Listening Our Way In: What I Learned from Talking to Locals 👂

At Malaysian Link, we often speak as “we” as a team, as a community, as a platform for expats in Malaysia. But this time, I’d like to share something more personal.

Recently, while living in Slovenia, I found myself wishing I had more local friends. But I realised what I was really longing for wasn’t just friendship — it was connection. A deeper understanding of the people and place around me.

Inspired by a book called Dormice & Moonshine by Sam Baldwin, I started doing something simple: talking to locals. Not interviewing them formally — just listening to their stories, their perspectives, their way of life. Some were internationally minded, others more rooted in their communities. Each conversation left me feeling more grounded, more aware, and strangely, more at home.

What if expats in Malaysia did the same?

What if, instead of waiting for friendships to happen, we sought out stories instead?

We believe that talking to locals — really talking — is one of the most powerful ways to understand Malaysia beyond the surface. Whether it's chatting with a makcik at the market, a neighbour, or someone from a totally different background, every story shared brings us one step closer to feeling part of something real.

At Malaysian Link, we’d love to help you begin. We’re working on conversation prompts, low-key meetups, and other ways to bridge the gap — not through grand gestures, but through simple, intentional listening.

Let’s step outside the expat bubble — one story at a time.

📷: Davina