Conversation with Strangers

Working with Akar Umbi Society has been a horizon-broadening experience. 

As a non-governmental organization working directly with grassroots communities, Akar Umbi Society is deeply committed to addressing marginalisation and fostering equal opportunities. Through their people-centered programmes and initiatives, they walk alongside individuals and communities, empowering them to create meaningful, sustainable change and live with dignity and purpose.

I first met Chen at their booth during an event, and our conversation felt like reconnecting with an old friend. What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into an exchange of bold ideas— each of us eager to explore how far we could take a concept, how lasting its social impact might be, and how many seeds of awareness we could plant in others.

Over the past few years with Charisma Movement, I’ve been a strong advocate for the power of storytelling in driving awareness and inspiring action within the social impact space. So, when I heard the passion in Chen’s voice, it naturally sparked a desire to explore synergies between our respective initiatives. I began to consider how our shared interests might intersect— and whether those overlaps could amplify our efforts in advocacy and community engagement.

That opportunity presented itself sooner than expected. Over the National Day long weekend, Akar Umbi Society hosted their Enggang & Pipit sessions at Semua House, as part of the Made in KL Bazaar. Piloted in 2023, Enggang & Pipit is a storytelling initiative designed to bring strangers together in conversations, with the aim of bridging communities through personal narratives. In small, intimate group settings, participants are invited to share their lived experiences— reflecting on values, lessons, and perspectives that may converge or diverge. It’s a space where differences are not only acknowledged but appreciated.

In today’s language, it’s what many would call a “safe space”— a respectful environment where personal reflections, opinions, and stories are welcomed without judgment. Through these exchanges, participants gain a deeper understanding of one another, fostering empathy and connection across social divides.

Using Akar Umbi Society’s Breakthrough Conversation Cards— a prototype still in development— initiating dialogue with unfamiliar faces at the event became surprisingly effortless. These cards offered thoughtfully crafted prompts that explored themes such as identity, stereotypes, belonging, and empathy. To ease into the session, we began with light-hearted questions like “Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or a hundred duck-sized horses?”— a playful icebreaker that helped dissolve initial hesitation.

But as the conversation unfolded, we gradually ventured into deeper territory. We reflected on childhood experiences we wished we had, stereotypes we’ve been unfairly associated with, and aspects of our identity we feared losing. What started as casual banter evolved into a profound exchange of personal insights— an introspective journey that many of us hadn’t taken before, let alone shared with others.

I was struck by how simple one-line prompts could unlock such depth. It was as if I were uncovering subtle influences on my personal development— small, unspoken moments that had shaped my values, my self-perception, and even the way I measure my own achievements against others. These realisations, though quietly tucked away, surfaced with clarity and honesty.

Hearing similar reflections from others was deeply reassuring. It reminded me that I am not alone in these thoughts— that strangers in our society may not be so different from me after all. Yet, the session wasn’t just about discovering common ground; it was equally about embracing our differences. The space encouraged us to listen— to truly hear each other’s stories, even when they diverged from our own.

One participant spoke candidly about feeling uncertain in choosing a career path while striving to reach their full potential; another shared the challenges of working in a foreign country. What stood out most was the shared willingness to empathise— to acknowledge and validate each other’s experiences, even if they weren’t our own. That, in itself, was the greatest value of the session.

It was, without a doubt, a safe space— one that fostered openness, reflection, and connection.

Enggang & Pipit is currently a flagship initiative by Akar Umbi Society, with sessions held regularly throughout the year. While the session I attended was more general in nature— without a specific theme or topic— many of their sessions are intentionally designed to pair members of the general public with individuals from marginalised communities.

Why this approach? Chen shared that it is one of the most effective ways to surface lived experiences from those who often remain unheard in our society. When someone shares their life stories or struggles in-person, it is difficult to discount them as empathy tends to emerge naturally, and that emotional connection fosters deeper understanding. This, in turn, contributes meaningfully to the broader goal of dismantling marginalisation and promoting inclusivity.

I cannot overstate the importance of sessions like these. Their potential impact on society is immense— especially if we begin to explore specific themes such as racism, inherited poverty, or other forms of discrimination rooted in misunderstanding and a lack of empathy. As Chen stated, and I heartfully agreed, these conversations are not just reflective; they are transformative.

If you ever have the opportunity to join a session, I strongly encourage you to do so. You might just find yourself sitting across from me— who knows?

By, Euan Thum