Remix the Songket? Of Course We Can
6 min read
Once exclusively crafted for the Malay Sultanate’s regalia, the songket has evolved into a more accessible symbol of heritage for all.
September 2025
This September, we explore Seberang Perai Selatan. Our stories cover Nibong Tebal’s Teochew heritage and sugar legacy, Batu Kawan’s evolution into a township, Penang’s waste challenges at Pulau Burung, the brackish rivers of the south, and the communities that shape the district today.
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How To Be A Music Millionaire
7 min read
Turn yourself into a legitimate business and you’ll start seeing music not just as a creative outlet, but a business operation. You’d be surprised at how effective you (and your bandmates) can become when you start treating it that way.
A Couple's Passionate Journey On The Ikat Trail
9 min read
This collection of ikat textiles spans the Nusantara region, with different tribal cultures and histories, from the lush rainforests of Sarawak to the stunning, exotic islands east of Bali in Indonesia.
Ni Siap: From Forgotten Craft to Living Tradition
7 min read
Mangrove-based dyes have a long history across the world. Records point to their use from South America, India, Okinawa and Indonesia to Sabah by the Bajau and the Iranun ethnic groups; the practice was once widespread.
Tsue Ta Tee's Calligraphy Legacy In Penang
6 min read
Tsue Ta Tee (崔大地) was one of the prominent calligraphers active in Penang and the region in the 1950s and ‘60s, who helped to leave this important legacy on Penang’s cityscape.
Threads In Transition: Helping Malaysian Textiles Evolve
5 min read
Most artisans I’ve met recognise that adaptation is necessary to keep these traditions alive. But there are also those who uphold a reverence for keeping things “pure”.
The Nyonya Kebaya: Wearing A Deep Heritage
5 min read
The exact origins of the kebaya are not known and are still debated, but two theories appear to prevail.
The Art of Cindai: A Piece of Cloth that Can Save Your Life
5 min read
The roots of cindai can be traced back to the weft ikat technique introduced to the Malay world by Indian and Arab traders in the 14th or 15th century.
AI Data Centres: How Many Do We Need?
5 min read
As of the end of 2024, Malaysia hosts 54 operational data centres (including two in Penang) offering a 504.8MW capacity, with Johor leading in IT capacity and Klang Valley remaining a core market.
Promoting Green Practices in Textile Dyeing
6 min read
A study by researchers from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) highlights the resurgence of local knowledge in textile dyeing using colourants/pigments extracted from natural resources.
Lubna Jumabhoy: A Global Citizen of Penang
5 min read
Born in Bombay and growing up in Karachi before moving to Malaysia (then Malaya), Lubna Jumabhoy is a teacher of the Japanese floral art ikebana, and is France’s representative in Penang.
Greening Penang Rules
5 min read
If Penang wants to maintain its status as one of the most liveable cities in the region, investing in quality green spaces is a given path to take.
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