A different kind of celebration away from home

A different kind of celebration away from home

PETALING JAYA: Although thousands of miles away from their families, Malaysian students in the United Kingdom still had their reunion dinners, albeit with friends.

Lau Wen Joan (pic), who is at the University of Nottingham, said this was her first Chinese New Year away from her family.

“As part of a fortunate opportunity facilitated by my university’s exchange programme, I’m currently living in the United Kingdom, where I’m engaged in an enriching academic experience that spans six months.

“It is indeed one of the most eye-opening experiences for me.

“But, of course, there will be a pinch of sadness and loneliness when you’re not able to be physically present around your family members for one of the most anticipated festivals.

“This is my first time celebrating Chinese New Year away from them. I hope they miss me too,” said Lau.

She said being able to call her family at least allowed her to celebrate with them in spirit and connect with them emotionally.

Lau added that she missed the delicious home-cooked food, nian gao (sticky rice cake) and reunion dinner.

Despite not liking lou sang that much, she admitted that now, being far away and not having any, her Lunar New Year celebrations feel incomplete.

“One thing I miss also are the decorations and the spirit where everyone gathers and gives out positive wishes to start the new beginning of another chapter in life. One more thing that cannot be left out are the red packets (ang pow),” she said.

However, Lau said she was lucky enough to celebrate the occasion with the friends who came with her to the United Kingdom on the university exchange programme.

“I am also very glad that my friends invited me over to have a small reunion dinner with other Malaysians living and studying here.

“And, of course, since we do not have a Chinese New Year holiday, it’s a must to include some studying so we are not left behind in our classes,” she said.

It was also the first time celebrating Chinese New Year abroad for Chung Kai Hong, 20, who is studying at the University of Nottingham too.

“It feels strange being somewhere other than my hometown at this time,” said Chung.

Chung added that while in Malaysia, these holidays would be punctuated with family gatherings and hangouts, in the United Kingdom, it was celebrated by having dinner with a couple of friends from Malaysia.