Cultural Orientation

The Importance of Cultural Orientation

Malaysia is a unique country with its own language, culture, customs and law. Refugees and asylum-seekers in Malaysia come from diverse backgrounds and most speak different languages, practice different religions, culture, customs and law than Malaysians. Often, due to the persecution and imminent harm that they suffered back in their home country, they are forced to flee urgently without having the time to understand or learn the culture, customs and laws of the country of asylum.

While in living in Malaysia, it is important for refugees and asylum-seekers to learn Malaysian culture, customs and law. This fosters mutual respect and avoids misunderstanding between refugees and asylum-seekers and locals. The understanding of other cultures, religions, custom and laws in the transit country could also facilitate and ease the integration process in other countries.

The Module
The UNHCR Malaysia developed the Cultural Orientation Module to guide refugees and asylum-seekers in understanding Malaysian culture, customs, and law. The module covers basic information that is essential and relevant for refugees and asylum seekers. There are 9 topics that have already been developed with additional resources to guide the facilitators. Some modules are developed in collaboration with UNHCR partners, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, and other stakeholders in Malaysia. The content of all the topics is suitable for all refugees in Malaysia with each presenter slides include notes to guide the presenter.