A Tale of Three Cities

Mumbai, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur.

The three financial centres of their respective countries. Everyone in each of these countries describe their financial capital as a place to work, do business, earn a good living, but also associate them with a hustle culture, high cost of living, pollution, and lots of people.

But there is a great amount of variation between them, as one would expect. One could say that each represents the spirit of their nation.

Mumbai

Literally the city that never sleeps. When I got out from the airport near midnight, there was still very heavy traffic, musical honking all around, shops still open, people hustling, hanging out, going here and there etc.

Coming from a small country, the sheer density of people was mind boggling, yet I saw a deep understanding and patience (in their own way) dealing with each other, laughter and tension mixed up, and a stamina of endurance that is simply remarkable.

Despite the vast difference in affluence, generally everyone is striving to move ahead, and generally Indians seem to be getting more prosperous. Unlike images we may have of poverty, beggars were few and far in between, with most engaged in some sort of work and hustle. Mumbai is generally a very safe city (even girls feel safe to be out alone at night, and mention that people look out for them), and despite the crowded streets, there is order amidst the chaos.

As a businessman, especially one with ancestral roots in India, it feels essential that I establish links to Mumbai to be part of the blossoming growth and prosperity.

India is certainly charting an unstoppable path of growth in many sectors. Its young population is itching to make its mark on the world.

Sydney

I feel a deep, inexplicable, mystical link to Sydney. Every trip feels more like a pilgrimage rather than a business trip. A place where my mind ascends to a higher plane, a place that blesses me every time I visit.

The pace of the hustle is a lot more relaxed compared to what I feel in Mumbai (and at Kuala Lumpur too), though I understand some workplaces here don’t quite match this spirit. At 3pm on a Monday, I see many calmly drinking coffee, ready to go home soon. Work hard and play hard seems to be their motto. I naturally feel drawn to be a lot more active at Sydney (and Melbourne), and I get to clock wayyyy more steps here than at anywhere else as it is such a walkable city.

A very cosmopolitan and multicultural place, where oddly it has become offensive to ask some people where they’re from. (I’m Australian mate!)

Balance…this the message I get here. Balance brings about clarity, brings joy, brings meaning. A place where quality in all aspects is emphasised.

You will be back..I feel this deeply every time I visit Sydney.

Kuala Lumpur

Home sweet home. A sense of unity that transcends ethnicity, religion and other limitations, and an ability to laugh at each other with each other.

From ancient times, Malaysia has served as a city of trade between great powers. A meeting place, a melting pot of cultures. The more we remember this heritage and embrace it, the closer we get to our true potential.

The hustle, mixed with a little laid back nature (not so serious like our Singaporean cousins hehe). Food food food, everything is about food. Perhaps we need to learn from our Australian friends to be more active.

Malaysians tend to be much more well travelled and informed about global events, cultures and developments than friends I met in other countries. We can also find many Malaysians who travel and live abroad, some choose to stay abroad, some choose to come back.

It seems to be a time of growth for Malaysia, and we can see this in Kuala Lumpur. Growing number of professionals, businesses, and people. Invariably everyone I meet abroad is interested in travelling, working and/or doing business in Kuala Lumpur.

Yaathum Oore, Yavarum Kelir (Home is everywhere, everyone is our own - a Tamil quote from an ancient traveller)