Iylia De Silva

is a law graduate from the University of London. She balances work and play by embracing her love for food, languages, music, and connecting with diverse cultures.

16 posts

Through The Lens of Time: A Family's Century of Optical Craftmanship

5 min read

When an eviction notice came in 2018, forcing the company to relocate, the family uncovered a trove of vintage optical equipment while packing—forgotten treasures tucked away for decades.

by Iylia De Silva

Lessons From My Father: Zhong Nanshan on the Pursuit of Medical Truth

6 min read

This article is based on an interview with Professor Zhong Nanshan, done on March 8 during his visit to Penang…

by Iylia De Silva

Protecting Women: An Overview of Women’s Legal Rights in Southeast Asia

11 min read

“‘WHY DO MEN feel threatened by women?’ I asked a male friend of mine… ‘They’re afraid women will laugh…

by Iylia De Silva

Zarizana Abdul Aziz: Uncovering Gender Biases and Highlighting Women Rights

9 min read

A LEADING EXPERT in law, gender and human rights issues, Zarizana Abdul Aziz is affiliated with the Due Diligence Project,…

by Iylia De Silva

Lifestyle and Function: Furniture and Décor Shopping in Penang

4 min read

ONCE IN A WHILE, I like to change up the look of my home—whether it is a small refresh…

by Iylia De Silva

Penang’s Gastronomic Landscape Evolves: The Case of Mala and Other Spices

4 min read

PENANG HAS LONG been a haven for food lovers, renowned for its diverse culinary scene that mirrors its rich cultural…

by Iylia De Silva

LemmeLearn: Enhancing Independence and Inclusivity for Autistic Individuals

4 min read

AUTISM IS A neurological condition characterised by differences in brain development, affecting social interaction, communication skills and behaviour. Being a...

by Iylia De Silva

Art Exhibition Extraordinaire at the Ng Fook Temple

4 min read

CHINESE TEMPLES IN Penang serve as a place for worship, for ancestral prayers and for celebrations, such as the Mooncake Festival and Dragon Boat Festival. Howe...

by Iylia De Silva

Finally a Trip to Beijing: A Personal Cross-Cultural Connection

5 min read

MY FASCINATION WITH Chinese culture started at age nine, when I transferred to a Chinese vernacular school. While other children watched cartoons on weekends, I...

by Iylia De Silva

An Award-winning Calligrapher Continues to Inspire with Ink and Harmony

3 min read

THE FOUR TREASURES OF THE STUDY—brush, ink, paper and inkstone—are not just essential tools in Chinese brush paintings and calligraphy; they embody the scholar’...

by Iylia De Silva

Peranakan Lanterns: Illuminating The Generations

5 min read

LANTERNS MAY SEEM like merely aesthetic decorations or beloved playthings during the Mid-Autumn Festival; but in fact, they hold much more meaning than that. A...

by Iylia De Silva

Keat Hwa Band's Path To Excellence

4 min read

LET’S TAKE A nostalgic journey back to my school days, a time when bustling classrooms were alive with the enchanting melodies of trumpets, clarinets, flutes an...

by Iylia De Silva