in order to demand rights, equal citizenship, and welfare’ among other goals in Malaysia. This is hardly surprising. Technological advances facilitate unprecedented accessibility to copious resources on transgender issues and imagine a global transgender community in borderless solidarity. Travis S. K. Kong points out however, that ‘globalization is an uneven process that reproduces spatially uneven development, and the flow of capital, commodities, people, images, and ideas is never equal among locations’.

The Malaysian trans man thus experiences unequal and unstable access to the bounty of globalisation due to local limitations in education, economic means, social and cultural capital, class, ethnicity, religious affliation, educational levels, infrastructure and health services. He continues to be experience ‘disjunctive modernities’ which exhibit ‘irreducible plurality and local specifcity’, thus dispelling the myth of trans(national) homogeneity in transgender identity. The trans men I interviewed interpret their life stories through the rubric of local contexts that dispel any suspicion of a mere mimicry of western-styled transgender identities. Malaysian re/mouldings of ‘trans man’ speak to ‘experiences of multiplicity in gender identifcation … embedded within specifc social, cultural, and interpersonal contexts [that] create altogether new, emergent forms of experience and identity'."

— J. N. Goh, Becoming a Malaysian Trans Man

[mapsontheweb]

Countries Where You Cannot Give Up Your Citizenship

by dailyworldmaps

Lighter colour indicates countries where it is technically legal to relinquish your citizenship, but doing so is practically impossible. In Malaysia, Pakistan & The Bahamas, you must be older than 21 to relinquish your citizenship.

[mariacallous]

The Russian State Duma has introduced a bill to ban the adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transitions are legal.

What countries would be affected?

The ban would affect not just E.U. member states but also countries like Bolivia, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan, among others. However, according to an explanatory note attached to the bill, the restrictions are primarily aimed at NATO countries.

What countries would be left?

Judging by a report from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), as of 2020, there were 39 countries whose laws would likely exempt them from Russia’s proposed ban. Most of these countries are in Africa, South America, and Asia.

Algeria

Benin

Burundi

Cameroon

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Egypt

Gambia

Liberia

Morocco

Nigeria

Rwanda

Tanzania

Tunisia

Uganda

Jordan

Myanmar

Brunei

Oman

Philippines

United Arab Emirates

San Marino

Bahamas

Belize

Dominica

El Salvador

Grenada

Haiti

Honduras

Nicaragua

Kiribati

Marshall Islands

Tonga

Vanuatu

Kuwait

Malawi

Indonesia

Malaysia

Lebanon

South Sudan

Do citizens of these countries currently adopt many Russian children?

None, at least according to official statistics. In 2023, foreign citizens are recorded as having adopted just six children from Russia; in five cases, the parents were Italian citizens, and in one case, they were French citizens. Both Italy and France allow gender transitions.

In its summary of last year’s adoptions by foreigners, the Russian Supreme Court mentions 16 cases; however, in the 10 cases not included in official statistics, the adopting parties were the children’s stepfathers. Their citizenship was not included in the summary due to privacy laws, but the proposed amendments would not affect them regardless of citizenship, because the process of adoption by stepparents is regulated by different legislation.

Only six in total? Were adoptions by foreigners more common before the war?

Yes, though the adoption rate of Russian children by foreign parents began to fall as early as 2012, when Russia banned the adoption of Russian children by U.S. citizens. In 2012, foreign citizens adopted 2,604 Russian children; in 2019, they only adopted 240.

[naomicindy]

'Social Media Activism: Connecting or Dividing Us?'

By: naomicindy

Have you ever been scrolling through Instagram or X and stumbled upon a post that makes you stop and think? Maybe it’s a hashtag campaign, a call to action, or even a simple story about someone standing up for what they believe in. Social media has totally redefined how we talk about the things that matter, turning everyday users like us into activists—sometimes without even realizing it. Platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok have become the go-to places for activism and protest, whether it’s amplifying global movements or sparking heated debates about politics (Kaphle, 2023). But as exciting as this all sounds, there’s a lot more to social media activism than just sharing posts. From its power to connect people worldwide to the struggles with misinformation and online debates that will affect the real world, there’s a deeper story to explore.

First, let’s talk about why social media is such a big deal for activism. It’s not just about going viral (although, let’s be real, that helps). It’s about giving everyone a voice, no matter who they are or where they’re from. These platforms are basically megaphones for our generation—they take an idea from one person and turn it into a global conversation. Remember the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge back in 2014? It was literally everywhere. You couldn’t open Facebook without seeing someone pour ice water over their head, calling out their friends to do the same. The idea was simple: raise awareness and money for ALS research, and it worked—big time. In just six weeks, the challenge raised $115 million and helped fund research breakthroughs for ALS treatment.

But let’s bring it closer to home. Recently, I’ve been scrolling through posts from Malaysian news outlets like NST and The Star Online, and wow, the comment sections are a goldmine of public opinion—good and bad. NST’s posts about McDonald’s filing a defamation lawsuit against the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. For context, BDS is a global campaign pushing for economic and political pressure on Israel to address Palestinian rights. The comment section here was anything but chill. One commenter brought up religious concerns, while another pointed out the impact of McDonald’s on local jobs. The conversation quickly shifted to how boycotts could hurt Malaysians working at these companies, especially those supporting families. In another post, NST reported on the Malaysian public’s general stance on boycotts. Again, the comment section was a war zone. Some people felt strongly about their faith providing all they need, while others argued for a more humanitarian approach, focusing on the real-world consequences for everyday Malaysians. Social media makes activism accessible. You don’t need to be a politician or a celebrity to make a difference. You can post a TikTok, join a Twitter thread, or even just hit “share” on a post that resonates with you. Suddenly, your voice is part of a much larger movement.

Social media activism is a double-edged sword (Nat, 2024). It connects people, raises awareness, and even drives real-world change—like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge or global climate strikes. But it also has the potential to divide us, as seen in the boycotts and humanitarian debates in Malaysia. This is where digital citizenship comes in. It’s not enough to just post about a cause or share a hashtag—you’ve got to know what you’re supporting and why (Grossel, 2020). That means fact-checking before you hit “share” and thinking critically about the content you see.

So, how can we make sure we’re using social media in a way that actually helps? Here are a few things I’ve learned (How to use social media in positive way 2023):

Educate Yourself First Before jumping on a trend, take the time to research. Why does this issue matter? Who does it affect? The more you know, the more impactful your activism will be.

Engage, Don’t Just Share Comment, start a discussion, or even create your own content. Social media is a two-way street, and the more you engage, the more you’ll learn (and teach others).

Be Open to Different Views It’s easy to stay in our little bubbles online, but stepping out of them can help us understand the bigger picture. Listen to people with different perspectives—it’s uncomfortable but necessary.

Support Offline Actions Social media is a great starting point, but real change often happens offline. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or attending events, take your activism beyond the screen.

At the end of the day, social media is just a tool—it’s how we use it that matters. We can let it divide us, or we can use it to bring people together and spark meaningful change. So, what do you think? Is social media activism bringing us closer or driving us further apart? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

Grossel, S. (2020, October 6). Your guide to being a good digital citizen. Temple Now | news.temple.edu. https://news.temple.edu/nutshell/2020-10-06/digital-citizenship-0  How to use social media in positive way. Go to Ulster University. (2023, April 14). https://qa.ulster.ac.uk/blog/how-to-use-social-media-in-positive-way/  Kaphle, A. (2023, October 23). The politic. The Politic. https://thepolitic.org/article/social-media-for-social-change-how-activism-is-impacted-by-instagram-twitter-and-tiktok  Nat, B. (2024, March 15). Social Media & Activism: The double-edged sword. Algonquin College Social Media Certificate Program. https://algonquincollegesocialmedia.wordpress.com/2024/03/14/social-media-activism-the-double-edged-sword/ 

[aleyalea]

From Memes to Political: How Jokes Shape Our Views

MDA2009 DIGITAL COMMUNITIES

!! Friendly reminder: Before you read and begin with this week's discussion, let me warn you guys real quick that I am not  a “biG FaN” of Politic (I’m being serious and not even joking). If you spot any errors or have fun facts to share, let me know!

Now, let me kick off with some big facts that memes are everywhere these days, especially in Malaysia. For example, you can easily get your daily meme dose through MGAG Instagram page where they will share anything that is viral from day to day and share it to the audience just to make people smile after going through a hard week.  Whether it’s a joke about politicians flip-flopping on policies or a sarcastic take on the latest political scandal, memes have taken over our news feeds. If I’m being honest, politics isn’t just confined to parliament anymore, it’s right there, in front of our phone screen through WhatsApp group chat, Facebook and Twitter (X) timelines, mixed with viral videos and jokes that will leave us laughing and wondering, “Hold up, is this actually true?”.

example MGAG meme picture cr: MGAG

Here’s the big question,

Do these “memes offer” any real insight into politics, or are they just a distraction? Well spoiler alert, I think it's both for me. Memes might seem like harmless fun, but they play a serious role in shaping public opinion and political engagement, especially for the younger generations.

Where does the word Meme, Meem or Meh-may, come from?

I know some people are wondering what does memes mean? According to (Benveniste, 2022), the term "meme" has appeared in the New York Times Crossword a remarkable 60 times since its debut in the 1940s (Benveniste, 2022). While pinpointing the very first meme is challenging, British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins is credited with coining the term in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. Dawkins originally likened a "meme" to a "phoneme," which is the smallest sound unit in speech, or a "morpheme," the smallest meaningful component of a word, according to Kirby Conrod, a linguistics professor at Swarthmore College (Benveniste, 2022). 

At first, memes were all about humor, silly jokes that went viral for no reason. But over time, they evolved into a kind of social commentary. Consider Malaysia as an example. Memes like “Malu Apa Bossku”, connected to Najib Razak, the former sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, helped rebrand him with a more approachable image despite his involvement in scandals. Political parties and leaders use social media as a tool to promote as well as condemn rival parties and leaders, including character assassination (Zamri et al., 2020). Memes simplify complicated political situations and make them easier to understand, especially for you people.

Then we have Zunar, a political cartoonist and total legend in space, who uses his work to push back against Malaysia's repressive structures. His cartoons go beyond humor; they provide an alternative view of Malaysian history and national identity, challenging official narratives around culture, nationhood, and citizenship (Yean, 2011).

Through his art, Zunar takes bold jabs at politicians and policies, crafting cartoons that often spread widely as memes. These memes not only reimagine politics with humor but can also foster a sense of togetherness, shaping identities and highlighting the divide between 'us' and 'them' in political discourse (Mortensen & Neumayer, 2021). Zunar’s work highlights what many people are feeling and gets them talking about important issues. His cartoons are a perfect example of how humor can be a form of protest and resistance.

Zunar's artwork about political

Why Memes Work and Their Limits in Political Understanding

Memes are effective because they make politics feel less intimidating, fostering solidarity among like-minded individuals and making political critiques more accessible. However, while this humor fosters engagement, there’s also a risk of trivializing serious issues or fueling hyper-polarization, which can sometimes limit how widely these memes circulate and may push users toward other forms of civic engagement (Penney, 2019).

For many young Malaysians, memes simplify complex issues and make them more relatable, turning topics that might seem overwhelming into something fun and shareable. This helps build a sense of connection, where people feel they’re not alone in their views.

However, while memes can grab attention, their humor can also trivialize serious issues, reducing complex political discussions to jokes. This can lead to hyper-polarization, where people take sides quickly, hindering meaningful conversation. Additionally, memes often rely on emotions like sarcasm or anger, which can rally people but are less conducive to in-depth discussion.

For a lot of young Malaysians who might not follow every move in parliament, memes break down complicated stuff in a way that’s fun and relatable. They turn big topics into things you actually want to share and chat about. So in the end, memes don’t just make politics easier to follow but they make it something you actually want to talk about with your friends.

Final Thoughts,

Do you think memes help us understand politics? Well it's a yes and no. They’re a quick, entertaining way to engage with issues, but memes alone aren't enough, we need to look beyond the jokes and dig into the fact too.

Political memes, like Zunar’s art, can be entertaining, educate, and inspire change. However, they should be seen as a starting point, not the entire story. While memes can make us laugh, it's important to dig deeper and stay informed.

References

Abdul Latif, R., & Elgarrai, S. (2021). The Power of Political Cartoons: A Case Study of Zunar’s “Twit Twit Cincin.” Jurnal Komunikasi: Malaysian Journal of Communication, 37(1), 146–180. https://doi.org/10.17576/jkmjc-2021-3701-09

Benveniste, A. (2022, January 26). The Meaning and History of Memes. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/crosswords/what-is-a-meme.html

Mortensen, M., & Neumayer, C. (2021). The playful politics of memes. Information, Communication & Society, 24(16), 2367–2377. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1979622

Penney, J. (2019). “It’s So Hard Not to be Funny in This Situation”: Memes and Humor in U.S. Youth Online Political Expression. Television & New Media, 21(8), 152747641988606. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527476419886068

Yean, S. C. (2011). A cartoonist’s resistance. Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 12(3), 420–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/14649373.2011.578805Zamri, M., Anuar, Z., & Jalli, N. (2020). “Malu Apa Bossku?” Najib Razak’s Political Rhetoric on Facebook Post 2018 General Election. Forum Komunikasi, 15(1). https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/42134/1/42134.pdf

[arlnlms]

Jubilee Debates, TikTok, and American Politics: A Malaysian Youth's Perspective

MDA20009 Digital Communities │ Week 5: Digital Citizenship 1: Political Engagement

So what place does a Malaysian, (that has no political knowledge) have to have a say in this? American politics. In this day and age, social media has played a significant role in politics, which is hard to ignore—even a small country like Malaysia is kept in the loop of the chaos of American democracy, especially during the current Trump-Harris election. No doubt that it is an educational experience for many of us to witness the dynamics of U.S. politics unfold through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Well, I guess if it's already displayed on social media for the eyes of others, then anyone can at least have a say in this.

A Global Phenomenon

American politics is accessible to a worldwide audience all thanks to modern communication technologies. Globally, people may quickly get news and comments about the U.S. election because of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter). Foreigners are also compelled to watch the discussions and political comments that shape the U.S. elections, which have turned into a spectacle.

When Woke Meets Conservative

A prime illustration of this is how the debates organized by Jubilee, like "1 Liberal Teen vs. 20 Trump Supporters", have managed to draw hordes of viewers. Platforms like Jubilee tackle complex political issues more easily because they assemble both sides and make it entertaining. For example, it is one thing for the audience to watch a Dean Withers-type person standing in front of a crowd with opposing views but firmly standing his ground. It simplifies American political issues for domestic audiences and even provides insight to foreign viewers about America's political landscape, which the mainstream media may not adequately do.

What’s especially fascinating is how quickly clips from these debates go viral on platforms like TikTok. Short snippets of strong arguments, memorable quotes, or heated exchanges get shared, re-shared, and commented on by millions. These clips transcend their original platform, appearing on TikTok feeds, Instagram Reels, and even Reddit threads. Social media’s algorithms tend to push this viral content to wider audiences, which means these political discussions get incredible exposure, reaching people who might not have initially sought them out.

Social Media’s Grip on Today's Youth

Political marketing through TikTok and YouTube has become very popular among the youth, who are likely to rely on them rather than the news. Secure and friendly debates can trigger creativity, with interesting short videos getting the attention of the politically disinterested.

In other words, social media sites' impact in shaping the users' political opinions can also be viewed from a constructive and negative perspective. The content is usually aggressive and abusive, promoting divisiveness and unhealthy rivalries. Most studies claim that "social media grows political content that is mostly unhealthy" (Platt, 2024). However, this way of doing things will worsen as the election process approaches. Political smearing worked as an effective bait, so social media websites, in turn, encouraged their users to avail such content even more, leading them to have an exaggerated belief on how most people felt about an issue. Platt (2024) also notes that if social media is one's primary means of communication, one should anticipate political blowback and violence. Social media does provide access to knowledge, but it also encourages the creation of "filter bubbles". These are the bubbles where people only interact with content that agrees with their opinion and helps further entrench existing beliefs.

Amidst all this, social media has revolutionised how people view politics by bringing the concept of the "everyday expert" to the forefront. For example, individuals such as Dean Withers from the Jubilee video, who has neither run for office nor works as a commentator, still hold a great deal of influence by simply sharing his views with great emotion. This is an evolution of what Cunningham (2024) refers to as 'rage bait' content, where disputes tend to be more espoused to engage the audience, in most cases, for their anger and arguments, but not for any constructive communication. Influencers like Withers embody this shift in information, where ordinary people become the source of public opinion and cause polemics. As Cunningham (2024) noted, such interactions correspond to the increasing normative demand for emotional and conflict-inducing material usually found online.

Watching and Learning

For the people outside of the U.S., following American politics on social media is interesting but educational at the same time. It provides a glimpse of the governance systems, democracy, and social discourse, which makes one think about how the democratic processes in different parts of the world work. We are mere spectators and students, observing how a living democracy functions, its merits and demerits.

The role of social media in politics is not that straightforward. It makes conversations international and opens up new people, but it could also promote conflict and fake news, which undermines journalistic ethics. It is fair to say that as we watch TikTok, YouTube or Instagram, we are part of the global audience who is watching democracy unfold in real time, and as a result, we have to be careful how it all plays out.

List of References: 

Cunningham, K. (2024, October 10). 1 woke teen vs. 20 Trump supporters: The new age of viral political videos. Vox. https://www.vox.com/culture/376748/jubilee-politics-debate-charlie-kirk-ben-shapiro-liberal-conservative

Platt, T. (2024, March 13). Political rage on social media is making us cynical. University of Michigan News. https://news.umich.edu/political-rage-on-social-media-is-making-us-cynical/

[climatecalling]

The Bajau people have been crisscrossing the waters of the Sulu Sea for centuries, the world’s only community of self-sufficient sea nomads. To the Bajau, a “border” is merely the farthest distance they can reach by boat. ... Life for the Bajau became more complex in the colonial era when Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia created maritime borders in the Sulu zone: these frontiers were established in the Madrid protocol of 1885, without bothering to consider the distribution and diversity of the ethnic groups who lived there. But it was the Malaysian Immigration Act of 1959/1963 that most significantly changed things for the Bajau. This legislation failed to distinguish between asylum seekers, refugees, irregular migrants and undocumented or stateless individuals. ... As of 2023, only about 100 to 200 Bajau still live in the traditional “Lansa” houseboats near the eastern Malaysian city of Semporna. Lacking citizenship or formal rights to settle on the Borneo mainland, the Bajau of Philippine origins still preserve maritime hunting techniques passed down through generations. ... Out in the vastness of the Sulu Sea, the Bajau stand as emblems of self-sufficiency, but once they set foot ashore they find themselves relegated to the lowest social class. Their stateless status deprives them of government privileges: the children cannot access public schools and adults are prohibited from finding formal employment.

[kazifatagar]

Saifuddin Backs Malay Language Test for Citizenship Applications

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail supports a Malay language test for citizenship applications, describing it as a casual conversation rather than a formal interview. He explained that the test is part of a proposed constitutional change being discussed in Parliament. Saifuddin Backs Malay Language Test for Citizenship Applications He noted that language requirements are common…

[thisisbjoeblog]

Economy 101: MM2H Programme - The Good, Bad & the Ugly

The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, introduced in 2002 by the Malaysian government, is a unique initiative that offers numerous benefits to both the country and its foreign residents. Image source: Possessed Photography on Unsplash Continue reading Untitled

[ketbow]

REFLECTIVE JOURNAL OF SOCIAL COHESION BETWEEN ROHINGYA AND MALAYSIAN AT KAMPUNG SEBERANG BALOK

The Rohingya are an ethnic minority group primarily residing in Myanmar (Burma), a country in Southeast Asia. They are predominantly Muslim and speak a dialect of the Bengali language. The Rohingya have faced a long history of discrimination, marginalization, and persecution in Myanmar. The government of Myanmar has denied them citizenship and restricted their access to basic rights and services, such as healthcare, education, and freedom of movement. The Rohingya have been subjected to various forms of human rights abuses, including violence, forced labor, sexual assault, and mass displacement. Due to the ongoing persecution, many Rohingya people have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries. Malaysia is one of the countries that has received a significant number of Rohingya refugees. Malaysia has been seen as a relatively more welcoming country for Rohingya refugees than Myanmar and other neighboring countries. Rohingya refugees often undertake dangerous journeys, including by boat, to reach Malaysia. 

This self-reflection journal is written as the experience to do a survey about Rohingya and Malaysian. Including their safety, assurance, finances, and their count of households. For Malaysian, we make a survey about Rohingyas’ activity and their comfortable living with Rohingya. Social cohesion reflects the level of harmony, cooperation, and shared values among individuals and groups within a society. Hence, our project aims to seek factors that affect social cohesion between Rohingya and Malaysian communities in the Balok area. Using the questionnaires, we interviewed 20 Rohingya households and 12 Malaysian households in the Balok area. In this project, it is proven there are social cohesion challenges between the Rohingya and Malaysians. 

For the preparation before moving to Kampung Seberang Balok. We discussed the souvenirs with the respondents and the leader of the Rohingya society. We decided to book the IIUM bags and some refreshments there. We also decided to prepare 30 questionnaires for both Rohingya and Malaysian respondents.  The preparation took us about three days to buy and prepare them. For the community leader, we decided to give him a mini jug as a souvenir. For my small preparation, I brought my personal camera for the event as our proofs media. On that day, we assembled at IIUM Kulliyyah of Science (KOS) main lobby for the van at 8.00 a.m. Our lecturer, Dr Asmida gave us some briefing about the place we will go and some advice. She told me that the majority of Rohingya there can’t speak Bahasa Melayu fluently. That might be a big challenge when progressing the survey. So we maybe need a translator such as a community leader. Additionally, two of my team are international students. So they need two translators to translate Bengali to Bahasa Melayu, then from Bahasa Melayu to English. Subsequently, at about 9.00 a.m., the van came. We reached there about 10 a.m. 

On the survey spot. We get appreciated by the community leader and some of the Rohingyas. Then we gave the souvenirs to the community leader and have a photo.

My objective is to interview 3 Rohingya and 2 Malaysian households. The environment is quite messy and unmanaged-well. For my first survey, the Rohingya is quite blundered when he spoke since he can’t speak Bahasa Malaysia well. To deal with this problem and make it go well, I decided to ask him in a simpler way to make him answer confidentially. For instance, I asked him a yes or no question first, then use some body language to enhance our communication. After that, I helped my international friend to do a survey by being her translator. Since Rohingya can’t speak English well. I volunteered to translate for her to smooth this experience. From this interview, I learned that most Rohingya can’t speak fluently, or even worse than that. I personally think that they are not educated well. Since they do not have enough money to make it. I’m touched by one of the Rohingya. He stated that he don’t have any money to bring his daughter to the hospital. He begged me and IIUM community to help him. His daughter have a fever for about 3 days and he cried over me, showing his desperation. After three of the Rohingya had been interviewed, we moved to the Malaysian community to do a survey. It was a little exhausting since it was a sunny day and in the afternoon. We found that it was easier since both of us can speak Bahasa Malaysia well. Time passed by, and we finished doing a survey at 2.00 p.m. 

After finishing the program, I need to gather all the surveys and conclude them. To be honest, the result is quite unsatisfactory. To summarize, Malaysian isn’t happy enough living with Rohingya due to difference in culture, poor hygiene, and environment. My personal thought is the egoistic and stigmatization against Rohingyan by Malaysian. I felt sympathy toward the Rohingya, they are not want to live here. It’s due to the war in their country makes them have no choices. The government is not controlling their immigration either legal or illegal. As Islam, we need to protect their safety by giving them a house and the right to work. I really hope Malaysians are not discriminated against them. As a student, my power is superficial, but in the next program, I will help them with financial support and assure a harmonious environment with Malaysian. I read the news that IIUM officially takes Rohingya refugees to study on its campus. It was one step closer to help them and give the right to live in this country. From these sustainable issues, I learned that all people need to be served equally and stop discrimination and racism. Because it will give a huge negative impact on the country.

Prepared by : Muhammad Syakir bin Ramli (2115197)

SCSH-2163 Section 830

[handweavers]

lets turn this conversation back to asia lmao. i also find it interesting how these terms have shifted here in seasia. grew up pretty much understanding that asians that come here are immigrants while white people that come here are expats, even if the white people give up their citizenship. what i find interesting is that recently there has been a shift, rich people from other asian countries are also being labelled as "exapts" whether or not they plan to migrate back. however the racism still prevails - people who were completely fine with white expats are complaining and protesting about asian expats stealing their jobs. you'll never see a poor asian person get the expat treatment though, even if they are only here to make some money and go back in a few years. there's your nuance random commentor

exactly, like you'll never see an indonesian or filipino woman who comes to work as a maid in malaysia or singapore to make some money and go back in a few years being called an expat, she is always an "immigrant" but a wealthier person from south korea or japan doing white collar work may now be described as an "expat" much like westerners. like you said, white people who immigrate permanently and even take up citizenship are still called "expats" and not "immigrants" because the word "immigrant" has racial and class connotations. my mom is a white canadian who immigrated to malaysia and has had PR for 20+ years but she's only ever called an expat, not an immigrant. whereas my (malaysian indian) dad in canada has held canadian PR for 40+ years and he's only ever been called an immigrant, even though he had no intention of staying permanently.

[daenerysoftarth]

Massachusetts has some archaic law that says marriages won’t be public record if birth parents of either spouse, or both, were not married at the time of the spouse’s birth.

https://www.mass-doc.com/massachusetts-restricted-marriage-records.htm

And I recently just found out that children born out of wedlock in Malaysia don’t get birth certificate, become stateless, and cannot attend national schools without Malaysian citizenship. Like, imagine the trauma of having your father, your country, and the society you live strip away your every sense of belonging.

https://suhakam.org.my/portfolio/stateless-children/

https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/70106/merdeka-merely-a-dream-for-malaysias-stateless-children

https://www.wikiimpact.com/6-horrible-realities-of-unwed-single-mothers-in-malaysia/

Yet another set of laws which aim to systematically disenfranchize children born out of wedlock and unmarried mothers as a whole. Thank you so much for sending me these, I'm absolutely going to include these resources in the 'bastardphobia' master post which I'm currently working on. I'm hoping this eventual master post can serve as a reference for those of us in the asoiaf fandom (and outside of it) to use as evidence and proof against those who claim that this form of prejudice no longer exists, is lessened to such as extent so as to be negligible, or who simply agree that it's okay.

Thank you so much for your ask!

[wavevisas123]

According to a recent survey, there are five strategies for newcomers to thrive in the Canadian job market.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Seek Training and Mentorship

Base Your Job Search Around Skills, Not Job Titles

Translate International Experience into Canadian Equivalents

Highlight International Experience as an Asset

Look for Companies That Value Diversity

How Wave Visas and Wave Immigration Consultant Can Help

Conclusion

Introduction

Canada’s job market offers plenty of opportunities for newcomers, but successfully navigating it can be a challenge. A new report titled Talent to Win, compiled by Deloitte and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), sheds light on the underutilization of immigrant skills and the steps newcomers can take to thrive in Canadian workplaces. The findings of the report provide both insights for businesses and actionable advice for individuals looking to excel in their careers. Whether you are applying for jobs through Canada Immigration pathways or seeking ways to improve your career prospects, the tips in this blog can help you succeed.

Seek Training and Mentorship

Challenge:

A significant barrier that newcomers face when trying to thrive in the Canadian job market is the lack of proper on boarding, training, and mentoring. Newcomers, in particular, need clear and structured initiation into Canadian professional culture, which is often lacking in many workplaces.

Solution:

Newcomers should proactively seek mentorship or training programs, whether within a company or externally, that can familiarize them with Canadian workplace norms. Networking with professionals in the industry or approaching a settlement agency can provide valuable guidance. If you’re seeking support in settling into Canada and navigating the job market, consider reaching out to Wave Immigration Consultant, who can connect you to resources like mentorship programs and training.

Base Your Job Search Around Skills, Not Job Titles

Challenge:

The report highlights a common challenge for newcomers: a lack of understanding about transferable skills. Many immigrants apply for jobs that are exactly the same as what they held in their home countries, missing out on other valuable opportunities.

Solution:

To address this, newcomers should focus on highlighting transferable skills like leadership, problem-solving, and communication in their resumes and during interviews. Broaden your job search by applying to roles that might be slightly different from what you’ve done in the past but align with your core skills. This opens up more opportunities and helps you adapt more easily to the Canadian job market.

Translate International Experience into Canadian Equivalents

Challenge:

A common issue newcomers face is translating their international experience into a form that resonates with Canadian employers. Many employers may struggle to assess the prestige or relevance of qualifications from abroad.

Solution:

It’s important to explain your international experience in terms familiar to Canadian employers. For example, instead of just mentioning the name of an institution, provide context, such as referring to your previous employer as “the largest bank in Senegal” or highlighting the significance of your degree by stating “the oldest university in Malaysia.” This helps recruiters better understand your experience and qualifications.

Highlight International Experience as an Asset

Challenge:

Lack of Canadian work experience is often seen as a barrier for newcomers. However, international experience can be a powerful asset, especially for companies seeking to expand globally.

Solution:

Newcomers should highlight their international work experience and showcase how it can contribute to a company’s global expansion. Discuss the challenges faced and the solutions provided in previous international roles. This will help Canadian employers recognize the value of your global expertise. Remember that in today’s interconnected world, your international experience could give you an edge over other candidates.

Look for Companies That Value Diversity

Challenge:

While many Canadian companies understand the value of having diverse teams, it can still be challenging to find the right employer who actively supports the integration of newcomers.

Solution:

Look for companies that prioritize diversity and support the wellbeing of newcomers. Some organizations partner with settlement agencies to ensure that their employees have access to necessary resources like language training, childcare, or employment support for spouses. These companies are more likely to foster an environment where newcomers feel welcomed and supported.

How Wave Visas and Wave Immigration Consultant Can Help

If you’re considering immigrating to Canada and are unsure where to start, Wave Visas and Wave Immigration Consultant can assist you in navigating the Canadian immigration process. Whether you’re looking for advice on visa applications or need support in settling into Canadian life, Wave can guide you through the process, ensuring you’re on the right path toward entering and thriving in the Canadian workforce.

From providing information about Canada Immigration options to connecting you with helpful resources, Wave Immigration Consultant offers personalized assistance to ensure a smooth transition. Their expert advice can be invaluable as you look for job opportunities that align with your skills and experience.

Conclusion

Thriving in the Canadian job market as a newcomer requires effort, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can turn challenges into opportunities. By seeking mentorship, focusing on transferable skills, explaining your international experience, and targeting companies that value diversity, you can increase your chances of success. With the support of resources like Wave Visas and Wave Immigration Consultant, you can navigate the Canadian immigration process and ensure a smooth integration into the workplace. Start exploring your options today and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in Canada!

Corporate Office : 2nd Floor, Right Side, Building №5, Kehar Singh Estate Westend Marg, Lane №2, Saidulajab, Saket New Delhi 110030.

[internationalrelocationcompany]

INTERNATIONAL RELOCATION FOR RETIREES: TIPS FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION

It's a time for new adventures, and increasingly for many retirees, that may well involve relocation to a different country in search of a better quality of life, lower living costs, more salubrious climate, or simply the desire to experience a different culture. International relocation is fast becoming an increasingly popular option with retirees. Moving abroad at retirement age does come with some challenges that need careful planning.

Throughout this article, we look at a few important tips that would make any retiree's international relocation easy and smooth. We will look through it all-from financial planning and healthcare consideration to legal documentation and cultural adjustment.

1. Research the Cost of Living and Tax Implications

Probably, the most common factor for relocating abroad in retirement is a lower cost of living. Nevertheless, it's important to research specific costs in your destination country before making the move. While some countries can offer more affordable housing, groceries, and transportation, some of the other costs-one would expect to be low-may be much higher, such as health care, insurance, and taxes.

Cost of living comparison: Websites like Numbeo or Expatistan allow you to compare the cost of living between two countries and estimate how far your retirement savings will go. Make sure to include costs associated with housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment in your calculations.

Tax obligations: Know what your tax responsibilities are if you choose to live overseas. Some countries levy taxes on worldwide income, while others have more favorable tax environments for retirees. Further, depending on one's citizenship status-most often from countries like the United States-it may be required that even while abroad, individuals file and pay taxes on worldwide income. Double taxation agreements between countries can help to offset this burden, so do your research as to whether your home country has such agreements with your destination.

2. Understand Visa and Residency Requirements

But before you start packing up your bags, it is critical to understand the various requirements for visa and residency in the country of your choice. Many countries have special retirement visas that will grant retirees permission to stay in their borders for extended periods of time. Each country, however, has its own set of eligibility, whether minimum required income or proof of adequate retirement savings.

Retirement Visa Options: Some countries, like Thailand, Malaysia, and Portugal, have retirement visas that lure foreign retirees with relatively easy application processes, as long as one meets the required financial criteria. For example, the retirement visa for Portugal requires proof of stable income derived from pensions or investments; Thailand's requires applicants over 50 and to maintain a sum certain of savings.

Permanent Residency vs Temporary Visas: Decide on permanent residency or staying on a temporary visa. While permanent residency provides full access to the local healthcare and social security system, temporary visas may require renewal from time to time.

3. Plan for Healthcare

The other important consideration, if retiring abroad, is your health care. Access to quality medical care, health insurance options available, and the cost for treatment are a few of the factors to be considered in making your decision.

Public Healthcare Systems: Most countries offer public healthcare, but, many times, your expatriate status may limit your access or you may have no access at all. For example, European Union retirees who retire to countries such as Spain or Portugal can avail themselves of public healthcare facilities. Other country citizens have to privately pay for health insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

Private Health Insurance: In case you are not entitled to a country's public health care, you will need private health insurance. Research local and international providers for the best coverage that would suit your needs. Most of the insurance companies provide expatriate health plans wherein their medical care is covered both in your host country and for trips back home.

Medical Facilities: Equally important is finding out about medical facilities in the country to which you will be moving, especially in cases of ongoing medical conditions that require frequent treatment. You will want to make certain that the new home has the needed medical services, such as hospitals, specialists, and pharmacies.

4. Housing Options: Buy or Rent?

Housing is another critical decision one makes when planning an international relocation as a retiree. Depending on your financial situation, whether or not the local real estate market is buyer- or seller-friendly, and how long you plan on staying will determine whether buying or renting will be in your best interest.

Renting: Renting offers lots of flexibility for retirees who seek flexibility in their new country. It is a great way to get a feel for the local community, with no need for a long-term investment. Renting also keeps you free from the responsibilities concerning property maintenance, which is particularly advantageous in foreign countries where the local rules and regulations may differ from what one has been accustomed to.

Property Buying: Owning property would be more economical in the long run if retirees stay long enough. Before making this decision, though, one has to understand the local laws of property. Some countries limit foreign ownership, while others encourage retirees to invest in real estate by giving incentives. Be sure to work with a local real estate agent and attorney who can lead you through the process.

5. Financial Planning: How to Manage Your Finances Abroad

Managing your finances is one of the major keys to comfort while retiring abroad. There is much to consider: transferring funds across international lines, how to handle currency exchange rates, even local banking.

Pension and Social Security: Ascertain precisely how your pension or social security benefits would be affected by the move. While some countries have agreements to directly transfer social security benefits with other countries, some do not. At times, this involves setting up a local bank account since one might receive benefits; in other cases, keeping an account in the home country will lead to currency conversion fees.

Banking and Currency Exchange: Opening a local bank account should not be a bad idea to avoid too many huge currency conversions and facilitate day-to-day transactions. Some of the banks have created an international account for expatriates that allows you to manage your finances in several currencies.

Taxation: Understand how taxes in your new country may affect your income, especially if you have a lot of different types of income coming from investments, pensions, or rental properties. If necessary, consult a tax expert who understands the complexities of tax law regarding expats to help you understand and stay on top of both local and home country tax requirements.

6. Cultural Adjustment and Language

This may be a bit challenging, but one important and often underestimated aspect of international relocation is cultural adjustment, which makes for a smooth transition. Relocation to a new country simply means moving into different customs, social norms, and probably even a new language.

Learn the Language: Most people can live quite comfortably in some countries without speaking the language, but learning even the basics will really enhance one's experience abroad. You will get better with your communications with the locals, you will feel better adjusted within the community, and more confident with your daily life.

Cultural Adjustment: Familiarize yourself with the local way of life, customs, holidays, and interpersonal behavior. Make use of joining local clubs or similar kinds of social groups that will help you integrate with ease and make new friends rather than giving in to the feeling of isolation that comes associated with country changes.

Be Prepared for Culture Shock: Even if you've taken a holiday in your destination country before, nothing quite compares to experiencing the culture around you when you must live amongst it. Culture shock is very real and sometimes very overwhelming at first. Give yourself time to settle in. Reach out for support from expatriate communities or local organizations that help newcomers acclimate.

7. Legal Documentation and Estate Planning

When emigrating, this is a very critical time to sort out your legal affairs in both your home country and your new country.

Update Your Will: Emigration may have a profound effect on the status of your estate. Make sure that your will is both applicable in your home country and your destination. You may have to create a separate will in relation to your assets for each country.

Power of Attorney and Health Directives: This may be a good opportunity to have a local power of attorney and health directives in the country to which you are moving, in case of some kind of emergency. These will help guarantee that your wishes will be taken into consideration should you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

Conclusion

While there is the excitement of a new start in life and learning a new culture found in an international relocation for retirees, planning and consideration should not go unnoticed. Knowing how much living costs, quality healthcare costs, and the requirements to obtain a visa will get you through managing your finances and adapting to the culture. Take the time to plan with due care, consult experts where necessary, and enjoy retirement in another country.

For more information please visit Asiantiger international relocation