She left Malaysia to travel the world in search of freedom, adventure and the “good life”.

“Ever since I was a child, I have had a burning curiosity to explore the world around me,” she told This Week in Asia from Costa Rica.

His journey is not only about exploration, but also an active acceptance of freedom, adventure and a simpler existence. His days are now a mix of sailing, fishing, resupplying on shore voyages and refreshing swims in crystal clear waters, all chronicled on social media.

“My childhood ambition was to become a flight attendant, so I could travel or become a professional athlete. My family always knew I dreamed of traveling the world,” she said. “Although I never imagined doing this while sailing, only by plane or train, but never beyond.”

Syasya is part of a growing cohort of young Asians seeking what the Internet calls the “sweet life” – a lifestyle choice that places more emphasis on personal happiness than the relentless pursuit of career goals. career or success. The “gentle life” philosophy advocates comfort and minimal stress.

This change in mindset was highlighted in a survey last year by recruitment agency Randstad Malaysia, which found that 79 per cent of employees under the age of 34 had considered leaving their current job to find a better balance between professional and private life.

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Syasya's journey around the world began in October last year with an unexpected invitation to join a crew bound for Curaçao, an island in the Dutch Caribbean.

She quickly tasted the joys of an independent life in a magnificent natural setting, despite the cramped conditions of a boat she shares with a captain and two other crew members.

From casting her fishing line into the ocean to discovering hidden beaches and watching the sunset, each Instagram post captures Syasya's maritime adventures. Her posts capture candid moments of laughter and camaraderie, as she savors the simple joys of companionship or a refreshing drink, with the endless sea always in sight.

“I have always been fascinated by the freedom and adventure that life on a sailboat offers,” she said.

“The idea of ​​being able to travel to different places, explore new horizons and live a simpler life close to nature really appealed to me. It's a way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of urban life and embrace a more serene and peaceful existence.

A typical day on board the boat involves a mix of maintenance, navigation and leisure activities like swimming, reading and creating social media content.

“Living on the boat is endless repair work, made harder by the heat and humidity. When there is a breeze, it's bearable: you just have to open the hatches to let the air circulate. But on the windless burns, thank God there is generator-powered air conditioning,” she said.

“Although we encountered some minor issues like adjusting the rigging and adding additional solar panels, our attention to detail ensured a smooth sailing experience overall.”

There are other downsides to the adventurous life, she concedes.

“Living on a boat can sometimes be quite lonely, away from friends and family. When we meet other cruisers we can connect, but in the end there is always goodbye and we won't see them again,” she said.

“With limited space and missing loved ones, you can feel really alone. Plus, the work on boats never ends. I have depressions from time to time… I also miss Malaysian food more than anything.

“Embrace the unknown”

Syasya's traveling roots run deep.

Raised in the small town of Sekinchan on the west coast of Malaysia, her life journey took her to study sport at a specialist school in Johor, before venturing into fashion design and running her own business .

“I went to Johor for sports school as a track and field athlete. Thanks to sport, I had the opportunity to participate in competitions. For me, it was a way of traveling. I always found smart ways to travel early on,” she said.

After graduating from high school in 2013, Syasya worked in a hotel, then a cafe, and also pursued fashion design. Although she initially enrolled in sports science at a university in the Klang Valley, she eventually decided to drop out, allowing her to embark on a backpacking trip across Malaysia, which ended in George Town, where she began a new chapter of her life in Penang. Island.

“I worked in a bar, a cigar store and a coffee shop to make a living. When the pandemic hit, I took an online course for three months. After the pandemic, I started selling fresh lemonade at the Sunday flea market, only working on weekends,” she said.

“I was scouted for modeling jobs at a grocery store. I also opened a thrift store in George Town. Through all this experience I gained, I made a lot of friends and established a strong network.

Syasya credited her time in Penang with deepening her understanding of different cultures and improving her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

“Living in Penang, surrounded by friends from all over the world, has made it easy for me to accept diversity. We frequently host cultural exchange events, where we come together to celebrate our unique traditions and customs. The friendships I have made have deeply enriched my perspective and brought boundless joy to my life,” she said.

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Life on the boat is a far cry from the city life Syasya left behind. Instead of crowded streets and bustling cafes, he wakes up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the hull. While most people rush to their workplaces, she spends her days exploring remote islands and soaking up the sun.

As she navigates new horizons, Syasya has one simple piece of advice for anyone considering following in her footsteps: do it.

“When you have a unique opportunity to do something out of the ordinary, have the courage to take the next step,” she said.

“Always keep an open mind and broaden your perspective. This willingness to accept new experiences can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. So embrace the unknown, take risks, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.