Joyous feast: Luo (fifth from left) and Wo (sixth from left) getting ready to toss yee sang with their management and staff during a pre-Chinese New Year luncheon in Semenyih. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star
KAJANG: As Chinese New Year draws nearer, Chinese nationals living in Malaysia are hoping to enjoy a heartwarming home away from home celebration infused with tradition and newfound interests.
Alex Luo and his wife, Teresa Wo, a couple in their early 60s, have called Malaysia home for over a decade.
Originally from Hong Kong, they are thrilled to once again celebrate the Spring Festival here.
“Malaysia has so much to offer when it comes to festive celebrations,” said Luo in a recent interview.
“We really love seafront vacations, and Malaysia has no shortage of stunning options.”
Luo, who directs a plastic waste processing and packaging facility in Semenyih, reflected on his journey from Hong Kong.
“After decades of building my career there, I was seeking better prospects for my family.
“With my background in biology and waste recycling, Malaysia seemed like the perfect fit.
“We fell in love with the country more than 10 years ago when we first came to visit – the beautiful sandy beaches, pleasant weather and welcoming people. Most importantly, the political stability here is reassuring.”
In 2018, the couple conducted thorough research before deciding to settle here through the Malaysia My Second Home programme.
Echoing her husband, Wo said Malaysia offers the best of both worlds in terms of countryside living and bustling city life.
Wo also has a penchant for Malaysia’s Musang King durian.
“I was blown away when I first tasted it. I’m so glad we came here and can enjoy such heavenly fruit,” she said.
For engineer Xing Wenyu, 32, this Chinese New Year marks a special occasion as he welcomes the festive season with his parents in Malaysia for the first time.
“My mum and dad arrived from Guangdong several days ago, and they’ve been busy preparing for our reunion dinner,” he said.
Xing is happy that his parents embraced his idea of celebrating the Spring Festival away from home.
“They rarely travel abroad, and the visa-free arrangement between China and Malaysia made the journey easy and convenient.
“Since my work can be hectic with unexpected demands, it made sense to bring them here to be with me.”
Having lived in Kuchai Lama for two years, he plans to take his mum shopping for fresh ingredients as they prepare to make pork dumplings.
After the festivities, Xing intends to take his parents around Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands.