Why Southeast Asia’s non-Chinese embrace Lunar New Year celebrations

Malaysian tour guide Syazni Nabilah Che Kamarudin and her family have been immersed in the Lunar New Year festivities this year, handing out red packets and dressing up in traditional Chinese attire. “This year is especially meaningful for me because it is my first time giving hongbao to my Chinese friends after getting married. I’m happy to follow this beautiful custom,” the Kuala Lumpur resident said about the long-standing Chinese tradition. “As Malay-Muslims, we enjoy the cultural...

By Kolette Lim