Distance does make the heart grow fonder

Even after a decade after Wendy Ho packed her suitcase and headed for the United States, the Kuala Lumpur-born admits that she never once stopped thinking about her birth country, Malaysia.

And naturally, what she misses most about Malaysia is its food, the warmth of its people and her beloved family.

"The food in itself is a whole chapter. My family is very dear to me, so not being able to see them often is a challenge. I also miss the diversity as well as the loving and accepting culture of Malaysians, even though we come from different races and background," she said.

The 36-year-old lass is currently holding a managerial position in sales and marketing at CNN and the sole Malaysian working in at the broadcasting headquarters located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Ho however, stressed that living abroad has never made her feel any less a Malaysian.

"While I work in the US, I'm a Malaysian at heart. I never want to send a message that I do not care about my country. I love Malaysia even more after I left the country. I feel I'm one voice in a very diverse community here in the US. I want to represent where I come from. I'm proud of it and I want people to know where I'm from and what makes our country and its people so special," she said.

That undying passion and love she has for the home country has led her to talk about Malaysia to her foreign counterparts when the opportunity arises.

Having strong traits of a Malaysian including high-level or tolerance and respect has made it easy for her adapt at her workplace, said Ho who uprooted herself to the States about 10 years ago.

"Malaysians are known to have strong work ethic, respectful and tolerant towards others. The traits have helped me as I can get along well with my co-workers and people look favourably on Malaysian workers, Ho added.

One of the biggest things she appreciates about working abroad is the opportunity to obtain world-class and money-can't-buy work experience and to work with the best which boost her growing skill sets.

"My experience in the States has been incredible. People appreciate creativity here. They are very interested in what you have to offer and they respect your views and ideas. It is very encouraging to feel empowered by people who are very willing to support you." she said.

"Work life balance is highly celebrated in the States. You get to work hard and enjoy life at same time." she said, adding that she had recently picked up golfing and the sport has been her favourite past-time.

It is true that the experience of living and working abroad is one of the most fulfilling experience one can ever dream of.

As an Anak Malaysia, Ho feels that a lot needs to be addressed to attract Malaysians to return home, although coming home would be one's personal aspiration.

She has listened to talks and attended seminars organised by Talent Corp, which set up with its aim to lure Malaysian talents from overseas.

"There are a lot of cultural things about Malaysia that may have change for a person after moving away. They would normally be accustomed to different cultural lifestyle -- presumably beyond what Talent Corp can address.

"It goes back to what Malaysia is now. How it (Malaysia) is in terms of promoting talent, entrepreneur and education for the future of our children? These are fundamental questions, that the Government should address before they can really see good talents wanting to go home," said Ho.

Ultimately, she feels that the ecosystem needs to be addressed and it has to be in a state where one can say, "it's worth it" to leave behind the perks one gains from working abroad.

"It goes beyond tax benefit or whether you can bring back your car or get second visa for spouse. It goes beyond all that. What's important when I come home is that not only my talent is rewarded yet my lifestyle is rich and varied and I hope to be able to give back to Malaysia in a meaningful way," she said.

Ho opines that whilst Malaysia is constantly competing for great talents, the government should too, realise that 'talents is the new currency of tomorrow'.

"Malaysia is competing for great talents just as many other countries. What are you doing so you are attractive to them is a hard question to answer," she said.

Just as Malaysians celebrated the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, Ho celebrated the special day in a small yet consequential manner.

Ho organised a 'reunion of sorts' for Malaysians living in Georgia and the gathering is solely to reminisce the wonderful things about their birth country.

"Malaysians love to makan so we should celebrate that." she said.

"In Georgia, we celebrate major festivities with fellow Malaysians who live here and the celebrations would normally include our American friends," she said, referring to the Malaysian Association of Georgia, which was established to bring Malaysians together through various activities.