One visit, two nations

By Ahmad Aqif Luqman bin Fauzi

“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.” – Maya Angelou

These words perfectly captured the spirit of a recent visit.

Kolej Yayasan Saad has the opportunity to host two guests from Kazakhstan, Miss Marina Kunarova and Miss Yesseniya Abenova. At first, it felt like a typical international visit. However, it turned out to be something more meaningful.  One visit, yet it managed to connect two nations with distinct traditions in such a simple way.

A warm welcome under one roof

We first met them during an iftar session where the evening air was thick with a sense of community and shared purpose. The presence of distinguished figures such as Tan Sri Halim Saad, Dato’ Seri Dr. Haji Irmohizam Ibrahim, and Dato’ Jamil Bidin created a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the dining hall. After listening to the opening speech by Datuk Seri Irmohizam, we enjoyed the meal together, which made the experience even more meaningful.

The following day, the morning assembly proved that even the most familiar routines can become extraordinary with the right company. During the assembly, our principal, Mr Tan Cheh Li, delivered a speech together with the guests from Kazakhstan. He spoke about building connections beyond borders and how experiences like this are valuable for students.

As accomplished film producers, our guests offered a perspective that resonated deeply with the students. They spoke about the importance of global citizenship and how seeking experiences outside our own ‘bubble’ enriches the soul. They shared the beautiful truth, that these ‘simple’ interactions we share today are the seeds of massive opportunities tomorrow. As professional storytellers, they reminded us that their visit wasn’t just a scheduled event but rather a living story that we were all actively shaping together in real-time.

The power of the frame

As legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese once said, “Cinema is a matter of what’s in the frame and what’s out.”

While we captured many photos to preserve these memories, the truel frame was the bond formed between two nations. Though the visit was brief, its impact remained significant. It served as a beautiful reminder that when we open our hearts to others, we don’t just host guests but also bridge the gap between worlds.

In the end, it wasn’t just a visit but a shared heartbeat between two nations.