Mahathir Mahat - Indonesia

Today, we speak to Mahathir. Mahathir is based is Padang, a small city in Indonesia. As a former member of AIESEC, he has worked with AIESECers from across the world. He has travelled extensively, including most ASEAN countries, India, South Africa, and Europe. He is now a Lecturer at the Faculty of Nursing, Andalas University, in Padang.

How long have you been able to speak English and how did you learn?

I have been speaking English since my College year, I learnt English in school. However, I really developed when I joined AIESEC. I met people from all over the world, so that experience exposed me to more opportunities to learn through immersion. Immersive, experiential learning was really fun.

Do you have a favourite phrase or piece of vocabulary? 

I love to read and listen to the vocabulary used in academic literature and poetry - such as "core competencies", "effective strategies", and "are you nobody too?"

What do you find the most challenging thing about learning English, and how do you overcome this?

Grammar! - Finding the correct grammar so that I can speak like a native. In some situations, I struggle with this and finding academic synonyms. To overcome this, I use online apps and learning (and sometimes Google!).

Why do you think Business English is so important for international professionals to learn?
Whilst daily conversational English is useful, sometimes professional and academic terms become more useful. It makes it easier for us to communicate at a professional level.

What are your future career goals, and how does learning English help prepare you for those?

Being a University Professor, English is an essential component in pursuing my next level of education and research work. To read publications, to keep up to date with the latest developments - English is essential.