Hiring domestic housemaids is a typical practice in many Asian houses, especially in Malaysia. With a majority of Filipinos and Indonesians filling these tasks most frequently. While each contribute unique qualities and skills to their jobs, employers should be mindful of the significant contrasts between Filipino and Indonesian maids as employer’s preferences plays a big role in ensuring compatibility. There may be times when an Indonesian maid does not suit well with the employer’s household practices and culture, and vice versa. In this blog post, Innovedge Maid Agency presents to you the key points to note when deciding whether to hire a maid from the Indonesia or the Philippines.

Cultural Background:

Filipino maids often come from a society that values hospitality, friendliness, and familial relationships. They are well-known for their cheery demeanor and versatility, which makes them simple to integrate into a variety of households.
Indonesian maids, on the other hand, are shaped by a culture that emphasizes respect, obedience, and humility. They are more reticent at first but are noted for their work and dedication once they have established connection with their employers.

Language proficiency:

Filipino maids have a greater level of English proficiency due to the Philippines’ status as an English-speaking country. This can be beneficial for employers who prefer to communicate in English or for households which have young children who converse in English.
Indonesian maids may have a rudimentary understanding of English, but their competence levels differ. Typically, Indonesian maids communicate using Bahasa Melayu which is also one of the most popular language in Malaysia. While speaking Malay might not be an issue, employers may still need to invest more time and effort in language training if they prefer conversing in English.

Cooking Skills:

Keep in mind while both nationalities of maids are able to cook and this also varies from person-to-person, the difference is the style of cooking due to their national background. Filipino food is diverse and influenced by many cultures, including Spanish, Chinese, and American. Therefore, Filipino maids are often capable of creating a diverse range of foods, from traditional Filipino favorites to cosmopolitan cuisines.
Indonesian food on the other hand is distinguished by its rich flavors and fragrant spices. Indonesian maids can prepare Indonesian staples like nasi goreng (fried rice), rendang (beef stew), and sate (grilled skewers). However, they may want some assistance when it comes to cooking items outside of their culinary competence. Regardless of the differences, employers are still required to provide necessary teaching and communication in achieving their desired cooking patterns from the maid.

Work Ethics and Attitudes:

Filipino maids are noted for their excellent work ethic, dependability, and willingness to go the additional mile for their employers. They frequently tackle their responsibilities with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, making them important members of the household.
Indonesian maids are dedicated and hardworking, yet they may have a more reserved personality than Filipino maids. They prioritize carrying out their jobs quietly and efficiently, without seeking much recognition. A stable and harmonious employment household is usually what they seek for.

As one of the most experienced maid agency in Malaysia, maids from Indonesia are usually more inclined in childcare job-scope in comparison to Filipino maids. This is not to say that maids from the Philippines reject the idea of taking care of your children as all of this still depends on the individual preferences, thus employers and the maids have to come to a middle ground before confirmation of employment.

Religious and Cultural Practices:

Indonesia is the largest Muslim-majority nation in the world, while the Philippines is mostly Catholic with a sizeable Muslim minority. Employers should take these religious variations into account when hiring domestic help because they may have an impact on food restrictions, religious holiday observance, and cultural customs.

In conclusion, maids from both Indonesia and the Philippines provide valuable abilities, traits, and cultural backgrounds. Employers can make an informed choice based on their unique needs and preferences by being aware of the differences between the two. Whether you value culinary prowess, linguistic fluency, or cultural fit, Filipino and Indonesian housemaids may both make a positive impact on your home and improve your overall domestic experience. At Innovedge Maid Agency, we provide you with quality maid services which include free consultation to help you decide which nationality of maid suits your household!

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, visit our comprehensive, wide ranging maid biodata which has both Indonesian and Filipino maids for your consideration today. For Filipino maids, visit: https://innovedge.com.my/nationality/philippines-maid/ . For Indonesian maids, visit: https://innovedge.com.my/nationality/indonesia-maid/