Career: Cemerlang di Tanah Arab!

Malaysian professionals overseas are respected and recognized for our professionalism, work ethics and team play. The Arabs tend to focus on emotional aspects and they describe Malaysians as Trustworthy, Smart, Nice people! Those words are loaded with praise.

For the Arabs, to be able to trust is to be able to accept the expat professional as one of his brothers. In the Arab world, this is the ultimate recognition. Towards his trusted 'brother', an Arab boss is less likely to heed to poisonous jabs from back-stabbers who will try their hardest in most subtle and blatant of ways to bring down anyone deemed to be trusted by the boss. In the Arab world, where positions in offices and businesses are held by expats, back stabbing and negative office politics are rampant. Be aware and Beware!

Once trusted, business dealings can be a smooth sailing. The 'trusted relationship' can ride any occasional rough weather with amicable discussions and heart to heart talk. One point of caution though, even as a trusted partner / colleague, never disagree directly with an Arab boss in public. Always find the privacy of his office for conversation about differences in points of views. You may disagree indirectly, by diplomatically and politely directing your disagreement to someone else who may share the boss's view point, looking at that person rather than the boss. Always be polite, even in disagreement. By all means be assertive but remain polite!

Most Arabs think the Westerners, in general, are smart. It matter not that a European guy maybe a plumber in his own country, he can be hired as a Technical Director in an Arab business. Most Arabs also think, in general, that Asians are only good workers and not good managers. Malaysians, however, are an exemption to this general perception. The Arabs recognize Malaysians' ability to lead, manage, and get things done! When Malaysians ably argue points of views with the Europeans, they receive immediate respect and recognition from an Arab boss. Another factor which influence Arabs' perception positively about Malaysians as smart professionals is the fact that unlike Indonesia, Philippines, India, and other country in Asia, Malaysians who work in the Arab world are mainly professionals and specialists rather than laborers and general workers. An Arab boss value someone he can trust to solve interpersonal issues for him. Malaysians generally, perhaps due to our multi-ethnic society which has equipped us with high degree of empathy, tolerance and perception, are naturally good at managing inter-personal relationship. A gift much appreciated in this part of the world.

Arabs generally are very nice people. They are extra nice to visitors to their homes, and compassionate towards foreigners especially to fellow Muslims. They do not like confrontation, and place high value to 'saving face' and display of respect, especially for visitors, and towards ladies and the elderly. These characteristics are very similar to Malaysians'. There are a few other significant factors which place Malaysians in good light.

- Tun Dr. Mahathir's outspoken anti-Western supremacy endeared the Arabs not only towards Tun, but also towards Malaysians in general.

- The disciplined and courteous way Malaysians conduct themselves during Haj and Umrah pilgrimage stood out as the best, from amongst the millions of visitors from all over the globe.

Often, once an Arab finds out that so-and-so is a Malaysian, his face will light up, and his thumb comes up and accompanied by an exclamation, "Malaysia bagus!"

For a long time to come yet, the Arab world will continue to offer job and career opportunities for foreign talents. With such positive and favorable reputation and branding that the Malaysians enjoy, we should exploit these opportunities. Be it in the field of Oil & Gas, Engineering & Construction, IT, Finance, HR, Nursing and Medical, Malaysians professionals and specialists who wish to explore outside of Malaysia border should venture into the Arab world.

Besides financial rewards which can be very attractive and free of tax, there are the attraction of close proximity to Mecca and Medina for the Muslim Malaysians. As indications; an engineer with about ten years experience can expect a gross total cash package of about SAR20k to SAR30k per month. A manager of a department can expect about SAR50k plus. An accountant with professional qualification can earn up to SAR50k per month. A qualified nurse enjoys about SAR 8 to 10k per month plus benefits such as free housing and transportation.

The writer is a HR Professional and currently a Director with a Saudi Company, and is based in Jeddah. He may be contacted via ariffin007@gmail.com.