Remembering days of fun in the sun October 14, 2014 – Posted in: In The News, Reviews

Sometimes, we have to look through another’s eyes to see something special in the ordinary. Reading the memoirs of John Michael Broome Hughes, especially the section devoted to his time in this country, one is transported into an era where a pair of observant eyes and a powerful pen can make history come alive. The memoirs of the last British headmaster of the Penang Free School (PFS), known as Mike to his friends, is not…

Recalling a Thai Malaysian Legacy July 14, 2014 – Posted in: In The News

The history of Phuket and this region, is the late Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong, better known on Phuket as Praya Rassada. He was the high commissioner of Phuket and the Southwestern region of Siam from 1900 to 1913. He was assassinated 100 years ago in May, 1913. To commemorate his death, a regional historical symposium and business forum was recently held in Penang. The event was entitled ‘Khaw Sim Bee Na Ranong and shared…

The kampung house revisited April 7, 2014 – Posted in: In The News

Article by Farah Fazanna Zulzaha Guests to the Rumah: An Ode to Malay House book launch took the time to enjoy the illustrations by London-based illustrator Ahmad Harun. A BOOK of poems dedicated to traditional Malay houses has been launched. Penned by the cultural icon Tenas Effendy, Rumah: An Ode to the Malay Housepresents Tenas’ classic tribute to the Malay house alongside a lively English translation by Raimy Ché-Ross, making the work accessible to…

Book brings memories of living in a kampung – Posted in: In The News

Letter by S. Sundareson, Petaling Jaya I REFER to the article “The kampong house revisited” (The Star, March 25). The launch of the book “Rumah – An Ode to the Malay house” brings back fond memories during my childhood days. The book, which has poems written by Tenas Effendy, with English translation by Raimy Che’ Ross, is probably the first of its kind. A forward with an illustration by Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid, popularly…

Book by cultural icon pays tribute to the traditional Malay dwelling March 28, 2014 – Posted in: In The News

Article by Farah Fazanna Zulzaha Lat (left) and Areca Books founding partner Abdur- Razzaq Lubis sharing a moment to read Tenas Effendy’s newly launched book of poems. A BOOK of poems dedicated to traditional Malay houses has recently been launched. Penned by the cultural icon Tenas Effendy, Rumah: An Ode to the Malay House presents Tenas’ classic tribute to the Malay house alongside a lively English translation by Raimy Ché-Ross, making the work accessible to new…

Missionary couple’s contributions are well-recorded in Penang February 24, 2014 – Posted in: In The News

Article by Wong Chun Wai The newly refurbished church in Farquhar Street is one of the country’s 50 national treasures. IT IS easily the most beautiful church in Penang but more than that, St George’s Church, which was built in 1816, is the oldest Anglican church in South-East Asia. Not surprisingly, the church, located on Farquhar Street, has been declared one of the 50 national treasures of Malaysia by the Government. The landmark church was…

Conservative Crusader: Law Siak Hong defends Perak’s Heritage February 10, 2014 – Posted in: In The News

Article by Kenny Mah IPOH, Jan 24 — Initially conceived by a band of citizens concerned about the conservation of Ipoh’s historical sites, the Perak Heritage Society (PHS) now promotes public awareness and preservation of the entire state’s cultural, social and environmental heritage. One of their leading lights, PHS founding member and former president Law Siak Hong is relentless about the cause; he leads regular heritage walks for the public around Old Ipoh as well…

US newspaper features Malaysian doctor’s photography January 16, 2014 – Posted in: In The News

Article by Winnie Yeoh Veteran shutter bug: A file picture of Ooi attending the official launch of ‘Portraits of Penang: Little India’ in Georgetown. GEORGE TOWN: A local doctor has been featured in an article in The International New York Times for his photographs that “chronicled a vanishing world” of harbour life in Penang. Dr Ooi Cheng Ghee, known for his vivid portraits of Little India between 1979 and 1981, was noted in the article…

Snapshots of Globalization’s First Wave – Posted in: In The News

Article by Sunil S. Amrith Every weekend in 1979, Ooi Cheng Ghee took his Leica camera out to the docks of Penang, an island off the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Mr. Ooi, a local physician of Chinese descent, roamed the working-class district of Georgetown to document life in the harbor. By year’s end, he had taken 4,000 portraits, mostly of first-and second-generation migrants from India. Penang is also known as Pulau Pinang, the Malay…

If walls could speak August 13, 2013 – Posted in: In The News

Article by Christina Chin Typical of architecture of its time, in the 18th century, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion features a mix of features, such as the Scottish cast iron columns and railings that surround an air well furnished in typical upperclass Chinese fashion. — Photos by GARY CHEN/The Star We would hear tales of a life lived adventurously, one that was, in the end, celebrated by magnificent architecture. HERITAGE researcher Tan Yeow Wooi released his…