More than just sugar and spice — these colourful treats are a celebration of light, love, and victory! 🪔
Deepavali (or Diwali) marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair. As lamps glow in homes, so do hearts — and yes, so do dessert tables!
From ladoo to halwa to coconut candy, every sweet tells a story of heritage, joy, and togetherness.
So go for it — take another bite. This festival is meant to be savoured!
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.
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.
Last weekend, my friend turned to an unlikely helper – ChatGTP – when craving for something sweet, citrusy and homebaked.
With a quick prompt, ChatGPT provided her with a delightful recipe that promised a moist and light texture, perfect for sharing and when spilling-the-tea!
Based on a slice I sampled, it seems that she may have combined fresh orange zest, butter, and a touch of honey, resulting in a batter which I am sure smelled heavenly even before baking.
The outcome? A beautifully golden cake that’s incredibly moist and airy—everything you want in a perfect teatime treat. The orange’s tang balanced beautifully with the buttery richness, making it the ideal accompaniment for any session involving gossip and giggles.
Looks like a quick pivot to ChatGPT turned out to be a delicious success, proving that sometimes, the most unlikely helpers can lead to the sweetest surprises!
A photo of the Assumption Church taken on a cloudy day . Transformed into an image on canvas with digitally-generated cotton representing the clouds based on actual photographs (courtesy image: Leonard Selva Gurunathan)
Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage core zone of George Town, Penang, the Church of the Assumption stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural tapestry.
Established in 1787, this historic Roman Catholic church has long been a spiritual and community cornerstone, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
Among its treasured heritage is its magnificent pipe organ, fondly known as ‘The Old Lady’ – a majestic instrument that has echoed through generations, accompanying countless masses, religious ceremonies, and musical celebrations, and holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s oldest pipe organ.
Recently, a passionate pipe organist and music enthusiast – Leonard Selva Gurunathan – embarked on an innovative project to trace and showcase the church’s musical roots.
Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and a suite of cutting-edge tech tools with good old-fashioned research, he has crafted a compelling video narrative that highlights the journey of the pipe organ and its profound role in the life of the church.
The project began with meticulous research into the church’s history, archives, and the evolution of its musical traditions.
A digital image of the Assumption pipe organ transformed into a diorama setting by Leonard Selva Gurunathan
“ The visual part of the video was done with the use of AI, “said Leonard, “while the rest of it was based on old-school research methods which included going through newspaper archives as I typed the information I needed into the prompts,” he added.
The audio component of the video is based on a live recording put together by Leonard.
“I curated the story,” he notes, “based on the duration of the music.”
To visualize the church’s and pipe organ’s rich history, Leonard employed AI-powered video editing and animation software. These tools transformed static images and archival footage into dynamic visuals, illustrating the organ’s physical changes, restorations, and its integration into the church’s liturgical life over the years.
The entire production has served as a testament to how technology can serve as a bridge—connecting heritage, faith, and innovation.
The resulting video not only celebrates the Church of the Assumption’s storied past, but also highlights the enduring significance of its pipe organ as an instrument of worship and cultural identity.
It underscores how the organ has witnessed generations of worshippers and has become an integral part of the church’s spiritual and community life.
This project exemplifies how modern tools can be harnessed to preserve, interpret, and share heritage in compelling ways. It also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding such cultural treasures within UNESCO’s protected zones, ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate the rich tapestry of history, faith, and music.
As the Church of the Assumption continues to serve its community within the vibrant streets of George Town, its story—enhanced by AI, technology and old-school research methods – reminds us that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
By blending historical preservation with modern storytelling, Leonard’s creative endeavour invites us all to reflect on the enduring power of music, faith, and heritage in shaping our collective identity.
The Jubilee Concert at the Church of the Assumption (courtesy image – Boon Tiong)
Two Saturdays ago, the Church of the Assumption in Penang became a living instrument for a concert that stitched tradition, youth, and reverent sound into one unforgettable evening.
The church was welcoming, with the soft rustle of pews, as Saint Xavier’s Institution Corps of Pipes and Drums took the “stage”, their drums beating in confident, marching heartbeats and the pipes lifting like clear, silver voices. The opening procession felt less like a performance and more like a rite of passage—bold, bright, and glinting with pride.
The choir followed with a range soars-high and whispers-soft, a bright thread weaving through the nave. Their blend was lush yet precise, each phrase carried by a spine of harmony that filled every corner of the church. It’s a rare gift to hear a room feel both intimate and exultant at once, and that night, the choir’s voices did that subtle magic, lifting without ever shouting. Choir master Claude Richards’ baton moved with equal parts discipline and warmth, drawing clean lines and then dissolving them into shimmering colour, as if pulling rainbows through the arched ceiling.
Assumption Church Choir with His Eminence Sebastian Cardinal Francis, Bishop of Penang (courtesy image – Boon Tiong)
Between addresses and pieces, the “Old Lady”—the heritage church’s pipe organ—held court with patient majesty.
Resident organist Leonard Selva Gurunathan and neighbouring St George’s Church pipe organist, Matthew Arwinraj, took turns to coax “conversations” which began with a whispered echo and blossomed into grand, cathedral-scale statements.
Pedals clicked like distant thunder, and the tonal palette—great, flute, principal—poured through the nave with a timber that felt both ancient and newly-minted for the moment. If the pipes are the church’s memory, the Old Lady spoke it aloud: a history lesson told in luminous chords, each note lingering in the vaults long after it was spoken.
The ripple of the Corps of Pipes and Drums kept the energy alive even as the choir’s velvet harmonies settled the room into hushes of awe. When the final chord faded, the silence stretched, a shared breath between performers and listeners, before breaking into sustained applause that seemed to say, “Thank you for listening as deeply as you were listened to.”
Leaving the church, the night felt lighter, as if the walls themselves still hummed with the collaboration of youth, faith, and music. It was more than a concert; it was a celebration of community, tradition, and sound that lingers in the heart long after the bells have faded.
Choir master Claude Richards (extreme right, in white shirt) with his members and other concert performers (courtesy image – Boon Tiong)
As we take a step back to honour, arguably, the more important 50 per cent of our humankind, let us still ourselves to recognise two super centenarians, who may be forgotten to many in our faith community, but who still live a life of purpose in the twilight years of their lives.
Loh Siew In, baptismal name Cecilia, was born on 31st August 1920. Her parents were Benedict Loh and Genevieve Lee. She was the eighth child in a large family.
She realised a call to religious life at the age of 20 but owing to the outbreak of the Second World War, this was not realised until hostilities ceased.
She entered the novitiate of Petite Soeurs de Pauvres (Little Sisters of Poor), a congregation established by Sister Jeane Marie Jugan in 1839, to care for the many impoverished elderly living in the streets of Paris.
Loh took vows of chastity, poverty, obedience and hospitality and the name Sister Alexis de Ste Madeliene at the mother chapter house of Saint Pern in France. She speaks fluent French.
Pope Bendict XVI canonised Saint Jeane Jugan in October 2019.
Today the Little Sisters of the Poor continues its mission of providing care for the elderly, especially those who find themselves without family and cannot care for themselves. They look after thousands of elderly in over 30 countries around the globe including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India and the Philippines.
The Holy Family Home for the Elderly on Batu Lanchang Road in Penang, was built on land generously donated by philanthropist Aw Boon Par (Tiger Balm) and has provided sterling work for the sometimes forgotten elderly in the northern region, together with its sister home, in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
Both are charitable homes, entirely funded by public and corporate donations.
In her time, Sister Alexis served as a member of the congregation in the homes in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and France and recalls with affection and pride her many adventures.
When she herself retired, Sister Alexis returned to Penang and now resides in the Holy Family Home for the Elderly in Penang, where she is its oldest resident.
Always dressed in the immaculate starched white habit , and sitting slightly bent over in her wheelchair, Sister Alexis still adheres to a daily personal routine and private prayer despite her years.
She has hearing issues, but has sufficient sight to appreciate when visitors call on her; she has good memory and is able to hold a conversation well.
Overall, she is blessed with good health including some scary times during the pandemic years of 2019 – 2022, when the entire home and community was in lockdown, owing to Covid cases among the residents and staff.
Sister Alexis’ birthday is always well celebrated as it falls on Merdeka Day, with a special Thanksgiving Mass in the chapel followed by a simple reception attended by the religious, priests, residents and of course her own family members.
She has a sister Lucy, who is three years younger, also staying at a residential home in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Last year their family specially arranged for the two centenarian sisters to meet up in PJ to celebrate Lucy’s birthday. Her niece Dorothy organised for a special ambulance service to bring Sister Alexis from Penang to PJ, stay overnight in a service apartment and then return.
By God’s grace, everything went smoothly.
Her hospitality extends to all around her and she will readily intercede for you in her prayers.
Sister Alexis looks forward to her 105th birth anniversary this year 2025, the Jubilee Year of Hope.
May God Bless her.
Ends.
by Marina Emmanuel
Datin Seri Dr. Eleanor Eu: A Pioneer in Medicine
Datin Seri Dr. Eleanor Eu has made remarkable strides in the field of medicine, dedicating her life to healing and caring for others.
Her journey has been one of resilience, marked by her relentless pursuit of knowledge and her commitment to patient care.
“Prescriptions of Faith” is a book which chronicles the remarkable journeys of two distinguished doctors, (Eleanor and her late husband, Datuk Seri Dr. Peter Tan Ewe Aik) whose paths crossed amid the turmoil of war.
Set against the backdrop of Hong Kong and China during the late 1930s and early 1940s, this compelling tale begins in 1939 with Eleanor, a young woman from Kuala Lumpur, who embarks on a voyage from Malaysia to the esteemed University of Hong Kong in pursuit of her medical degree.
Two years later, her future husband, Peter arrives from Penang at the same university, mere months before the outbreak of World War II in Asia.
Unbeknownst to each other, both Eleanor and Peter found the escalating tensions of a war-torn Hong Kong unbearable.
In August 1942, Eleanor made the brave decision to escape to Free China, while Peter followed suit two years later. After the war, fate led them back to Hong Kong to complete their medical studies where their journeys had begun.
It was also here, through a twist of serendipity, that their paths finally converged.
The book delves into their challenges and triumphs, detailing their courageous flight from Hong Kong in search of safety and their eventual return to the place where their dreams of becoming doctors first took root.
In addition to their academic pursuits, “Prescriptions of Faith” also shares the heartwarming story of Peter and Eleanor’s family life and their return to Malaya after marriage, weaving together themes of resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of hope.
“I look back at Mum’s life and career and how she (and many others like Sister Alexis) went through so much, so long ago when “equality” was not even on the table for discussion,” says her son, Dr Francis Tan.
“Yet, they worked with love and dedication in their chosen vocations, and no man could ever have filled their shoes.”
“Mum’s early professional life,” he adds, “was with the Colonial Medical Service of Malaya (pre-Merdeka). I believe that as a woman, she missed out on opportunities including being placed onto a government pension scheme even after independence, for the bureaucracy and the regulations at the time were as daunting as they are today.”
“Mum worked from 1951, ran a household and also raised three children, was at Dad’s side in countless things and only decided to “retire” for a new role in 1984 when her first grand-daughter Claire was born. And that was forty years ago!”
As she turns 104 today, Dr. Eleanor continues to inspire others through her dedication to healthcare and her unwavering belief in the importance of community. Her legacy is not only in the lives she has healed but also in the countless young medical professionals she has mentored, encouraging them to follow their passion with integrity and compassion.
Today, we celebrate both Sister Alexis Oh and Datin Seri Dr. Eleanor Eu—not just for their age, but for the lives they have transformed through their unwavering commitment to love and service. Their stories remind us that the impact of one individual can ripple through generations, creating a legacy of hope, friendship, and community spirit.
As we honour these remarkable women today, let us draw inspiration from their lives.
May we embrace the values they have exemplified—compassion, resilience, and dedication to serving others. In doing so, we can contribute to a world that celebrates the unique gifts each person brings, fostering love and understanding in our families, friendships, and communities.
Happy International Women’s Day!
(courtesy images from the families of Sister Alexis Loh and Datin Seri Dr. Eleanor Eu)
As Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital in Penang marks its 49th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of hope and healing for cancer patients both local and from abroad.
Founded in 1976, this non-profit hospital has dedicated itself to providing comprehensive cancer care, driven by a mission to treat not just the disease but the person behind it.
Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital was born out of a vision to create a supportive environment for cancer patients.
The hospital shares the global mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of Divine Motherhood order, to provide high quality and compassionate care to all
Over the decades, it has evolved from a small establishment into a renowned cancer treatment center. The hospital’s commitment to holistic care is reflected in its multidisciplinary approach, integrating medical treatment with psychological support and palliative care.
The hospital’s ethos is rooted in compassion, with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who go above and beyond to ensure that patients receive personalized care. From oncologists and nurses to counselors and nutritionists, every member of the staff is committed to making the cancer journey as comfortable and supportive as possible.
His Eminence Sebastian Cardinal Francis presided over a mass today at the hospital’s chapel
One of the hallmarks of Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is its ability to cater to a diverse patient population. The hospital serves not only the local community in Penang but also welcomes international patients seeking cutting-edge cancer treatments.
As Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital steps towards half a century, it continues to embrace innovation in cancer treatment. The hospital regularly updates its protocols and technologies to include the latest advancements in oncology.
The hospital’s chief executive officer Deacon Paul Kang
The landmark anniversary celebration this year, is not merely a reflection of the hospital’s achievements but also a reminder of its commitment to the community. Mount Miriam actively engages with local organizations and volunteers to raise awareness about cancer and provide support to those affected by the disease. Fundraising events, support groups, and educational seminars are just a few of the initiatives that foster a sense of community and support for patients and their families.
In a world where the fight against cancer can often feel daunting, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital stands as a testament to the power of compassion, community, and care.
Here’s to 49 years of making a difference and to many more years of hope and healing!
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)
As we reflect on our journey together, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible gift of music that Maureen has shared with us over the years. Her dedication as our choir mistress before, not only enriched our liturgical experiences at masses, ordinations, both priestly (or sacerdotal) and diaconal, but also fostered a sense of community and joy among us.
We will always remember her signature phrase, “Jazz it up, Leonard!”— to our pipe organ sifu, which served as a joyful reminder to embrace creativity and spontaneity. Her ability to uplift our spirits and encourage us to strive for excellence was memorable.
Maureen was a warm soul with her infectious smile, laughter and welcoming spirit which brightened the lives of all who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, offering words of encouragement and support to those in need.
A true adventurer at heart, Maureen lived her life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. Whether exploring new places, trying new things or food, or simply enjoying the beauty of everyday moments, she embraced life with open arms and an open heart.
Vale, dear Maureen. You have earned your rest, and your spirit will live on in our parish of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Penang.
Thank you for everything.
P.S from the Facebook post of my friend Simon …
4th February is World Cancer Day. As the world unites in the fight against cancer, I invite you to open your hearts to those in need. At Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital, we believe that no one should be denied treatment due to financial constraints. Last year, with the generosity of donors like you, we disbursed over RM3 million to support cancer patients who were struggling to afford life-saving treatments. This year, we humbly seek your kindness once again. Your donation, big or small, makes a real difference in bringing hope, healing and dignity to our patients. Together, we can ease the burden of cancer and bring light into the lives of those fighting this battle.
To contribute, please make your donation to: Bank Name: OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad Account Name: Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital TKPKMM Account Number: 7301297883 Every contribution is a lifeline. Thank you for your generosity and compassionate heart!
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