𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐤: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

• The trip to Pasar Bisik is part of a community engagement program highlighting the need for improved social interactions among youth.
• Today's youth feel like global citizens, seeking connections beyond their immediate circles, but often lack social skills and opportunities.
• The author reflects on their struggles with social skills, particularly in unfamiliar settings.
• A significant encounter with Anuar Ismail, a fisherman, led to a rewarding conversation about fishing and local practices.
• The experience underscored the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to create social opportunities.
• Kindness and friendliness from others can facilitate enriching interactions and deeper connections.

In a recent episode on People of Penang Podcast, Chen Yoke Pin from Arts-ED Penang shared that today's youth see themselves as global citizens. They benefit from easy online access, but they desire to engage with others outside their immediate circles, but often struggle with social skills and opportunities.

I have always prided myself on being friendly and warm, but I realized that I, too, struggled with social skills and opportunities. When I was at Pasar Bisik, I became aware of the challenges involved in asking questions in unfamiliar situations. I found myself simply observing and smiling at the regulars, silently conveying that I was someone from the city, purely there to appreciate the scenery and not to disrupt their business.

However, one notable encounter with an individual changed my experience. It was with Anuar Ismail, a fisherman in his 50s. He noticed that I was standing a safe distance from his boat, admiring his catch. Anuar warmed up to me by graciously sharing insights about the types of fish he catches and which are ideal for making a delicious bowl of laksa. He explained the prices—70 cents per kilo for ikan kembung and RM45 per kilo for tenggiri. I found it fascinating how various boats are utilized to catch different fish; for example, they attract stingrays with barrels of empty mineral water bottles used as floats, while small nets are used for smaller catches and larger nets for big fish.

Looking back, I realized the importance of getting out of your comfort zone because it sparks opportunities that can improve your social skills. However, it was also Anuar’s kindness that initiated the conversation. Without his friendliness, I might have missed out on a truly enriching experience.

These deeper connections, though rare, emphasize the beauty of stepping outside our comfort zones. My visit to Pasar Bisik opened my eyes to the crucial need for reaching out and connecting with those who are different from me, reinforcing the immense value found in these interactions.

-Emily Ismail