Jurnal Komunikasi Malaysian Journal of Communication Jilid 33(3) 2017: 107-124 107 E-ISSN: 2289-1528 https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2017-3303-07 Identity and Intercultural Competence: Probing Student Experiences in Malaysian Campuses SYARIZAN DALIB MINAH HARUN NORHAFEZAH YUSOF Universiti Utara Malaysia syarizan@uum.edu.my minn@uum.edu.my norhafezah@uum.edu.my ABSTRACT This study offers a Malaysian perspective on identity and intercultural competence. We examine how ethnically diverse students in Malaysian campuses make sense of their identities and intercultural competence. Using communication theory of identity as the underlying theoretical framework, we explore their discourse on identity and intercultural competence based on their experiences with cultural others. We collect data from in-depth interviews with selected participants. The study reveals two themes: the affiliation nature of identity and the dynamic nature of identity. The analysis contributes to enriching current understanding of intercultural competence that takes into account identity and intercultural experiences in Malaysia. Keywords: Intercultural competence, identity, culture, in-depth interviews, diversity INTRODUCTION Building positive relations among cultures and breaking down walls of prejudice has become an important goal for societies in the twenty-first century. This goal means that it is necessary for individuals to develop intercultural competence. Much has been written about intercultural competence in literatures. Hoǁeǀeƌ, ǁe ĐoŶsideƌ Deaƌdoƌffs ;ϮϬϬϰ, ϮϬϬϲͿ study to be useful for a foundational understanding of this construct. Based on her study, intercultural competence is defiŶed as the aďilitLJ to ĐoŵŵuŶiĐate effeĐtiǀelLJ aŶd appƌopƌiatelLJ iŶ iŶteƌĐultuƌal situatioŶs ďased oŶ oŶes iŶteƌĐultuƌal kŶoǁledge, skills, and attitudes ;Deaƌdoƌff, ϮϬϬϰ, p. ϭ9ϰͿ. While Deaƌdoƌffs ;ϮϬϬϰ, ϮϬϬϲͿ ǁoƌk has ďeeŶ useful, ǁe feel theƌe is ŵuĐh Ŷeed to deǀelop a deep understanding of intercultural competence through research works, particularly in Malaysia, alongside other factors including knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Since Kim (2009) asserted that identity factor has become crucial to deepen our understanding of intercultural competence, we seek to explore the notion of identity and intercultural competence as it is situated within the Malaysian setting. We raised these questions: Living in the context of where we are surrounded by people with multicultural/multi-ethnic identities in Malaysia, how do we see ourselves as cultured individuals? What is required to achieve an appropriate and effective interaction that celebrates cultural identities? MaiŶtaiŶiŶg a haƌŵoŶious soĐietLJ is iŶdeed a Ŷeǀeƌ eŶdiŶg stoƌLJ foƌ MalaLJsia siŶĐe it requires continuous effort (Evans et al., 2010; Shamsul, 1995, 2005, 2014). Hence, it is crucial to