Last week I wrote about my mum and the Silent Generation. I wasn’t sure if my mum fitted the definition of that generation but the characteristics, generalised as they were, seemed to have generally fitted her. I’m still unsure because generational studies were mainly done in the United States.

That said, as I am the generation after my mum, I wondered if I am a Baby Boomer? Not quite. At least not in the Malaysian context.

‘… the identifiable generation cohort groups may be misguided as life events vary across country to country. The term Baby Boomers referred to the booming of births in the Western world whereas in Malaysia for that same time period it is impossible to observe a similar boom[1].

I didn’t know this but there were/are studies conducted on generational cohorts or groups in Malaysia, in relation to demographic changes, domestic tourism, advertising etc. The earliest was in 2012, and limited to one state, Sarawak. It was the 2014 Tung & Comeau study that caught my attention. The study defined and labelled four generations in Malaysia.

The Seekers (Pencari : Born 1943 to 1960), the Builders (Pembina: Born 1961-1981), the Developers (Pemaju: 1982 to 2004) and Generation Z (Born after 2005). The labels were intended to reflect the actual generational gaps, based on the socio-economic and demographic transitions that took place over a 70-year-period in Malaysia, from the 1940s to 2014[2].

For instance, whilst the Baby Boomers in the West (1940’s to the 1960s) grew up during healthier economic times with job opportunities and a more optimistic outlook, the Seekers faced a period of unrest. A once British colony, Malaysia was invaded and occupied by the Japanese from 1941 until 1945. The country faced further uncertain times until independence in 1957, and into the 1960’s.

Or whilst Generation Y in the West (1982 to 2004) lived in a wealthy environment with unmatched access to higher education, urbanisation, and economic growth, those in a similar age group in Malaysia entered an era of industrialisation. Generally, there is an offset of at least one or two generations as Malaysia had different challenges, and socio-economic growth particularly in the earlier years.  

The Seekers (1940’s – 1960). As mentioned above, this group was born in a period of conflict. They experienced hardship and sought independence and survival. My mum was not a Seeker but she lived through this difficult times as a young child and a young adult/wife/mother. I remember my mum’s stories about how her maternal family had very little to eat except tapioca during the Japanese occupation. Strangely, my mum liked steamed tapioca with milk even when she had multiple food choices.

In terms of characteristics, those born during this period are ‘tolerant, self-sufficient, hardworking, disciplined, committed and team players. They believe manners are important and that respect needs to be earned… They are also the most English savvy among the other generations since they were under British rule.’[3]. All my siblings are Seekers.

The Builders (1961 to 1982). I’m a Builder. One standout was development in education. I was taught in English when I started primary 1 in 1968. Whist in secondary school, the medium of instruction changed. At university, the language of instruction was mostly Bahasa Malaysia whilst reference books were mainly in English. It was also the beginning of industrialisation and urbanisation, and the road to modernization.

We lot are described as ‘responsible, adaptable, goal orientated and effective. We are also good at time management, and are able to multitask. We care about security and stability in our lives.’[4]

The Developers (1983 to 2004). This cohort had unparalleled access to higher education, urbanisation, and modernisation. They grew up in a booming economy with better job opportunities and technology advancements.

People in this group are ‘independent, creative, and achievement-oriented. They are avid users of technology and enjoy networking. They value a good work-life balance.’[5] This was the first generation of mainly urbanites when it was still normal to have children play outside their houses and in the neighbourhood.

The Generation Z (2005 and onwards). This group is the most educated and urbanised with higher incomes and higher consumption. They live in a globalised and digitally connected world. ‘Technology-reliant, visually-driven, with global aspirations, they will reject conformity and tradition but they will be more open-minded and accepting compared to other generations.’[6]. They may adopt alternative views/opinions on issues compared to their parents, due in part to access/influence of social media. This generation is more likely to be raised by grandparents or maids compared to any other cohort as two-income households is increasingly the norm. Also, because of decreasing birth rates, Generation Z is the generation with the least number of siblings in Malaysian history.

The generational definitions/labelling/characteristics are interesting, and somewhat useful. They might help with understanding/communicating with the different generations a little better. Maybe.