AS Sarawak marks another year of progress, pride and unity on July 22, its sons and daughters scattered across the globe are finding heartfelt ways to honour their homeland, despite being oceans and continents apart.
From the academic halls of the United States of America (USA) to quiet towns in the United Kingdom (UK) and the busy kitchens of the Middle East, Sarawakians living abroad remain deeply connected to the land they still call home.
Whether through virtual reunions, nostalgic meals cooked from memory, or proudly waving the state flag, they carry the essence of Sarawak in their daily lives.
For these global citizens, Sarawak Day is not just a commemoration of history; it is a living reminder of identity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of unity that defines their roots.
Sarawak Tribune spoke to three Sarawakians – Dr Khusairy Bakri in the USA, Hazman Abdul Rahman in the UK, and Amanda Allan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), each of whom offered a glimpse into what it means to celebrate Sarawak from afar, and why, no matter the distance, their hearts will always belong to the Land of the Hornbills.
From Washington, with Sarawak
Although thousands of miles from home, researcher Dr Khusairy Bakri continues to carry the spirit of Sarawak in all he does.
Now based in Pullman, Washington, the Kuching-born academic reflects on what Sarawak Day means to him and how distance has only strengthened his love for the state.
Dr Khusairy left Sarawak not out of choice, but circumstance; despite possessing strong academic credentials and global experience, he struggled to find merit-based opportunities in his home country.
Yet, far from becoming detached, Dr Khusairy remains actively engaged in initiatives that reflect Sarawak’s development goals.
Through collaborations with the Sarawak Government and industry players, he has contributed to the development of sustainable innovations, including advanced materials and membrane systems.
“Even from abroad, I am driven by a duty to serve Sarawak,” he said.
Each year on July 22, Dr Khusairy observes Sarawak Day by reflecting on his identity and reconnecting with fellow Sarawakians around the world.
Through virtual gatherings, cultural exchanges, and sharing local dishes like ayam pansuh and umai, he keeps the essence of home alive.
“It’s more than a celebration. It’s a reminder that we, as Sarawakians abroad, have a responsibility to uplift our homeland,” he said.
For Dr Khusairy, Sarawak Day symbolises self-determination and the strength of Sarawak’s multicultural identity.
“I take great pride in our unity despite our diversity, and our resilience in the face of challenges,” he said.
While he treasures the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sarawak, what he misses most is the warmth of its people.
“The simple joy of sharing a meal, a smile, or a story with neighbours, that sense of community is irreplaceable,” he added.
Living abroad has also sharpened his resolve.
“I see what fair policies and merit-based recognition can do in other countries. I want that for Sarawak too,” he said.
As the state commemorates Sarawak Day, Dr Khusairy called on fellow Sarawakians to unite in demanding a future where local talent is genuinely valued.
“We must invest in our people. Let’s move beyond slogans and adopt policies that welcome Sarawakians home, not just in words, but in action,” he emphasised.
Home tastes, British life
Though far from the shores of Borneo, Hazman Abdul Rahman still carries Sarawak in his heart.
A Kuching-born Sarawakian who has been living in Chichester, West Sussex, since 2016, Hazman’s life abroad began when he married a British national.
Yet, despite settling thousands of kilometres away, his pride in his Sarawakian identity has never faded.
“Even though I live far away, I still feel proud to be a Sarawakian. Sarawak Day is a day to remember my home, my family, and my culture. It reminds me of where I belong,” Hazman said.
In a small city like Chichester, where Sarawakian faces are few and community events even rarer, Hazman stays connected to his roots in more personal ways, through food, language, and simple rituals of remembrance.
“Cooking dishes like laksa and kolo mee brings back memories of home. I also celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri in my way and make an effort to share our culture with people here,” he said.
While others might attend large gatherings or community events, Hazman’s celebration of Sarawak Day is quiet yet meaningful.
He keeps in touch with his family back in Sarawak and scrolls through Facebook and news outlets to see how the people back home are commemorating the day.
Sometimes, he flips through photos, reads about Sarawak Day online, or plays familiar Sarawakian songs to stay close to home in spirit.
“Living abroad has made me love Sarawak more. Being far away helps me see how special my home is, the food, the culture, the people. I feel proud and want to tell others about tanah airku, Sarawak,” he said.
What Hazman is most proud of is Sarawak’s peaceful multiculturalism.
“People from different backgrounds can sit together and celebrate each other’s special days. That’s something wonderful,” he said.
He also admires the state’s political stability, which he believes sets an example for others.
Still, home calls in many small ways, especially through food.
“What I miss most is the laksa and kolo mee. It reminds me of home and good times with family,” he added.
He called on Sarawakians to continue celebrating their rich culture, unity and diversity.
“No matter where we are in the world, Sarawak will always be our proud home. Stay strong, stay kind, and keep shining bright,” he said.
Chef abroad, heart Sarawak
Anne Amanda Allan carries Sarawak in every dish she cooks and every memory she keeps alive.
Originally from Serian, Amanda has spent the last two years in the UAE, working as a hotel chef, a journey she describes as challenging but fulfilling.
“I moved here to grow professionally. It’s been a wild ride, but even with all this distance, my heart’s still back home in Sarawak,” she said.
Like many Sarawakians living abroad, Amanda finds comfort in small rituals that keep her connected to her roots.
Weekly calls to family help ease homesickness, and scrolling through social media for updates on festivals, food, and cultural events back home is her way of staying grounded in her heritage.
“It’s the little things I miss the most. Speaking your language in the market, bumping into familiar faces, or laughing with strangers who feel like family. Those everyday moments are what make Sarawak home,” she said.
While she does not observe any formal traditions for Sarawak Day, Amanda never misses the chance to catch the celebrations online, whether through live broadcasts or social media posts from friends back home.
Watching others celebrate the auspicious day fills her with pride and a deep sense of belonging.
“Sarawak Day reminds me of the strength of our people and the sacrifices our ancestors made. I may be far away, but I carry that spirit with me always,” she said.
For Amanda, cooking has become a powerful means of reconnecting with her roots.
Even in a foreign land where ingredients are scarce, she does her best to recreate beloved dishes like laksa Sarawak and pucuk ubi tutok from scratch.
“Cooking brings back memories of my childhood and my family’s kitchen. It’s not always perfect, but the feeling is comforting,” she said.
And when she’s not cooking, Amanda turns to Sarawakian music to bring herself closer to home.
“I’ll play songs by At Adau, Uyau Moris, Jerry Kamit, Alena Murang, even ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’. It instantly takes me back,” she shared.
Amanda’s message to fellow Sarawakians this Sarawak Day is simple but powerful: “Never forget how strong and beautiful our home is. Whether we’re near or far, our identity ties us together.
“Let’s keep honouring our culture, supporting each other, and celebrating the unique spirit of Sarawak that makes us proud to call it home.”
