Prof Siti Hamisah (sixth from left) tossing yee sang with the China students during the luncheon. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
BASKING in the spirit of Chinese New Year, some students from China have decided to stay back in Malaysia to usher in the Year of the Snake.
Awed by the lively local atmosphere, UCSI University education psychology PhD candidate Liao Yiming told StarMetro that she has always admired the fireworks and light displays here.
“The fireworks illuminate the sky throughout the night, creating an energetic vibe.
“Also, the lights at places like the PETRONAS Twin Towers are vibrant and splendid,” she said during a festive lunch organised by UCSI University for its China students.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Malaysia for the fifth year, Liao is eager to blend in with local culture which she says is diverse and inclusive.
“In the past, international students from China had organised events and activities such as dances, magic shows and poetry recitals in conjunction with the festivity.
“It was a memorable and happy experience.
“This year, I will be joining my Malaysian friends for their Chinese New Year preparations,” she said.
“We will be making Malaysian food such as nasi lemak and Nyonya dishes,” shared Liao, who is from Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province.
Despite the festive atmosphere in the country, Zhao Zitong, a UCSI University chemical engineering undergraduate, still struggles with loneliness.
Zhao, who is from Taiyuan City, Shanxi province, said he managed to overcome his sadness a little by participating in festive events with friends.
“This is the second year that I am celebrating Chinese New Year in Malaysia.
“I will join my friends for a meal before we enjoy the fireworks display,” he said.
He added that the festive practices in Malaysia are more casual compared to China where emphasis is placed on traditional rituals such as pasting couplets at home.
Also present at the lunch was UCSI University vice-chancellor and president Prof Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir.
She described the event as a way for the university to appreciate the presence of Chinese international students.
“We want to show that we are here for them while they are celebrating away from their family.
“Their presence adds colour to the campus, especially when internationalisation is such a big thing.
“Through events like this, they can also learn how people here celebrate Chinese New Year.
“This is a good way of preparing them to become global citizens,” she said.
During the event, Prof Siti Hamisah tossed yee sang together with the students.
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