Transcending Borders: Yearning to Belong and Homeland Reinterpretation in Diasporic Spaces among Malaysians in the United Kingdom

In the context of global migration, the Malaysian diaspora in the United Kingdom offers a lens through which to explore the complexities of identity formation and the yearning for belonging in diasporic spaces. This growth is driven by individuals and families seeking new opportunities in education, employment, or lifestyle changes. However, migration presents challenges such as finding a sense of belonging, yearning for home, and creating diasporic spaces. This study explores the complex experiences of Malaysians in the UK, emphasising border crossings and hybrid identities within the diaspora, focusing on how they reinterpret homeland and navigate complex cultural dynamics in a transnational context. Using a qualitative approach, the research gathers data through in-depth interviews with first-generation Malaysian immigrants in the UK. This methodology provides a clearer understanding of their lived experiences and perspectives. The research aims to enrich knowledge on migration, diaspora, and transnationalism by highlighting identity negotiation, the emotional dimensions of yearning for home, and strategies to create and maintain diasporic spaces. Findings reveal that Malaysians in the UK negotiate a convoluted relationship with their home country, experiencing both a yearning for their roots and challenges of assimilation. The study highlights the role of community networks and cultural events in fostering a sense of belonging and cultural connection to Malaysia.