5 April 2024
Alana Dunsmore, renowned as alanaspinktravels, has captured the hearts of over 100,000 followers on Instagram and YouTube with her captivating travel escapades, culinary explorations, and command of the Malay language. However, her journey transcends mere content creation, marked by a remarkable transformation – from a Scottish undergraduate student to a devout Muslim and influencer deeply immersed in Malaysian culture.
Dunsmore’s voyage commenced with a spontaneous decision to select Malaysia for her study year abroad while pursuing an international business degree in Scotland. Reflecting on her choice, she mused, “Destiny has picked – and now I would say God has picked.”
Upon arriving in Malaysia in 2019 as an exchange student at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak in Kuala Lumpur, Dunsmore initially grappled with cultural adjustment. Yet, her perspective shifted as she traversed the nation, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of its people. “They have the biggest heart,” she remarked, highlighting Malaysians’ generosity and camaraderie.
Transitioning from a student to a content creator in 2020, Dunsmore captivated locals with her genuine embrace of Malaysian traditions, from attending open houses to donning traditional attire and conversing fluently in Malay.
Her narrative took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with local actor Abbas Mahmood during the Merdeka Parade. A chance encounter and a witty comment on social media sparked a whirlwind romance that culminated in marriage in January.
Contrary to misconceptions, Dunsmore’s conversion to Islam was not prompted by her marriage to Mahmood but was the culmination of a four-year journey of learning and introspection. “Most people think Alana converted to Islam because she wanted to marry me. But that’s not true,” Mahmood clarified, emphasizing her deep-rooted interest in Islam prior to their meeting.
With unwavering support from her followers, Dunsmore embraced her newfound faith wholeheartedly, enrolling in Islamic studies at Universiti Tun Abdul Razak. As she commemorates her first Ramadan as a Muslim, she expresses gratitude for the encouragement received throughout her spiritual journey.
Embarking on a balik-kampung trip to Mahmood’s hometown in Kelantan for Hari Raya, Dunsmore’s odyssey from a Scottish student to a beloved influencer in Malaysia serves as a testament to the transformative power of unexpected encounters and life-changing discoveries. “I could not ask for a better job,” she enthused, “and now I get to experience it with my husband.”
