[EXPAT VOICE] From Malaysia to Turkey -- the tale of two Malaysian expats

Living in a foreign culture has its emotional ups and downs, but Husin was determined to hold on to the “ups” as she prepared to begin her new life in Turkey as the regional director of the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC).

“I didn’t think twice when I was offered this position. Since I like challenging work, this is the best opportunity for me,” explains Husin when talking about her reaction when she was told she would be setting up a new office for the MPOC in İstanbul.

Turkey’s growing demand for palm oil -- which is used in both industrial and consumer markets in the production of biscuits, pastries, confectionery, margarine, cheese, beverages, detergents and soaps -- has allowed for new investment opportunities.

Husin’s winter arrival allowed her to enjoy watching the snow through her bedroom windows as it covered the road, bringing back old memories from her time in Washington, where she and her father worked together. As pleasing as her old memory was, it didn’t prevent her from becoming ill, suffering from a high fever that had her bedridden for a week. The contrast in weather resulted in her sleeping with gloves and four layers of clothing on. “If I could have worn boots to bed, I would have,” admits Husin with a smile on her face.

A different experience

Her experience was in stark contrast to Khaswadi Lahuri, a lieutenant colonel for the Malaysian army, who is taking a course in İstanbul. Lahuri has been living in Turkey for almost four months now and says that he didn’t have any problems adapting to the weather since he was trained in the military. “I was here once in 1993 during winter, and I was asked by the military to sleep on the snow; its part of my training to train my body to adapt to the weather.” According to him, a solider should be able to face any kind of weather. “Adapting to the weather is not so hard for a soldier,” he explains.

Living abroad can be very nerve-racking, especially when you are not familiar with the language and you are required to stay in the country for a long period of time.

As a 31-year-old single woman, Husin got by in İstanbul for almost a year with a limited Turkish vocabulary, knowing words such as “merhaba” (hello), “nasılsın?” (how are you?), “tamam” (OK), “evet” (yes), “hayır” (no) and “teşekkür ederim” (thank you). However, as time went by she realized that it was essential that she learn the Turkish language, leading her to take language classes despite her hectic schedule. “I have no choice [if I want to be able to live comfortably here] other than learning their language,” she says.

As the regional director of the MPOC she has to attend meetings which require that she speak Turkish. Thus far, in an effort to understand the other party, when she has a meeting she brings her own translator so that she can understand the other party well and achieve the meeting’s objective. For Lahuri, on the other hand, the language barrier is not a problem. “Since I’m here to learn the Turkish language, it’s a privilege for me to practice my Türkçe,” he says.

Turkey is famous for its cuisine, and some say it’s the best in the world. Anybody who comes to Turkey will have something to say about the food, which is more often than not simply delicious. When asked about their favorite food, both of the Malaysian expats are quick to say kumpir, a potato baked in a special oven with various fillings that comes wrapped in foil. As part of her preparation before she came here, Husin brought some Malaysian spices, and sometimes she asks her family to send spices to her in the mail “so whenever I miss the taste of Malaysian cuisine, I can cook it,” she explains.

A taste of home

As for Lahuri, when he misses Malaysian food he will go to the consulate for gatherings with other Malaysians who live here since there are no Malaysian restaurants in Turkey. The closest option is the Indian restaurant is located in Taksim: Musafir Indian Restaurant.

When asked about practicing Islam in Turkey, neither one faces any problems in performing their prayer and practicing Islam here; however, Husin did find some interesting differences in prayer attire, “I’m the only one with a telekong [the prayer cloth worn in Malaysia].”

To learn more about Turkey they usually read newspapers, Today’s Zaman in particular, so that they know about local issues, especially Turkish politics. As a businesswoman, Husin tends to take an interest in the business section. “I just know the basics of politics in Turkey, but I’m very interested in the business section,” she said. As for Lahuri, he mainly follows Turkish politics through newspapers.

When asked about what attracts her most to Turkey, Husin said, “More than places, I am taken by the Turkish folk dance performances, the distinctiveness of the dances and their colorful costumes.” She notes that “Turkish people are very helpful and hospitable,” helping to make Turkey feel like home.

Explaining that friends and family usually provide a support network so that you don’t feel alone, in a foreign country where there is a shortage of people who you can truly relate to, Husin says Facebook and Skype have come to her rescue. For Lahuri, the conventional telephone is handier. “I find the conventional way is much more meaningful since I can hear their voices and it is easy to understand their emotions,” he says.

Upon living in a foreign country, we may come to realize that there is a long list of seemingly unimportant things that we miss, things which we used to do with our family and friends. This longing may give us a unique perspective -- we may initially resist being receptive of differences, but in a way these difficulties will teach us to become more mature people.

Both Husin and Lahuri agree that living abroad has changed them for the better, making them more patient and tolerant toward their surroundings. “I’m much more tolerant in accepting the difference in lifestyle between Malaysia and Turkey,” says Lahuri. Husin says being a single woman living abroad has taught her to be independent and brave. “I don’t think I could survive here for more than a year if I were [too] dependent [on others] or timid,” she adds.

The opportunities to work here have given them the opportunity to learn about Turkish culture in depth, and they will surely share their new insights with family and friends.

As for their advice to anyone who wants to live abroad, the two Malaysian expats note the importance of being financially, emotionally and physically strong, “Especially in a city like İstanbul. The cost of living here is considerable when compared to Malaysia,” they caution. However, business opportunities here are abundant, especially if you are looking to sell new products that are not yet on the market.