"Wait, You're from Malaysia?" Breaking stereotypes one street interview at a time. 

He was simply walking down a street in the UK, minding his own business. Nothing out of the ordinary - until a street interviewer stopped him for a quick chat. The question? A seemingly simple one: "Where are you from?"

The man gave 5 simple but very distinctive hint: 

1. Part of Asia 

2. Good in badminton 

3. Durian is a famous fruit 

4. Michelle Yeoh is a famous actress in his country 

5. It used to be conquered by the United Kingdom 

The guesses came in fast- India? Hong Kong? Taiwan? Not once did the interviewer land on the right answer: Malaysia.

This kind of interaction isn't rare. Malaysians, like many Southeast Asians, often find their identities misread or lost in the shuffle of stereotypes. While it's all usually in good fun, it does shed light on a deeper truth: that Southeast Asia's rich cultural and ethnic diversity is still, to many, an unknown.

In Malaysia alone, people of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indigenous, and mixed descent share history, heritage, and everyday life. This blend shapes not only the food and language but also how Malaysians look, dress, and sound. There is no single face of Malaysia - and that's exactly what makes it so beautiful.

These everyday interactions, whether on the streets of London or in global media, are powerful reminders that representation matters. They show how vital it is to amplify Southeast Asian voices and stories, so the world can understand the region in all its complexity.

So, if you could show the world just one thing about Malaysian identity, what would it be?

Perhaps it's the way we speak - a rhythmic blend of languages and dialects in one sentence. Maybe it's the way we celebrate everything from Deepavali to Hari Raya with equal joy. Or it might be as simple as the way we carry ourselves: kind, humble, and proud of our roots - even when the world hasn't quite figured us out yet.

Whatever it is, it's time we show it.