This inaugural publication of the Small Towns Research Centre is a visual journey that documents the memories, lives and aspirations of a cross section of the people of Kampar, a former tin mining town in Malaysia that is evolving into an educational, medical and research hub.
The Small Towns Research Centre (STRC) is a ground-up initiative that embarks on a systematic social, economic and historical study of small towns. STRC believe that small towns hold the key to understanding migration, trade networks, cultural identity, and community formation. Working in collaboration with Thye Seng 105, activities of the centre will include talks, exhibitions, and placemaking activities.
Having spent over three decades in the industry exploring various genres of commercial photography, Albert Tan has come to realise that his true passion lies in capturing people on film. What he loves most is the opportunity to communicate and connect with the human spirit in a meaningful, positive way. And, for him, what better way than through his camera lens?
Daphne Lee is a writer and editor, and a creative writing teacher. She has published a collection of short stories as author and two anthologies as curator-editor. She is currently consulting editor with Scholastic Asia. Daphne comes from two small towns in Johor and now lives in Kuala Lumpur.
Graphic designer and illustrator Jun Kit is active in the domains of art, publishing, theatre and activism. He has exhibited his work in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Tokyo. He runs Ugly Malaysiana, a zine and Instagram project documenting vernacular aesthetics.
Contents
Publisher’s Foreword
Introduction
Part 1
Eu Yan Sang
P’KoPi
Kemmy Tan
Hakka Yin
Kedai Buku Kim Kee
Part 2
Dr Ranjit Kaur
Leong Hon Loon
Kedai Gambar Fokto48
Tham Leong and Tadika Annie
Tet Onn Tong
Part 3
Dr Wong Yee Tuan
Hisham Zulkiflee
Thye Seng
Chai Wei Sin
Loke Yun Kopitiam
Hew Fen Yee
Editorial Team & Acknowledgements
