Wonderful experience: Mustafa (right) with his friends during a Chinese New Year event.
JOHOR BARU: International students here have warmly embraced the Malaysian festive spirit, with some attending a Chinese New Year (CNY) open house.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) student Mustafa Mahmoud, 22, said this year’s CNY was extra special as he received a special invitation from Kampung Baru Seelong village head Kong Kah Seng to attend an open house.
“I have been to other Chinese New Year open houses before, and enjoyed them. But this time, it was extra special.
“I got to try all the food, as the host prepared halal dishes for me and other Muslim guests. Usually, I only have a few halal options to choose from.
“Not only did I get to enjoy good food, but I also had the chance to meet interesting people and help distribute ang pow and food to villagers,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Among those he met at the CNY open house were Singapore’s vice-consul in Johor Baru, Alan Ang, and Malaysian Datuk Entrepreneurs’ Association president Datuk Seri Jacky Ker Cherk Yee.
“There was also a lion dance performance and fireworks during the event, which made it even more special for me,” said Mustafa, adding that he was grateful for the experience.
He also went to the state-level CNY celebration which was attended by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
Mustafa, who has been in Malaysia for over three years, said one of the things he likes most about the country is its diversity.
“I am from Sudan but grew up in Saudi Arabia, and I have never had such an experience in either country.
“I find it fascinating. I knew that Malaysia was a diverse country before coming here, but I only realised how truly diverse it is once I arrived and enjoyed all these unique experiences,” he said.
Another UTM student, Oumaima Maroua Bouguerra from Algeria, 28, said she loves the festive and warm CNY atmosphere in Malaysia.
“It is super festive. There are decorations everywhere, as well as lion dance, fireworks and many other things that make me very happy.
“I have yet to attend an open house, but I would love to so in the future.
“It seems like a great way to experience the culture more closely and try the festive food,” she said.
Meanwhile, Md Samiul Bashar, 22, said he hopes to attend a CNY open house at least once before returning to his home country, Bangladesh.
“Although I have been here for almost five years, I have yet to experience a Chinese New Year event or open house.
“My Chinese friends and lecturers are from other states and they usually go back to their hometowns for the festival.
“I plan to attend at least one open house before completing my studies next year so that I can truly experience Chinese New Year in Malaysia before going back,” he said.
