She lived in Australia, Berlin, and London, but ended up in Rotterdam. “I am proud to be a Rotterdammer,” says Yein. She was born in Malaysia, but quickly discovered the world. She attended high school partly in Australia. “After that, I wanted to go to Europe. I don’t know why. Everyone in Australia wants to go to Europe. I think it’s because it’s different there. Australia has beautiful nature, but not the same kind of culture.”
Family
This lack of culture partly brought her to bustling Berlin, where she fell head over heels in love with a Dutchman. However, he didn’t take her to the Netherlands, but to London, where he was living at the time. They got married there and had their first child. “We had no family in London, so it would be strange to stay there. I wanted my children to have grandparents nearby, and I want my in-laws to be close by.”
Outward-looking
Her husband’s profession brought them to Rotterdam. “He is an architect, and this is a good city for architecture.” And not only that, as it turned out. “I feel very comfortable here compared to other cities such as Amsterdam or The Hague. Rotterdam is international; there are different people here and they speak many different languages. Amsterdam is more inward-looking. Rotterdam, with the Maas, is more outward-looking. That’s why this city makes me feel more at home.” It’s no surprise that Yein has found her home in Delfshaven, on the waterfront.
Learning Dutch
She wishes everyone could have a home like hers. “It’s important to learn a little Dutch.” It took her about three to four years to do so. “Learning a new language shouldn’t be that difficult for people from Malaysia because we speak many languages. But Dutch isn’t easy. Still, she insists on learning it. “Because then you can say something, give your opinion. In countries like Malaysia, there is less freedom to do that. So seize your chance here!”
She also has some advice for Rotterdam residents in general, new or not. “I still see a lot of islands. I hope that the new generation will communicate more with others and with each other, creating more connection.”