Evolution of Chinese cultural traditions and socioeconomic goals in Brunei

This chapter delves into the changing socioeconomic goals and cultural milieu of different generations of ethnic Chinese of Brunei. The chapter explores the changes taking place in this minority community with focus on important elements and concerns such as parenting practices, educational standards, age-old customs, and traditional practices. Language dynamics reveal a shift toward English as the primary home language at the expense of dialects. The chapter discusses the so-called sandwich generation phenomenon, whereby individuals find themselves navigating between Generation Z and Generation X while emphasizing the importance of filial piety in this unique context. Moreover, it highlights the efforts to break traditional cycles by prioritizing education, avoiding financial struggles, and aspiring to homeownership. The rather conspicuous ‘ kiasu ’ (lit. ‘afraid to lose’; grasping and selfish mindset) mentality is imposed on young parents to engage in early education initiatives to give their offspring a competitive edge. The study also sheds light on the evolving wedding customs where couples show preference for intimate ceremonies ignoring traditional social pressures of momentous large gatherings. Overall, the research portrays a generation in flux, tactfully navigating between tradition and change in the dynamic cultural and socioeconomic landscape of contemporary Brunei.