KUALA LUMPUR: Two siblings from Azerbaijan who came to pursue their higher education in Malaysia were full of praise for their second home.
Nazrin Nasirova, 20, arrived in Malaysia three years ago to pursue a degree in Human Resources Management at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT). That was six months before the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the world.
So, Nazrin was still not familiar with the country when the virus hit our shores.
Yet, when most international students rushed back home to the comfort of their families, Nazrin decided to remain here.
"It is the warmth and hospitality of the people here. Although I am a foreigner and could not speak Bahasa Malaysia, Malaysians were willing to help me understand the country.
"Sometimes, when I asked for directions from people at roadside stalls, who were not fluent in English, they would go the extra mile to show me the way by walking with me to the destination. In fact, I have picked up some words myself by speaking to them on a daily basis.
"During the pandemic, I felt safe here. I could rely on the people here for help,"
she told the New Straits Times at the
Azerbaijan Independence Day reception hosted by the Azerbaijan embassy here recently.
Her brother, Ibrahim Nasirov, 19, came to Malaysia during the height of the pandemic last year.
Ibrahim, who is studying Business Management at LUCT, started his undergraduate life with online classes.
"Azerbaijan and Malaysia share many similarities, besides both being Muslim-majority countries. Even our local dishes are prepared almost similarly but, of course, everything in Malaysia comes with extra spice.
"Now that Malaysia is transitioning to the endemic phase, Nazrin and I feel safer to go on vacations here. We are planning to visit Langkawi soon," he said.
On choosing Malaysia as his study destination, Ibrahim said his family felt Malaysia was a suitable place for him since his sister was able to adapt to the country.
"Our family wants both of us to be together. And, Malaysia is a home away from home for us."