Category Archives: Art

Art, George Town, Music, Style

A Timeless Legacy: Celebrating 70 Years of Culture and Creativity

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In a world increasingly driven by the fleeting and the digital, there remains something undeniably noble about tradition, artistry, and the enduring power of culture.

 This October, one of Malaysia’s most revered cultural institutions, the Penang Arts Council, is celebrating  exactly that — a seven decade legacy of creative excellence.

On Saturday, 25 October 2025, the grandeur of Penang’s historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel will set the stage for a once-in-a-generation celebration: the Penang Arts Council 70th Anniversary Gala.

From 6:00PM to 10:00PM, guests will be immersed in an evening of curated musical splendour — a sweeping journey through some of the most iconic opera productions ever staged by the Council. 

Handpicked from decades of celebrated performances across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, the repertoire will include beloved arias and ensembles from La Traviata, The Magic Flute, The Mikado, The Merry Widow, Carmen and Turandot. 

This tribute to operatic excellence will be brought to life by a distinguished cast of vocal talents: Chaing Yi Ling, Peter Ong, Tan Jin Yin, Wong Jun Wen, Wilson Loh Titt Tze, accompanied on piano by the acclaimed Loh Chun Han. It promises to be an unforgettable night — where every note honours the past, while echoing into the future.

But the evening is more than a concert. It promises to be a cultural gathering of note, a convergence of art connoisseurs, patrons, and visionaries. A highlight of the gala will be the exclusive Art Auction, showcasing works by some of the most respected names in Malaysian visual arts — including Chan Tat Wai, Da Niu, Foo Hong Tatt, Jason Min, Kek Hoon Pin, Lee Joo For, Lee Eng Beng, Tan Choon Ghee, Wang Xiao Ling, Alex Leong, along with contributions from The Art Gallery, Penang. 

Each artwork, generously donated, reflects a shared belief in sustaining Penang’s cultural vitality. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction bids will directly fund the Penang Arts Council’s 2026 cultural programmes, supporting the next generation of artists and ensuring continued access to the arts for the wider community.

The event is looking to be not just a gala, but an affirmation of identity, legacy, and the quiet power of the arts to shape who we are — as a people, a place, and a culture.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in pre-dinner online bidding, with QR codes and links available via the official media flyer.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025  

🕕 Time :6:00PM – 10:00PM  

📍 Venue: Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang  

🎟 Tickets available: Click here to purchase](https://shorturl.at/zI0di)

Established in 1954, the Penang Arts Council stands as one of Malaysia’s oldest and most respected arts organizations.

For seven decades, it has served as a platform for artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners — fostering talent, preserving tradition, and promoting the arts across communities. Its influence stretches far beyond the island’s shores, shaping the cultural narrative of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

(All images courtesy of the Penang Arts Council) 

Art, Eats, Festivals, George Town, Media, nautical, Photography, Style, Travel

Fay & Food

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My first “sighting” of this lovely and funny soul was at The Star Penang newsroom in 1993, when I joined as a reporter and she was the paper’s freelance writer/stringer.

Once she got behind the computer she would remain focussed and quiet as she went about putting together her famous food reviews.

The sub-editors usually found themselves needing to consult the dictionary when clearing her copies (Aiyo Fay, why are you using such big words, you think our readers can understand, meh? was usually conveyed to Fay by Anna Cheah our then chief sub-editor) Fay would simply smile and give some funny retort and everyone would laugh.

Her love for food was legendary. Some of us would join her for quick hawker meals close to the office when she stepped in to meet her deadlines. As most people know, this foodie was just as adept in appreciating fine food and made no bones when any dish did not meet her exacting standards.

When she moved on to other interests, especially in publishing, I used to pick up her nifty card sets with watercolour images of all things Malaysiana and even tried her ‘Miss Khoo’s Asian Deli’ gourmet products at the time, as I heard they had found their way to the shelves of Harvey Nichols in the United Kingdom.

The writer, TV and radio host, publisher, lover of all things nautical and much-loved daughter, always had a kind word for everyone and we missed her laughter and teasing when she left The Star to pursue other projects and adventures.

It was shocking and painful to many of us to hear that Fay, who was then 48, had left us after a brief illness in April, 2017.

Bettina Chua Abdullah and I had a mutual friend in Fay and our stories and friendship with this fun-loving soul are different and yet, the same. Fay shared different friendships with different people and made her mark which can never be erased.

Which now brings us to the third edition of the Fay Khoo Award for Food and Drink Writing which Bettina organised and has been directing to honour Fay’s legacy.

The call for entries has been made and details found below. The 2019 winners will be announced at this year’s George Town Literary Festival which takes place in Penang from Nov 21-24 (please mark your calendars)

Thank you Bettina, for your dedication in keeping Fay’s memory and our friendships alive!

(In addition to written narrative entries for the award, comics and graphic stories are also open to authors and illustrators wishing to submit illustrated narratives)

CALL FOR ENTRIES 2019

The aim of The Fay Khoo Award for Food+Drink Writing is to recognise new and talented voices, and to encourage and develop excellence in food and drink narratives. We believe that there is a space and a need for well-researched and impactful food journalism, because it is through such writing that we can shine a light on people, culture, health, economics and the environment of culinary delight.

This year we hope to present awards to the three best entries, regardless of category. Please read the conditions of entry and submission guidelines carefully, as these have changed from previous years.

The CONDITIONS OF ENTRY are as follows:

• All writing must fall into the categories of personal narrative, reportage or creative non-fiction.

• Entries should not exceed 2000 words.

• Entries must be submitted in English, and must be the sole work of the entrant.

• Entries must never have been published, self-published, broadcast or uploaded on any

website, blog or online forum.

• Anyone over the age of 16 years at the time of the closing date, who is a citizen or resident

of ASEAN countries, may submit up to three (3) entries.

• A fee of RM 20 per submission will be levied to cover administrative costs.

Processing of fees is made by Hikayat Lebuh Pantai, which manages The Fay Khoo Award, upon submission of entry/entries.

Bank details are as follows:

Maybank | Hikayat Lebuh Pantai Sdn Bhd | 557018565194

Please reference your payment with FKA and your WhatsApp number: eg FKA 012-345-6789

If you do not have a mobile phone, please use a landline number.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Entries must be saved in Microsoft Word format, and emailed to

thefaykhooaward@hikayat.asia

• Entries need to be double-spaced and the word-count noted at top of the first page.

• Entries must include a WhatsApp or landline number, so that you can be sent a confirmation

that your entry has been received, and we can link submission fees to your entry.

• To protect the integrity of the judging process, entries must not include your name or email address. We will contact you via the WhatsApp or landline number you have provided, for your name and other necessary information.

• Amendments or revised versions will not be accepted.

• Entries will be accepted from July 15, 2019 and must be received by September 15, 2019.

• A fee of RM 20 per submission will be levied to cover administrative costs.

• Entrants who have not turned 18 by November 1, 2019 must provide a parent/legal guardian’s name and contact details.

NOTES ON JUDGING

• There will be three (3) judges for the Fay Khoo Award. The judges’ decision is final.

• The judges will not comment on individual entries.

• The Fay Khoo Award reserves the right to change the panel of judges without notice.

• A Longlist of up to 15 entries will be announced by October 10, 2019, and writers notified by WhatsApp and email.

• A Shortlist of 6 entries will be announced by October 28, 2019, and writers notified by

WhatsApp and email.

PRIZE-GIVING

• The winning entries will be announced at the George Town Literary Festival between

November 21-24, 2019. Accommodation will be provided for the day of the prize-giving.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

• Worldwide copyright of each entry remains with the author, but by virtue of submitting an entry, participants are assigning unrestricted right to publish the winning entry, shortlisted entries and long-listed entries in any format. This right is granted to the managers of The Fay Khoo Award, Hikayat Lebuh Pantai Sdn Bhd and its associates in perpetuity, upon submission of the entry for consideration.

• The Fay Khoo Award will retain fully all income generated by publication of the winning entries, shortlisted entries and long-listed entries, while the author will retain all income generated by their publication separate to this.

• In cases where the author of a winning, shortlisted or longlisted entry independently publishes said submission, the author will mention that the piece was a winner or shortlisted or longlisted entry in The Fay Khoo Award for Food+Drink Writing.

PRIZES:

• Each of the three winners receives a cash award of MYR1500, and a book voucher for MYR500

• Shortlisted entries may also receive other supplementary prizes, at the discretion of the organisers.

AMENDMENTS:

• The organisers of the Fay Khoo Award reserve the right to amend these conditions of entry

if deemed necessary. Any changes will be posted on the award’s Facebook page.

• For further information, please email thefaykhooaward@hikayat.asia

(Images courtesy from the FKAward Facebook and Fay’s)

Art, Church, George Town, Music, Style, Travel

Remembering Kim

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Kim, a vibrant and colourful soul whose love for fabric and textiles was matched by her passion for travel and devotion to music, has left us after an illness. 

Kim at one of her favourite travel destinations (Bali) this year (photo by Tess tweaked by Boon Tiong)

Her creative spirit shone brightly through her work with textiles which saw the production of a book. 

The book authored by Kim

An avid traveler, Kim, embarked on countless adventures, exploring new cultures and gathering inspiration for her work, as she set up homes with her late husband Michael Saunders, in various Asian cities. She cherished every journey, finding joy in discovering new places, meeting new friends, and experiencing the beauty of the world.

Her devotion and love for dogs is legendary and she will be remembered for always being the first to lend a hand and donation to those in need.

Kim’s love for music, particularly choral singing, enriched her life and the lives of those around her. 

Whether performing in local choirs or sharing her love of music for God in church, her voice resonated always with passion and joy. She found solace and connection through song and hymns, and her spirit will undoubtedly echo in the hearts of those who sang alongside her.

Kim sang in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang’s choir

Now, Kim is reunited with her beloved Michael, and together they continue their journey in the beyond. May their love inspire us to embrace our passions and cherish every moment. 

Rest in peace, Kim. Your legacy of love, service and inspiration will be etched in all our hearts.

#kimjanesaunders

#requiescatinpace

#vale

Art, George Town, Style, Wellness, Yoga

Namaste, CSR🙏🏽

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The multi-talented Charles

Today, let’s celebrate the life of a remarkable person who touched each of our hearts in unique ways. 

As we remember our beloved Charles Stephen Ramachandran/CharlieBoy who was not only a talented hairdresser but also a passionate yoga instructor and gifted artist (plus a mean sugee cake baker and great tailor) we reflect on the vibrant energy he brought into our world.

In his work, Charles transformed not just hair, but lives—helping people feel confident, beautiful, and truly seen. He had this gift for making others shine, for emphasizing the beauty that exists within each of us. 

His artistry was not limited to the salon; it extended into every canvas he touched, leaving behind vibrant and evocative pieces that spoke to the deep emotions we all share. Each stroke of his brush echoed his spirit—expressive, colourful and undeniably full of life.

As a yoga instructor, he taught many of us the importance of mindfulness, balance, and connection. We were reminded to breathe, to find peace within ourselves, and to embrace the beauty of our own journeys. 

Charles showed us that strength comes in many forms—sometimes in the quiet moments of stillness and reflection, and sometimes in the boldness of self-expression.

And perhaps most importantly, he showed us the power of love. Love for himself, love for his craft, and love for each of us. In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Charlie Boy taught us to celebrate authenticity and to live fully and unapologetically.

As we grieve his passing, let us also celebrate the joy he brought into our lives. Let us carry forward his legacy of love, creativity, and acceptance. May we remember to support one another, to uplift each other, and to embrace the diverse tapestry of life that Charles so beautifully embodied.

Today, we honour not just a life lived, but a life that inspired. May his spirit continue to guide us as we navigate our own paths. 

Fly high with Aunty Margaret & Uncle Stephen, our dear son of Pulau Tikus❤️

Those growing up with Charles in Pulau Tikus remember walking through this field with him and our dear Nigel, in front of the home of their beloved Nanny Jo
Charles will rest in the parlour of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pulau Tikus in Penang from this evening until his farewell funeral mass tomorrow

#requiescatinpace #vale #RIP #CharlesStephenRamachandran #CSR

Art, George Town, Heritage, Style, Travel

Sparking joy in sketches … the Penang way

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A decade ago, Penang-born Tiffany Choong began sketching daily in her art journal, as part of her Happiness Project.

The self-taught artist discovered the joys of sketching through her global travels, which in turn it is said, gives her “a sense of purpose that fuels her soul.”

Just in time for Christmas, Tiffany presents EVERYDAY PENANG The Art of Joy.

She delivers playful pen and ink sketches, having drawn inspiration from simple objects she takes in daily.

Each sketch takes the reader not only into the “inner Penang” through the eyes of the artist, but is also paired with little pick-me-up quotes and words of wisdom along the way.

The visual treats found on every page of the compact book, is one which will spark joy with Penang residents and Penangites-at-heart, thanks to boutique publisher Clarity Publishing, who has connected Tiffany’s hometown and heritage with themes of love, loss and identity, including traditions and rituals.

As we wind up 2023 with an attitude of gratitude, the book serves as a gentle and colourful reminder to ourselves that “the simple joys of life will always shine through, if we let them.”

Copies of the book are available via https://www.clarity8.com/shopshop/en/gift-book/62-everyday-penang-the-art-of-joy.html

(All images courtesy of Clarity Publishing Sdn Bhd)

Art, Exhibition, George Town, Heritage, Photography, Travel

A gift to alma mater

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Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Southeast Asia’s oldest English-medium school – Penang Free School (PFS) – on Penang island, was founded in 1816.

The many luminaries who have graced its halls include Malaysian prime ministers, chief ministers, captains of industry, media titans, musicians and those in the creative and performing arts, legal eagles, religious and grassroots leaders and the list goes on.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Over the years, many sons of PFS have given back to their alma mater in various ways.

Self-taught artist Lim Siang Jin, is one such son, whose association with PFS has ranged on various platforms.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Until recently, the Kuala Lumpur-based Siang Jin, has been only showing his works to family and friends.

He returns to his hometown Penang this week to pay tribute to his former school.

His latest solo: “Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, starts today till Oct 3, at The Old Frees’ Association in conjunction with the school’s centenary celebrations.

The exhibition consists of 31 black-and-white prints, each with a write-up by the artist.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

Siang Jin spent some three decades deeply involved in work, mainly in publishing, communications, branding and marketing.

He was, for example, a founder director of The Edge. He went on to head the media business of Nexnews Bhd that owned the business weekly and theSun.

His website says that in all these endeavours, he continued to take an active interest in the “backroom”, in the production and creative processes of the business.

“Like his art, his work, from publishing to management, is girded by the ideas of Quality, Timing and Aufhebung (the idea that every new development is an inextricable combination of the old and new).”

Siang Jin held his first solo exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in October 2022 where he exhibited some 70 pieces; all these were created during the Covid years (2020-2022).

While his favourite artists, and therefore his main influences, are mainly Western-modern (notably Picasso, Dali, Van Gogh, Matisse, Miro, Klee and Kandinsky), he continues to innovate.

This is especially apparent in the digital-analog creative space where he combines his experience in painting, photography and media production.

Image courtesy of Lim Siang Jin

(“Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, will be showcased from 10am-5pm at The Old Frees’ Association, 41 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang)

And the gifting continues …

The interactive Free School Guide is available in PDF form. Just click on the subheadings to access the system, and forward all these to people who may be interested in Penang Free School. The 10 sets of “Explore!” questions are to draw them to different parts of the Guide.

(Another gift to his alma mater by Lim Siang Jin and schoolmate SS Quah)

https://ssquah.blogspot.com/2023/10/free-school-guide-launched.html?m=1

(24/2/2024 – update from SiangJin)

I had my second solo, “Our Legacy: Landmark Memories of Penang Free School”, last September at The Old Frees’ Association in Penang in conjunction with the OFA’s Centenary. I am pleased to inform that I will have it in Kuala Lumpur too. The following are the details:

Date: March 1-31, 2024
Venue: Jin’s Art Gallery, Unit A-3-17, Centrio Pantai Hillpark, 1 Jalan Pantai Murni, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: Weekends 10am to 5pm. Weekdays by appointment (please call 019 2219680)

Art, George Town, Media, Shop, Style, Travel

Rebecca’s Nifty Sketchbooks

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Her t-shirts and their Malaysiana prints of flora and fauna inspired many in the 1980s when she sold these items at Central Market in Kuala Lumpur.

Today, Malaysian artist and painter Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson continues to be inspired from her homes in Penang, Pangkor and Piedmont (Italy) and shares her impressions on paper, canvas, textile and other mediums.

Her latest offerings are these nifty sketchbooks which can double up as travel journals in eye-catching colours and takes you to the jungle and the sea.

A set of 6 of these sketchbooks are retailing at RM80 and currently sold at the Tropical Spice Garden at Teluk Bahang in Penang. Other retail outlets are being confirmed at the moment.

Contact details for the artist are found in the photo below …

Art, George Town, Media, Photography, Style, Travel

Mindfulness and Digital Waste

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Who among us hasn’t taken 12 shots of the same subject and then ended up choosing and using only two images?

Have we even bothered spending time to enjoy the beauty of the subject photographed or ponder on the meaning of the photo? Or are we just rushing to get the images uploaded on our social media platforms and then wait to see how many people will “like” and comment on the said posting(s)?

And who else among us spend our days mindlessly forwarding messages without stoping to ponder for a moment if the contents are true or even of value to its recipients?

On behalf of I, me and myself, the humble response is “guilty as charged.”

A photo and video exhibition by Madhvee Deb called Digital Waste: the Sweet Smell of Burning, is taking place in George Town and highlightsthe behavioural issues of taking excessive photographs and a disproportionate exchange of worthless information on social media.

The photographs and objects primarily use rejected images, the leftover images we discard when searching for the perfect photo to post online – showcasing the hypnotic effect of social media on the human mind in a subtle and humorous way.

Her exhibition is open to the public at OME Spacebar Coffee (Lorong Toh Aka in George Town) throughout the George Town Festival 2018.

Well done Madhvee, for the gentle reminder to be present in the moment and think again about spending endless hours on our smartphones and tablets daily and ignoring real people and our surroundings, because we are so caught up with/in the virtual world!

(Images of exhibition and exhibits courtesy of Madhvee Deb)

#gtf2018 #georgetownfestival #photography #digitalwaste #mindfulness #technology

Art, Festivals, George Town, Heritage, Homes, Media, Photography, Travel

Stories of Sa Pek

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Some stories require minimal words, because the photos say it all, and do so in a compelling and articulate manner.

Welcome to George Town where the month of July seems to have taken off with features of photographers who are standing out as fascinating storytellers of a city and island steeped in colour, culture, nature, heritage and endless charm.

Visual artist, photographer and graphic designer Goh Hun Meng and three generations before him lived in the clan houses of the Khoo Kongsi (Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi) at Cannon Square, a George Town World Heritage site.

Pivotal to a photography exhibition he is presenting during the upcoming George Town Festival, is his 82 year old uncle and godfather, Goh Kong Chuan.

“Sa Pek” or Third Uncle as the elder Goh is referred to in the family, was an avid photographer and showered his nieces and nephews with much kindness when they were growing up.

He also served in the Reserve Army and gave ballroom dancing lessons.

He also used to capture milestones in his family’s lives and the laughter and tears punctuated in between, with his trusty camera.

“My late grandmother (born between 1910 and 1912) was a Khoo who had lived in the clanhouse since she was five, “ Hun Meng said.

“When we were growing up, Sa Pek used to give pocket money to my cousins and I and took many precious family photos.

“Today he is 82, suffers from dementia and lives in Pulau Tikus with his wife Lim Poh Geok. His memory is not as good as before.

“The exhibition showcasing his precious collection of photos is my tribute to a man who has always cared for his family.”

Hun Meng is also looking to raise funds for his aging uncle by selling the photographs on display and donating all the proceeds to Goh Senior.

The exhibition which runs from 9 Aug to 3 September, 2018 (from 11am-6pm daily) opens on Aug 11 at 10.30am @Jetty 35 located on the ground floor of 35, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 Penang.

(All images courtesy of Goh Hun Meng)

(Note: the 16 clan houses which flank the alleyway from the main entrance to the central Clan Temple and courtyard of the Khoo Kongsi where Hun Meng and family lived, have morphed in recent times, into a 43 guest roomed boutique hotel called Clans Kongsi George Town. The story is found in an earlier posting ‘Amazing Slices of History @ClansKongsiGeorgeTown’ in this same blog https://postcodegeorgetown.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/amazing-slices-of-history-clanskongsigeorgetown

#postcodegeorgetown #georgetownfestival2018 #photographyexhibition #photoessay #unescoworldheritage #gohhunmeng #khookongsi

Art, Eats, Festivals, George Town, Heritage, Media, Music, Shop, Style, Travel

It’s baaaaaaaack!!!

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The annual George Town Festival (GTF) returns for its 9th consecutive round with an international and local slew of events from 4 Aug till until 2 Sept this year.

“George Town will be a hub of entertainment and excitement with both free and ticketed shows available to audiences,” a press statement issued today said.

As in previous editions of the annual fest, the Penang Government has appointed Joe Sidek Productions Sdn. Bhd. to oversee the curation and management of GTF.

The appointed contractor today also expressed its thanks to the state authorities, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang, the Penang Development Corporation, Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang, Penang Global Tourism, and George Town World Heritage Incorporated for their continued support.

A ‘Call for Proposals’ for the fest which was initiated last October, has seen some 200 proposals both from Malaysia and abroad come in.

“We expect more will be forthcoming during this last week,” said festival director, Joe Sidek.

“In addition to online submissions, we have also been conducting ‘Proposal Clinics’ to encourage local creative individuals or groups to meet with us to help fine-tune their artistic ideas and to help them submit a proposal for the festival,” he added.