To understand the global perspective, it's essential first to define the traditional American Dream. James Truslow Adams famously described it as a "dream of land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with the opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement" (Adams 1931). While "better, richer, and fuller" can be interpreted in various ways, in the United States, this often translates to economic and material success—owning a home or buying a car. However, this narrow focus overlooks the broader, more nuanced measures of success valued in other cultures, where the quality of life, family ties, and personal fulfillment often take precedence over the pursuit of wealth.

The traditional American Dream often falls short of delivering genuine fulfillment. While Americans would subscribe to the ideas of hard work, individualism, and upward mobility, these values are not always enough (High 2015). Often, family wealth and inheritance are two factors that lead to people’s success. For those who lack these advantages, the pursuit of the American Dream can be a perpetually damaging statement that fuels feelings of defeat. However, this narrow perspective overlooks the richness of a life defined by more than just economic gain. In many cultures, including those I explored in Malaysia and the Philippines, success is measured not by wealth alone, but by the quality of one’s relationships and contributions to the community.

The Milken Institute’s mission is to cultivate and create sizable progress for people and communities to pursue a meaningful life. On my trip, I was fortunate to see firsthand what a meaningful life could mean and speak with people and their interpretation of the American Dream.

In July, I embarked on my first stop, Malaysia! Coming back to my family’s hometown was nothing short of sweet. There, I reconnected with relatives and friends, eating out at pasar malams (night markets) almost every day—indulging in Char Kuey Teow Curry Mee, and Kopi-O. I also had the chance to revisit the beautiful sights of the motherland! Throughout the trip, I spent some time learning more about my family’s upbringing, careers, and future aspirations.

Uncle Li: 

Mr. Li grew up in the villages of Pahang and later moved to Kuala Lumpur to pursue a career in the food and beverage industry. Inspired by my grandfather's homemade wonton noodles, he opened a restaurant that has become a beloved three-generation family business. Unlike the traditional American Dream, which often emphasizes individual success and material wealth, my uncle’s story reflects a different kind of dream—one rooted in preserving cultural heritage and prioritizing family. In his early days starting the business, he spent much time mastering basic cooking skills and personally selecting ingredients. He taught his son, now the president of the company, everything he knows from perfecting his restaurant’s most prized dish, the Char Siu Wonton Mee, to operations. This transformed his noodle house into more than just a business; it’s a place that connects generations through the nostalgic flavors of home. For my uncle, true success isn’t measured by economic gain but by his ability to maintain strong family ties and bring joy to others through his craft.

Cousin Foon:

Foon, my 29-year-old cousin, grew up in the same house where my mother was raised in the villages of Pahang. Determined to create a better life for her family, she worked tirelessly to help her four sisters and mother relocate to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. After completing secondary school, she pursued a degree in mechanical engineering and now works in that field. Unlike the American Dream, which often centers on personal achievement and material success, Foon’s definition of success is deeply rooted in her commitment to family. For her, success isn’t about accumulating wealth or status; it’s about making sacrifices to ensure her loved ones thrive. Today, she lives in a four-bedroom apartment with two of her younger siblings and her mother, a testament to the values of togetherness and familial duty that guide her life.

Before long, I arrived in the Philippines! I took a Grab—Southeast Asia’s version of Uber—to my friend’s home, where I stayed for a week. I was struck by how similar the Philippines was to Malaysia: cars and motorbikes vied for space on crowded streets, public buses called Jeepneys packed with passengers, and clothing lines stretched across home balconies. During my stay, my friend invited me to her relative’s wedding, where I had the chance to experience a stunning Chinese-Filipino wedding. Conversing with several guests, I stumbled across an incredible woman named Shelly.

Shelly:

When asked what inspired her to start Linen & Homes, a family business selling bamboo sleep fabrics in Manila, Shelly’s response was simple: it was about making a positive impact. What began as a bootstrapped business has grown into a successful omnichannel enterprise, driven not by a pursuit of wealth, but by a genuine desire to improve the quality of sleep—an essential aspect of a fulfilling life.

What I loved most about each of their stories was how every piece was rooted in community. All three stories prioritize this over individual success. Uncle Li focuses on preserving and sharing his cultural heritage through his restaurant, while Cousin Food makes sacrifices to ensure her family’s well-being. Similarly, Shelly’s business is centered around improving people’s quality of life. The traditional American Dream often equates success with material wealth and personal achievement. However, for Uncle Li, success is about maintaining strong family ties and bringing joy to others. Cousin Foon views success as ensuring her family's stability and happiness. Shelly also redefines success by focusing on enhancing people’s well-being.

While the traditional American Dream may be flawed, the stories I encountered in Malaysia and the Philippines revealed a deeper, more inclusive interpretation—one that centers on the pursuit of creating shared value and finding fulfillment. The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream reminds us that this ideal is not confined by borders or backgrounds; it is a universal aspiration for opportunity. Despite the progress made, equal access to the Dream remains elusive for many. The true essence of the American Dream lies not in the accumulation of wealth but in the freedom to live a life of purpose, a choice we are privileged to make each day. As I move forward, this enriched understanding will guide me in shaping my own path, inspired by the resilience and determination, of Uncle Li, Foon, and Shelly, and of those who have redefined and challenged the Dream on their own terms.