Eurasian in Malaysia


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

Eurasians, a minority people group in Malaysia, are the descendants of the original Portuguese, British, and Dutch settlers who came with the colonial rulers of the early centuries. These settlers married native women and created a mixed race known as Eurasian, a term used by the British around 1820 to label people with a mix of European and Asian blood. The native Eurasian language was originally known as Christao (a variation of Portuguese with a heavy Malay influence). The present generation of Eurasians, however, do not speak this language. Many speak a local version of Malaysian English. Eurasian families are dispersed throughout the country. They do not dominate any region or state in Malaysia. Nevertheless, they are more concentrated in the urban areas of Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.


What Are Their Lives Like?

During the colonial days, the influential Eurasians occupied many civil service jobs - positions usually offered to them because they were able to speak English fluently. Although they now lack outward presence in notable positions, a few Eurasian families continue to occupy positions in the middleclass strata of Malaysia. A good number of Eurasians are still working in civil service positions while others have made their presence in other occupations such as teaching, broadcasting, and working for newspapers. Many are making a living in the business world.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Eurasians are predominantly Roman Catholic. It is traditional for the Eurasian family to baptize a child within a month from birth and on the first Sunday of the month. Godparents, usually members of the family or good friends, are appointed and are morally responsible for the child's upbringing should anything happen to the parents.

Eurasian celebrations revolve around Christian holidays. Christmas is definitely the most important festival for Eurasians - even in the most humble of homes there will be a Christmas tree of some sort and presents from Santa Claus for the little ones. The Santa myth is so strong that children often leave a plate of biscuits and a glass of water out "in case Santa gets hungry."

In many Eurasian homes, certain rituals must be followed when a death occurs. For instance, they maintain that the spirit of the deceased remains in the house for several days. Thus, on the seventh day, a vigil is kept until midnight at which time the spirit would give some sign of its departure before leaving the house. Some families leave a favorite beverage for the departing spirit. Although many of their beliefs relate to Christian traditions, few relate to a personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ.


What Are Their Needs?

Apart from some cultural differences and traditions, Eurasians have to work to earn enough to meet their needs just like other Malaysians. For this to happen, they require formal education and skills training to secure jobs. Pray that believers who would share the good news and that it will be received by those who may be trusting only in their Christian traditions.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Eurasian in Malaysia.


Profile Source:   Southeast Asia Link - SEALINK   Copyrighted ©   Used with permission  

People Name General Eurasian
People Name in Country Eurasian
Alternate Names Anglicized Chinese; Anglo-Burmese; Anglo-Indian; Euronesian; Indian
Population this Country 64,000
Population all Countries 1,746,000
Total Countries 13
Indigenous No
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 11164
ROP3 Code 102965
Country Malaysia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 49  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Widely dispersed   Source:  Joshua Project
Country Malaysia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 49  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Widely dispersed.   Source:  Joshua Project
Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 12.00 %)
60.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
10.00 %
Non-Religious
30.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language English (64,000 speakers)
Language Code eng   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language English (64,000 speakers)
Language Code eng   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking English

Primary Language:  English

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1530-1995)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1380-2011)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1382-2020)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Online Audio Scripture Talking Bibles
Audio Recordings Oral Bible stories Story Runners
Audio Recordings Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Audio Recordings Story of Jesus audio Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Following Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in English Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video My Last Day video, anime Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rivka video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video Walking with Jesus video Jesus Film Project
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
Photo Source MySabah.com  Used with permission
Map Source Southeast Asia Link - SEALINK   Copyrighted ©   Used with permission
Profile Source Southeast Asia Link - SEALINK  Copyrighted ©  Used with permission 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


Joshua Project logo    Terms of Use   Privacy Policy   Contact Us   Copyright © 2024