You can say they're lazy, which is perhaps true - they seldom work beyond what is required. But when you look at their economy, the strength of their companies and the work ethic during working hours, you'll realise that sometimes you don't have to work hard to achieve things. You just have to work smart. And that is where Malaysians lose.

That is because I am familiar with the Aussie culture, but unfamiliar with the Indian culture, myself not having been/studied at India. As such, I won't comment on something I don't know much about.

Malaysians, in general, are not unable to work smart, but prefer to work hard. Of course, its a generalisation and there are exceptions, as always. But I believe this stems from our education system which promotes memorising and culture of giving 'tips' and 'hints' and the importance placed on knowing answers, not understanding concepts.