The High Ground: What I Learnt from a Workaholic, a Staycation and Seri Negara
By Evelyn Chen

How many of us exist in a state of perpetual motion, where our thoughts are constantly hijacked by the next deadline or the relentless ping of a notification? If you find yourself nodding in agreement, you are in good company. My best friend is a workaholic; plain and simple and we all know it. From the early days of her tactile Blackberry to her current sleek iPhone, she has always been “online.” For her, the line between living and working isn’t just blurred; it’s often non-existent.

In our younger days, we were a duo defined by shared movement. She was the adventurous one, leading me through the dense, humid jungles of Sarawak to find hidden waterfalls or scaling the granite peaks of Mt. Kinabalu. While I wasn’t always the natural explorer she was, I tried my best to keep pace. As the years have passed, we have (or rather I have and she obliged) traded the adrenaline of the climb for the quiet reflection of long walks, a habit that has become a quintessential part of our bond.

Recently, we decided to synchronise our busy schedules for a weekend in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. We checked into a stunning hotel with a simple, if somewhat ironic, plan: eat, talk, and yes, work. We realised that even if we couldn’t fully escape our responsibilities, we could at least choose to be together in a different environment. As St. Augustine famously said:

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

By stepping out of our home offices, we were finally turning a new page. Between sessions of “hustle,” we allowed ourselves to be tourists in our own country. My friend has a deep, soul-level appreciation for the intricate beauty of batik and tenun tenunan, so we sought out an “atas” Malay restaurant to fuel our curiosity.

The highlight of our trip, however, was meant to be Carcosa, the iconic mansion made globally famous by the film Crazy Rich Asians. My friend playfully promised me that Michelle Yeoh herself would be there to open the doors for us! But as we arrived, reality set in: we found that Carcosa is currently under renovation.

Instead of letting it dampen our spirits, we pivoted to its neighbour, Seri Negara. Walking through those halls was a monumental experience. As we stood where the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement was signed, we felt a sudden surge of patriotism. We learnt the strategic history of why these buildings were perched on such high ground: it gave the British a literal “overlook” to ensure the local workforce stayed productive. To stand in a place where, once upon a time, we wouldn’t have been allowed to enter, felt like a victory for us both.

Our visit was a profound realisation that while work is a constant, history is the ultimate anchor. We left the grounds of Seri Negara feeling lighter, our heads no longer filled with deadlines, but with the echoes of our nation’s past. We have already vowed to return in 2027 once the refurbishment of Carcosa is complete. Who knows? Maybe by then, her promise will come true, and we’ll actually find Michelle Yeoh waiting there to open the door for us! Until then, I’ll carry the invigorating lesson of that weekend with me: there is nothing better than exploring beautiful places with your person and learning where we came from, one amazing meal at a time xx!

Words to learn

perpetual- never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly

adventurous- willing to take risks or to try out new methods, ideas or experiences

quintessential- representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class

synchronise- to cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate

intricate- very complicated or detailed

monumental- of great importance, extent or size

patriotism- devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country

invigorating- making one feel strong, healthy and full of energy

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Much like our visit to Seri Negara, life often teaches us that while we can’t plan for every unexpected roadblock or every renovation, we can always prepare our response to them. At ILTI, we provide the linguistic tools that serve as your foundation during life’s “heavy lifting.” Whether you are navigating high-stakes meeting or exploring the historic high grounds of our heritage, we help you discover the vocabulary to practise self-compassion during the rush and the communication skills to lead others with patience instead of a megaphone. Don’t just work through life, narrate it. Claim the life you deserve by mastering the language you need to lead it. Your English learning journey starts here. Call/ WhatsApp: 010-395 3067 or email us at info@ilti.edu.my

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