17/02/2026

LYFE TUESDAY | FEB 17, 2026

FOLLOW

ON INSTAGRAM

22

Malaysian Paper

@thesundaily @t

A S Chinese New Year (CNY) brings families and couples together, familiar conversations about love, marriage and future plans naturally take centre stage. Yet for many young Malaysians, the timing of these milestones is increasingly influenced by something less romantic but deeply practical: financial confidence. New findings from Vodus Research show while the desire for love, family and stability remains strong, financial readiness is now shaping when young Malaysians feel confident enough to take the next step. In an era of rising costs, relationship milestones are becoming less about expectation and more about readiness. Jay Boh, 26, a Gen Z working professional in Kuala Lumpur, shared: “I still believe in love and having a family one day, but I don’t think there’s a fixed timeline anymore. “With how expensive things are now, it’s important to feel secure and independent first before making long-term commitments.” This sentiment was echoed by Mei Wen, 28, who added: “Every CNY, relatives will ask if I’m seeing someone or planning to get married. “I’m open to it, but I think financial stability gives you the confidence to take that step. Right now, I’m focused on building my career first so that when the time comes, I’ll be ready.” These personal experiences reflect broader generational shifts revealed in the Vodus Research study, which examined the attitudes, priorities and outlook of Gen Z and Gen Y Malaysians across key life decisions. Family formation remains an important aspiration, but the level of certainty differs between generations. Among Gen Y respondents, 68% said they have or plan to have children. In comparison, 46% of Gen Z respondents said the same, while 27% said they do not plan to have children and another 27% remain IN today’s fast-paced world, the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations continue to thrive in households across the country. Despite the rush of modern life, families still gather to celebrate, proving the values of heritage remain alive and meaningful, no matter how much the times change. Speaking to Bernama, actress Remon Lim, real name Lim Mee Fung, said festive preparations have changed since her childhood but traditions are still observed. “On the first day, you shouldn’t sweep the house or wear black, white or dull colours. I also still observe the rule of not cutting my hair on the festive day,” she said at the Chinese New Year 2026 Contribution Ceremony for Veteran Artistes held recently. The 62-year-old said she feels the festive spirit fading, especially as traditional preparations are no longer done with family. She said in the past, families made treats and cleaned the house together

Family formation remains an important aspiration, but the level of certainty differs between generations.

Most Gen Z respondents say career success and work-life balance are equally important.

‘When are you getting married?’

o Festive reunions bring familiar questions, but monetary concerns reshape how Gen Z approach love, marriage, life milestones

feel financially and personally ready,” said Vodus Research founder Dr Kelvin Goh. The findings highlight a generation that continues to value love, family and long-term stability, while recognising the importance of building a secure foundation first. Rather than stepping away from tradition, young Malaysians are approaching these milestones with greater thoughtfulness and intention. In this season of reunion and renewal, young Malaysians are embracing tradition while defining their own timelines, guided by readiness, confidence and hope for the future.

continue to believe in their ability to build meaningful careers and stable futures, even as they take a more deliberate approach toward major life decisions. “As CNY approaches, many young Malaysians will hear the familiar question ‘When are you getting married?’ It has always come from a place of care. “What’s different today is that the answer is no longer driven by age or expectation, but by when individuals “Staying up until early morning is believed to bring blessings and long life to one’s parents,” she said, adding that the memories are precious. Meanwhile, actor Eric Chen said while celebrations are simpler now due to age and lifestyle changes, the spirit of celebrations is still upheld through traditions such as giving ang pow . “It used to be very lively. Now it’s quieter as many of

equally important, compared to 48% among Gen Y. This reflects a generation focused on building sustainable careers while laying the foundation for future stability. Affordability concerns also remain widespread, with more than eight in 10 respondents across both generations expressing concern about rising living costs. Despite these pressures, optimism remains strong. Many young Malaysians

unsure. This higher level of uncertainty suggests that younger Malaysians are taking a more considered approach, ensuring they are financially and professionally prepared before committing to long-term responsibilities. Career priorities further reinforce this shift toward readiness and balance. More than half of Gen Z respondents, at 53%, said career success and work-life balance are

CNY traditions thrive despite passage of time, say actress, actor

and annual gatherings with old friends to enjoy yee sang . The actor said beyond the

festive celebrations, the main hope for each CNY is the health and well-being of the family, reflecting the true values of togetherness and appreciation for loved ones.

my family have their own households, but the ang pow tradition continues. It’s a way

Lim says festive preparations have changed since her childhood, but traditions are still observed.

of showing love and appreciation within the family,” he said. Chen, 61, said his lasting m e m o r i e s include the big New Year’s Eve f a m i l y f e a s t

Chen (left) and Lim after the interview. – PICS FROM BERNAMA

but today, many buy them or hire help, changing the warm, traditional celebrations she remembers. Recalling her fondest CNY’s Eve

memories, the actress, known for the drama Cheongsam Merah Darah , said she and her family would stay up late as part of the tradition.