KUALA LUMPUR: Two Malaysian women who have relocated to other countries have found that there is no better way to appreciate home than being thousands of miles away. Despite making their temporary abode elsewhere, the longing for home never ceases for these two individuals. Nor Azira Abdul Aziz, 39, moved to Oslo, Norway in 2011 and shared that gatherings with their respective families help them overcome homesickness and strengthen their relationships. She mentioned events organized by the Norway Malaysia Association, where they insist on wearing national attire to showcase patriotism and enhance the atmosphere. Nor Azira, originally from Ipoh, Perak, expressed missing the Malaysian spirit of unity, diverse races, religions, and cultures, as well as the friendly and harmonious ambiance back home.
Nor Azira, a graduate of Universiti Teknologi Mara, also highlighted the contrast in social norms between Malaysia and Norway. While Malaysians are known for their open-mindedness, friendliness, and smiling faces, Norway follows an unspoken social norm called “janteloven” that emphasizes privacy. This practice makes it difficult for Malaysians to engage in casual conversations, especially about personal matters, and smiling at strangers may be seen as peculiar. Nor Azira moved to Norway to accompany her husband, Faizul Akmal Ahmad Rodi, 43, who secured a job as a petroleum engineer in the country.
In 2019, Norazryana Mat Dawi, 38, migrated to Toronto, Canada, to gain experience and pursue better opportunities. She expressed her strong yearning for the delicious local Malaysian cuisine, which is challenging to find in Canada. Due to the scarcity of Malaysian restaurants, Norazryana had to showcase her creativity and innovation by finding suitable substitutes for the unavailable ingredients. She mentioned modifying recipes and using alternative ingredients, such as dandelion leaves as a replacement for pucuk ubi in a local vegetable salad. Moreover, Norazryana misses the vibrant nightlife in Malaysia, which surpasses the Canadian scene. She plans to purchase rare ingredients like belacan, anchovies, and salted fish when she has the chance to return home. Norazryana, who holds a PhD from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, is currently temporarily residing in the Czech Republic to accompany her husband, Hamidreza Namazi, 39, who obtained a university researcher position there.
Norazryana, a permanent resident in Canada, acknowledged that adapting to a different way of life was the biggest challenge of moving to a new country. However, she emphasized the importance of following the traditions and customs of the host country, saying, “‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.'” – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
