Being in a foreign land can be daunting and lonely. Despite this, Malaysians living in the UK never lose sight of their roots. This year, Kholyn and her friends are celebrating Chinese New Year 11,327 kilometres away from home.
Celebrating Chinese New Year away from home
The distance between Kuching, Sarawak and Scotland, UK is 11,327 kilometres. Despite this, Malaysians living abroad never forget their cultural and heritage roots as they celebrate Malaysia’s various festive seasons. This Chinese New Year, Sarawakian Kholyn Ruran Jonathan will host her second celebration.
The feeling of homesickness and missing Malaysian-Sarawak cuisines among the celebrants sparked the idea for the celebration. The same is true for Kholyn, who arrived a week before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Wuhan’s COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020.
“Scotland’s national lockdown measures went into effect a few days after WHO declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. It lasted through August 2020. Despite having my family with me, I couldn’t help but feel homesick during that long period of isolation,” Kholyn said, adding that she missed Malaysian food the most during this time.
Thus, the 42-year-old started joining Facebook groups such as ‘Malaysian Food in United Kingdom’ and ‘Malaysian Mummies in the UK’.
“I first used these social media platforms to look for and order Malaysian food.
“Subsequently, I made many friends there, especially after joining a few close-knit WhatsApp groups, such as ‘Malaysian Food Kaki (Ed),’ which is dedicated to Malaysian food ordering in Edinburgh, and ‘Kenyalang,’ which connects Sarawakian mothers in the UK,” added the Lun Bawang lass.
When the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions were partially lifted in Scotland, Kholyn began attending social events after discovering the ‘Edinburgh Malaysian Student Association Family’ (EMSAF) and ‘Kita in Scotland’ (KIS).
“It’s true what they say about food bringing people together,” she told New Sarawak Tribune, describing the common interest Malaysians have abroad.
Celebrating Malaysian roots in the UK
Kholyn, who is of Lun Bawang and Chinese descent, grew up getting involved in almost every festival in Sarawak.
“My friends like to say that I take part in all festivities. My family would usually celebrate Chinese New Year and Christmas every year. We will also return home to celebrate Pesta Lun Bawang.”
Because of that, Kholyn misses the joy she used to feel during Chinese New Year.
“Last year, I hosted my first Chinese New Year gathering and potluck. However, because the COVID-19 restrictions were still in effect at the time, we were limited to a small number of participants. Nonetheless, when Scotland’s legal COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in March of last year, we organised a number of barbecues and potlucks.”
Aside from Chinese New Year, Kholyn and other Malaysians abroad spent time together by organising Father’s Day barbecues, birthday barbecues, ad hoc barbecues, picnics, or potlucks during the summer. When there are events, they will rent a hall, organise an activity, or hold a get-together at their favourite Chinese or Vietnamese restaurants.
“We especially enjoy organising these events because it is usually the only time we get to meet and catch up with other Malaysian families, while the kids get to play together,” said the mother of three.
Malaysian food would be abundant at this time. Karipap, kuih seri muka, kuih koci, Sarawak kek lapis, murukku, kelupis, chicken curry, rendang, daging dendeng, mi goreng mamak, Sarawak Laksa, Hokkien mee, nasi lemak, Hainanese chicken rice, lemang, satay, and many other dishes would be served.
“The activities at these events are fairly straightforward. Eat, chat, and then tapau the leftovers. There may be mah-jong or other games involved at times. During the Chinese New Year celebration, we usually give out red packets (ang pao) to the children and have families swap Chinese New Year goodies like homemade nian gao and peanut cookies.”
Kholyn revealed that there would be more people attending this year’s annual Chinese New Year get-together and potluck as well as a variety of food options. She only had a small group of close friends at first. As time went on, more people became aware of the events.
“This year’s Chinese New Year event will be attended by 15 families consisting of 30 adults and 15 children.”
With so many people attending, Kholyn said that the event was not limited to any particular race.
“However, due to food restrictions, our event was primarily catered to non-Muslims, as there was non-halal food involved. We’ve previously had Singaporeans, Scots, Americans, and Spaniards join us. It’s always a lot of fun to introduce and share Malaysian food with people from other countries.”
Unity despite abroad
As living in a foreign country can be lonely for Malaysians, who better to understand a Malaysian than another Malaysian?
“Everyone misses their family back home after a long period of isolation due to the lockdown and pandemic restrictions. Usually, the people who understand what you’re going through the most are your Malaysian friends, especially if they’re your only link to your homeland.”
Kholyn believes it is important for Malaysians to unite because doing so can help one be supported by their own people who fully understand them.
“Furthermore, as a mother, I believe that being around others and having social experiences helps children learn, develop, and grow.”
Despite not having grown up in Malaysia, Kholyn believes Malaysian children should be exposed to Malaysian culture and hospitality.
“As such, social interaction with other Malaysian children and families will aid in the development of important life skills such as speaking our native language and cooking a traditional Malaysian meal!”
