In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, in a glamorous shopping mall inside the towering 88-floor Petronas towers, indigenous dancers perform at the foot of a massive digital lipstick advertisement.

Malaysia’s modernization effort started when a former prime minister resolved to make the nation a global example of Islamic civilization. He invested heavily in developing a modern, capitalist economy. The nation became a global oil exporter, pioneered Islamic banking, brought in Formula One car racing, and opened the economy to Western luxury products. The Petronas skyscrapers were, until 2004, the tallest buildings in the world. Designed with “postmodern Islamic” architecture, they stand as prominent symbols of Malaysia’s modernization movement.

Simultaneously, the nation’s leaders have maintained devout commitment to Islamic traditions and laws. Constitutional law, inherited from the era of British rule, which ended in 1957, also remains in force.

During the past 20 years or so, Islam has advanced by law and demographics. However, in tension with this trend, many young Malaysians are less interested in traditional Islam. By imposition they comply with the rules and laws, but at the heart level they are drawn to the hip trends of Western capitalism—wealth, pop music, skateboarding, fashion, and lipstick.

Although not many are turning to Christ in this difficult-to-reach culture, God is working in the hearts of Malaysians. The key is to develop genuine friendships, to build trust, and to serve people in love.