Arifah Badlishah, a digital marketer from Malaysia, has started a new chapter in Edinburgh, a city celebrated for its rich history and distinctive charm. Since October 2020, she has been employed at the University of Edinburgh, initially as a Digital Marketing Intern and now as a Digital Engagement Officer. Her transition from Malaysia to Scotland has been marked by personal and professional development, cultural immersion and a heightened respect for her heritage.
Refreshing Work Culture
Arifah’s decision to stay in Edinburgh after graduation was greatly influenced by the work culture she experienced. She noted that work-life balance is prioritised in Edinburgh and there’s a respectful environment that embraces new ideas. This was a welcome change from her experiences in Malaysia, where the intense, deadline-driven atmosphere often encroached on personal time.
In Scotland, there is a clear distinction between work and personal life. “People respect your time off, and there’s no intrusion into your personal life,” she observes. Her employer offers flexible leave policies, providing 35 days of annual leave, which allows her to plan visits back home or travel around Europe. This flexibility enhances her quality of life and work satisfaction.
The Malaysian Community and Overcoming Homesickness
The active Malaysian community in Edinburgh has been essential for Arifah, helping her manage the homesickness of living abroad. “During Ramadan, the community’s vibrancy helps remind me of home,” she says. The transition was challenging, especially during winter, with its short days and limited sunlight. “Homesickness was tough, particularly being so far from family for the first time,” Arifah explains.
She found solace in cooking Malaysian dishes, which became a therapeutic process. “Cooking Malaysian food became my solace. Staying in touch with family and friends online and mingling with the local Malaysian community helped me cope,” she adds. Initially not keen on cooking, the necessity of preparing her meals led her to master a variety of Malaysian dishes. “I’ve come a long way from my first failed sambal attempt to now being able to whip up dishes like ayam masak merah and cekodok confidently,” Arifah shares with pride. She credits online chefs like Che Nom and Khairul Aming and insights from her mom for her improved cooking skills.
Culinary Explorations and Cultural Integration
Arifah’s adaptation to Scottish cuisine began with her curious and cautious tasting of haggis, Scotland’s national dish. “Haggis was an acquired taste, being made from a sheep’s liver, heart and lungs, but it’s worth trying,” she admits. Beyond traditional dishes, Arifah made a small culinary contribution herself. At her office building’s pastry shop, known for customisable Scottish morning rolls, her unique mix of hash browns, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce and mayo became a hit. “I’d always order this combination, and one day, they decided to add it to the permanent menu after noticing its popularity,” she says with a smile.
Arifah also extends her cultural sharing through Malaysian souvenirs. She gifted her boss batik face masks, using this gesture to share something uniquely Malaysian. Additionally, she introduced her Scottish colleagues to pandan-flavored Apollo cakes, a popular snack when she was growing up. “When I first shared it, a colleague commented that it reminded her of summer,” she recalls, highlighting the delight and curiosity such exchanges sparked.
Giving Back from Afar
Living abroad has increased Arifah’s appreciation for Malaysia. “It makes me value our culture, language and food more deeply,” she reflects. She has found ways to contribute to her community from afar, such as creating a Telegram group, Kerja Mass Comm, which supports nearly 3,000 members by advertising job opportunities in Malaysia’s media and communications sectors. “Helping others find jobs is one way I can give back from abroad,” she explains.
Arifah sees great potential in leveraging the MyHeart portal to further her efforts with Kerja Mass Comm. “It is a good initiative for Malaysians abroad to connect and look for employment,” she states. “The portal provides a platform for networking and sharing opportunities, which can be very beneficial for Malaysians looking to support each other.” By actively engaging with the MyHeart portal, Arifah can broaden the scope of her contributions, helping more Malaysians find jobs and stay connected to their homeland.
For those looking to explore similar paths, MyHeart provides resources and a community to support Malaysians abroad. Join MyHeart today to build your network and gain support as you navigate life abroad.
