MALAYSIA, 13 September 2019 – There are many sounds that remind Malaysians of their home. Whether it is the Negaraku being sung at the beginning of a school day, a cacophony of crickets, waves breaking on the beach, Kelantanese conversation, traditional Malaysian instruments, an LRT announcement or the rumblings of the rainforest, each one of us can be transported back to the memories of our home and childhood by sound.
With this in mind, this Malaysia Day HSBC has unveiled Sounds of Home, a celebration of the unique and familiar sounds to so many Malaysians that can be heard across the country. You can listen to the Sounds of Home on Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, 7 Digital, Deezer, IMVU, Infogo.com, KKbox, Musical.ly and Tidal. The Sounds of Home – Malaysian edition is crowdsourced and created by a local influencer, Muhammad Nizar Shuib.
On days like Hari Malaysia and other such times of celebration can be particularly challenging for those away from home and families, such as international students. HSBC’s research shows that even though majority of international students are using technology like video calls and chat applications to connect with friends and family, it does not stop them from missing home. 92% of international students say that they miss the familiarities of home while studying overseas, with almost 6 in 10 (57%) saying it is the sensory experience they miss most, with three quarters (74%) specifically missing the sounds of their hometown.
On top of homesickness, international students face a range of challenges, including setting up a bank account in their country of study (35%) and setting aside enough money to be able to travel home (40%).
Despite the initial challenges that the international students face, they overwhelmingly agree that studying abroad has a positive and lasting impact (99%). 84% of international students also believe they have not only gained new skills but have also become stronger people.
“With over 64,000 Malaysians studying abroad, Sounds of Home seeks to help Malaysian international students feel closer to the people and places they love. We created these soundscapes to complement the financial guidance and support we provide as a leading bank for international students all over the world. It’s another way in which HSBC is a reassuring presence for students who are away from home, helping them to navigate the fulfilling and challenging world of international study. This is also in line with our ongoing efforts to support our Premier customers and their families in the journey of sending their children for overseas education.”
Tara Latini, Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at HSBC Malaysia
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