The executive director of MaGIC still wanted to return home despite the vast opportunities he had overseas, namely in Australia. Here he shares some reasons (in no particular order) which drove him to come home.
Being a Malaysian is more than just a label, it’s an identity, and wherever you are in the world, there’s always a longing to be back in the motherland. This has been something I’ve thought about for a while, though the question I didn't have an answer to, back then, was always the timing, or when to come home. That is until December of 2014 - and here are some reasons why:
1. The Food
No self respecting Malaysian will ever complain about the food we have here. As a society that thinks about what we are going to have for dinner, right after having lunch, or sometimes even during, I'm proud to say that Malaysia is one place where you can find a myriad of cuisines in one locale - from French to Indonesian and more; oh and let's not forget, even Anthony Bourdain complimented the flavours of Malaysia.
2. A Sense of Belonging
The familiarity I feel every single time I land in Malaysia is so strong, it can be overwhelming. Whether it’s the smell of ridiculously delicious food, or our hot tropical weather, it always brings warmth to my heart! I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many corners of this country and almost all states (except Perlis, for now) and the majestic beauty of Malaysia always leaves me speechless, especially when it comes to diving and other outdoor activities that involve being surrounded by nature.