Hi — I’m Marshia Akbar 👋

I’m a migration and integration researcher with a curiosity that stretches well beyond academic walls. My work explores how people move, settle, and make sense of new places — and I’m especially passionate about uncovering the human stories behind policies and data.

But this blog isn’t just about research. It’s a space where ideas, cultures, and perspectives intersect — where policy meets everyday experience, and where curiosity leads us to unexpected insights. Here, I write about social issues, cultural reflections, political debates, and personal inquiry, linking global dynamics with lived realities.

Alongside my academic work, I nurture a deeply creative side. Painting is one of the ways I reflect on memory, migration, belonging, and identity — you’ll find a dedicated painting section on this page where I share those visual stories. I also read widely, write beyond academic boundaries, and turn to music as a quiet companion in both thinking and creating. These creative practices shape how I see the world — and how I approach my research.

I believe in the power of stories — whether told through data, words, or colour. Research helps us understand systems; creativity helps us understand ourselves.

Whether you’re here to engage with ideas, explore art, or simply follow along with curiosity, you’re warmly welcome. Let’s question, create, learn, and reflect together.