Chinese New Year: The Year of the Snake

By: Melissa Lin

Come February 10 2013, Chinese folk all over the world celebrate the most important festival in Chinese culture, Chinese New Year. This festival marks the end of the winter solstice and celebrates arrival of Spring. Steeped in custom and tradition, these 15 days are filled with color, fireworks, delicious foods, excitement and a sense of joy.

Each Chinese year comes under the auspices of an animal from the Chinese zodiac. This animal brings the year a special energy. According to the forecast of the year by Chinese astrologers, prayers are made and rituals performed to ensure a smooth and prosperous year. The year 2013 is marked by the Snake, characterized by its intelligence. In Chinese astrology, the snake is seen as keen and cunning, quite intelligent and wise.

Bernice Chauly: ‘Growing up with Ghosts’

By: Melissa Lin

Bernice Chauly is a writer, photographer, poet, lecturer and film-maker. Having been active in the Kuala Lumpur arts scene for almost two decades, Chauly has contributed in a myriad of ways to the evolution and richness of the local arts and literary scene.

Her memoir ‘Growing up with Ghosts’ is a quintessential Malaysian story that seamlessly weaves the diverse threads of ancestry, history, politics and personal narrative. Released just last year, it has now gone into its third reprint.

Chauly has recently completed a two month long residency program by the Nederlands Letterenfonds in Amsterdam and is currently working on a new novel and a new collection of poems.

Rahmat Haron: Malaysian Artist, Professional Drifter, Super Poseur, Fake Quasi Wanderer & Wannabe of Too Many Things

By: Melissa Lin

There are currents of powerful reflection, thought and emotion in the work of Malaysian artist Rahmat Haron. Whether it is through the medium of his poetry, drawings, paintings or performances, his works convey a reflection of his life and experiences - in Malaysia - where he considers the social and the political realities, the limitations inherent to a ‘strong state and societal values’, the need for change, and his own need for self expression.

More than that, his works are thought provoking, inspiring and encouraging to those who are finding or paving their own new and original ways of being and expression, and disturbing to some who would prefer to cling to the status quo.

Malaysian Artist Shieko Reto: ‘Sembur with Style’

By: Melissa Lin

Shieko Reto’s drawings, paintings and illustrations are whimsical, humorous and bittersweet. They are records of daily life experience, interactions and nuggets of experience to inspire and convey stories and meanings as seen through her eyes. Her stories and cartoons as told through her zines and her art invite us what it means to live a life of courage, and of being a dreamer from the different depths and dimensions. On Latitudes she shares her personal stories and views on art, and being an artist in Malaysia with us.

Sheiko’s art can be viewed on her blog. She is available for commissions, collaborations and correspondence.

Introduction to North Malaysia: Northern Soul

By: Melissa Lin

The Northern region of Malaysia comprises of the states Perak, Kedah and Perlis. Perhaps the best known spots of the North are the oft visited islands of Langkawi and Penang. The other areas are often left unexplored. This is a pity, for Northern Malaysia has much to offer the traveler, in the way of natural wonders, cuisine and traditional Malay culture and tradition.

Northern Malaysia is abundant with natural beauty and is steeped in rich culture and tradition. Apart from the popular Langkawi and Penang, there are a multitude of other lesser known spots to visit, local culture and tradition to savor.

Introduction to the Eastcoast of Malaysia: In the Belly of the East

By: Melissa Lin

The East coast of Peninsular, made up of Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu has some of Malaysia’s most unspoilt islands, and is a favorite spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Wooden Kampung houses, beautiful beaches, coconut trees and rubber plantations make up the landscape of the East. Here, Malay culture and tradition are deeply rooted. It is less multicultural than the West Coast, and is the most culturally conservative part in Malaysia.

Introduction to Sarawak: the Land of the Hornbills

By: Melissa Lin

Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states (the other one being Sabah) that lie on the island of Borneo, is a land steeped in rich culture and indigenous tradition. The atmospheric aura is vastly different from that of West Malaysia, one feels as if one has stepped into another country altogether when entering Malaysian Borneo. Sarawak’s tranquil aura, ancient culture, the genuine relaxed warmth of it’s people and her vast, deep interior jungles beckon with mystery.

Sarawak's Capital Kuching

The capital of Sarawak, Kuching, meaning cat in Malay, situated on the banks of the Sarawak river, is a charming and quaint city, with little winding lanes and unique colorful local shops and stalls amidst tall buildings and the usual shopping strip. Antique stores offer traditional carved animist god figures and other valuable relics from various tribes and eras as well as tribal costumes and the intricate beadwork decoration from Sarawak’s many tribes. Tattoo shops in the city, a modern version of the tradition of the tribal Iban tattoo also exists. Traditionally, tattoos were given to Men for protection while hunting, and as marks of warriorship. The Iban women gained their tattoos after mastering a skill, such as weaving. Today, tribal Iban tattoos are a means for the younger Iban to get in touch with their culture and roots.

Introduction to Southern Malaysia: Southern Charm & Hidden Gems

By: Melissa Lin

The Southern part of West coast of peninsular Malaysia is composed of the states Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. The Straits of Melaka coastlines stretch along these states. Johor is framed on one side by the Straits of Melaka, the other side being a coastline facing the South China Sea. Old world fishing villages and natural nooks of nature here are perfect for kicking back and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the sea. The South is home to the unique Minangkaubau influenced culture in Negeri Sembilan, historical attractions in Melaka as well as cultural diversity and entertainment in the metropolis of Johor.

Negeri Sembilan Nexus

Negeri Sembilan, about 50 km south of Kuala Lumpur possesses a unique culture, known for its strong Minangkabau influences. The Minangkabau migrated to Malaysia from West Sumatra in Indonesia centuries ago and their traditional houses have characteristic sweeping roof peaks, shaped after buffalo horns. The Minangkabau practice the matrilineal social system, with property and land being passed down from mother to daughter.

Malaysian Cinema, a Brief Overview & a Personal Top 10

By: Melissa Lin

Remembering our roots
Film making in Malaysia can be traced back to the 1930’s. The first production, Leila Majnun, is a well known Persian love story of two star crossed lovers. A few more films followed Leila and Majnun until production of film ceased during the Japanese invasion of 1941. Film making was picked up once again in the 1940’s and continues to present day.

The Iconic social activist P. Ramlee
One of the most iconic and influential persons in Malaysian film history is P Ramlee (1929 - 1973). Multi talented, he was a director, singer, songwriter, producer and composer. Directing and acting in 66 films and writing 360 songs during his career, he was perhaps the first social activist who used the medium of film to portray the realities of his own life, along with messages about class divisions and poverty in Malay society.

The “Malaysia my second home program:” Making Expats Feel at Home

By: Melissa Lin

Marylise Racine is the owner of the Tall Trees Gardens in Port Dickson. The TTG is a cozy and laid back space that combines a cafe serving drinks and delicious home cooked food, a shop that sells Mary’s crafts, and a tattoo studio combined in one. Musical evenings, good conversations and a stone's throw away from beach, the TTG can show you just how good life in Malaysia can be.

Mary has had a long and special relationship with Malaysia. Originally from Switzerland, she finally decided to move to Malaysia for good under the Malaysia my second home program a couple of years ago. The program is promoted by the Government of Malaysia to allow foreigners who fulfill certain criteria, to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a multiple-entry social visit pass.

The Social Visit Pass is initially for a period of ten (10) years, and is renewable. It is open to citizens of all countries recognized by Malaysia regardless of race, religion, gender or age. Applicants are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children below the age of 21 as dependants.

This is her story about how she came to love everything about Malaysia, and now, making it her home.