Second year student Jebbe de Vries wins Best GM-1 Assignment

Jebbe de Vries takes you through his extraordinary experiences in his first weeks living and working in Malaysia. Be amazed by his open-mindedness and understanding of what culture really means. Watch along during the first months of his internship and enjoy his wonderfully detailed writing!

Barefoot adventures at Batu Caves

Date/Place: February 9, 2025 / Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you had told me a few weeks ago that I’d be climbing 272 steps barefoot while being judged by monkeys, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are! In Malaysia, removing your shoes before entering temples is a sign of respect, while in the Netherlands, it’s just something you do when your mom yells at you for dirtying the carpet. It was a small but eye-opening moment that made me appreciate how traditions can turn even the simplest actions, like taking off your shoes, into something meaningful.

A stagiaire’s place (a.k.a. No Shirt, No Status)

Date/Place: February 17, 2025 / Hilton F&B Team, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Why this photo?: A proud team wearing matching shirts for F&B Appreciation Week. Everyone except me, the intern, who apparently isn’t worth the fabric. Reflection: Nothing says "welcome to the team" like... not getting a team shirt. The reason? As an intern, I’m considered temporary and, let’s be honest, not really part of the club. Oh, and the shirts were “too expensive.” It was my first real taste of workplace hierarchy in Asia. Something much more pronounced than in Europe, where interns at least get the illusion of being valued. It was a funny but slightly uncomfortable reminder that here, respect and recognition often have to be earned, not given

Eating with our hands (and making a mess)

Date/Place: February 27, 2025 / Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysia Why this photo?: Thomas and I attempting to eat like locals. No cutlery, just our hands, and a very patient waiter watching our technique with mild concern. Reflection: Step one: grab some rice. Step two: scoop it up with three fingers. Step three: somehow get it into your mouth without looking like a toddler. Sounds easy, right? Spoiler: it’s not. Eating with hands is common in Malaysia, and while locals make it look elegant and effortless, I quickly learned that I am neither. Still, this was one of the most immersive (and messy) experiences so far. It made me realize that even something as simple as eating has cultural depth and that I probably need more practice.

Faith and tradition (Or: Temples -> New Apartments)

Date/Place: March 19, 2025 / Hindu Temple, Penang, Malaysia

Why this photo?: A beautifully maintained temple that stands as a testament to how much value is placed on tradition and religion here. Reflection: In Malaysia, temples are carefully preserved and expanded. In the Netherlands? Well… religious buildings often end up as trendy cafés or apartment complexes. This contrast really stood out to me. Here, faith and tradition aren’t just things of the past. They’re actively part of daily life. It made me wonder: is it that religion is more important here, or have we just found different ways to hold on to history back home? Either way, I now have a deep appreciation for the effort that goes into preserving culturele heritage.

A different way to dine!

Date/Place: March 4, 2025 / Local Food Market, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Why this photo?: A lively food market where you order from any stall, sit wherever you like, and, plot-twist, clean up after yourself. Reflection: Coming from a country where waiters check on you every five minutes, this self-service food market was a whole new world. You grab your food, find a spot (if you’re lucky), and when you're done, no one magically appears to clear your table. You do it yourself. At first, I felt like I was breaking some unwritten dining rule, but soon I realized that this system just makes sense. It’s efficient, it’s fast, and best of all: no awkward tipping moments ;).