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Yee Yuen Chin is another wonderfully talented female Malaysian artist making real contributions to the local art scene, and her beautiful painting, Flying Colours, graces this month’s cover of The Expat. She recently sat down with me to discuss her work.

“My childhood was spent around nature. With a close-knit group of girls, we would do drawings and portrait sketches throughout primary school. During my teens I learned charcoal, pencil sketching, and watercolour painting from an architect. Once I finished secondary school, my parents persuaded me to study for a business career, but the passion for art has always remained with me.”

Ms Yee had spent over two decades in the corporate business world, but ten years ago, she decided to attend an international book fair being held at the PWTC and upon looking through the stunning art books, she determinedly rekindled her love for painting by taking art courses at various art schools. In 2006, one of her oil paintings was recognised by the National Art Gallery and since then, she has focused more of her time on improving her skills and participating in local exhibitions. All the proceeds of her paintings sold are donated to various charities for children.

“I have a special love and affinity for nature and the way its beauty impacts me. I try to transpose this onto canvas with my interpretations of nature. Clouds, plants, flowers, landscapes, gardens, and leaves are among my favourite subjects. I have awakened before dawn just to watch the sun rise and catch a glimpse of atmospheric effects in the sky. I take photos of scenery and plants whenever I travel which I use as subject references.”

Ms Yee continues, “I paint what I see and attempt to apply the genuine love and passion I have for these wondrous sights onto my paintings. Much thought is given to the manner and style of a painting’s composition before translating it to the canvas. My technique evolves from my love of the detail which I can achieve through brush strokes… from close-up vantages to a landscape scene. Since oil can be heavily textured, I occasionally use a palette knife.

“For my specialities of clouds and sky, I prefer to use oil to create the softness effect, and for leaves. I use both oil and acrylic.”

I asked her why she chose clouds as one of her signature subjects.

“Clouds appear in different forms and colours during different times of the day, as well as changing appearance with the weather. They are especially beautiful when reflected on the water. They give a great feeling of freedom and energy as they float in the vast expanse of the sky. The different colours of clouds and sky inspire different emotions in all of us. I hope my paintings will bring greater calmness, serenity, and joy to viewers.”

And leaves, landscapes, plants, and flowers? “I enjoy gardening and admire the countless different shapes, colours, sizes, and texture of leaves,” Ms Yee explains. “With the tropical sunlight and daily changes in the weather, their different shades of leaves intrigue me and I hope I can capture these vibrant shades of green in my paintings because greenery can inspire viewers to preserve the beauty of nature. I paint different foliage and flowers, both individually and as blossoming as part of lush gardens.

Painting gardens has inspired me to start such a garden of my own and I hope viewing my paintings will inspire others, too.”

I asked her to define her goal with her artwork. “I want my art to be simple and realistic and to bring joy and happiness that reflects God’s creations to mankind. When I am painting a garden, I have mentally placed myself in it and paint what I want to see around me. My scenes are all very personal to me. For example, when you view a painting of mine with a pretty house surrounded by lush flora and sweeping fields of green, that is my own dream house.”

Yee Yuen Chin is a delightful, sincere, and warm person who impresses with her tangible sense of passion and love for what was formerly merely her hobby. In the past seven years, she has participated in several group exhibitions and is quickly becoming recognised as one of the rising stars of the Malaysia art scene. I hope you agree.

If you are also enchanted with her paintings, the ones on these pages are available for sale. In addition to owning a lovely painting which will bring beauty and uplifting joy to your home or office, you will also be supporting a children’s charity.

Please contact me at marybethramey@theexpatgroup.com for more information or to arrange a viewing at our office.

This article was written by Marybeth Ramey (marybeth@theexpatgroup.com)
This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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AS MALAYSIA BECOMES THE LATEST PORT OF CALL FOR THE TRAVELLING TREASURES OF THE WORLD-RENOWNED AGA KHAN MUSEUM, PAT FAMA IS HOPING OTHERS WILL TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY CHANCE TO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE STUNNING BREADTH AND VARIETY OF ISLAMIC ART ON DISPLAY.

It is not every day that Kuala Lumpur gets to host a truly world-class exhibition, and there can be no other way to describe the current show at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM). With a title of Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum: Architecture in Islamic Arts, this show comprises 100 artifacts, of which many are genuinely priceless.

The exhibition is divided into six sections including “The Fortress and the City,” which focuses on forts and fortified settlements; “The Palace,” which centres on royal dwellings; “Gardens, Pavilions, and Tents,” which explores how private spaces were portrayed; and “Sacred Typographies,” which looks at how the sites of Islamic pilgrimage were shown in visual art.

The exhibits include everything from ceramics to metalwork, tiling to wood carvings, which together span several hundred years, and a massive geographic area stretching from Islamic Spain to Central Asia. At the heart of the exhibition are the miniature paintings, whose intricate detail is matched only by their exquisite beauty. It is through studying the miniatures that the IAMM’s Head of Curatorial Affairs, Dr Heba Nayel Barakat, hopes visitors can get a new perspective on Islamic culture:

“I am sure visitors will be stunned by the beauty of the miniatures. We want people to see architecture from a very different point of view. People should visit this exhibition with the eye of the miniature painter of the 15th and 16th century to see how he used architecture and how he viewed it.”

Choosing the exhibits was a collaborative process between the IAMM and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The trust is just one strand of the philanthropic work of the Aga Khan, who is the hereditary spiritual leader of Ismaili tradition of Shia Islam. The Trust’s general manager is Luis Monreal:

“This is an exhibition which tries to tell the public how, during many centuries, Islamic artists dealt with the built environment: the cities, the houses, the palaces, the gardens. For many people this is going to be a great surprise, because they think that Islamic Art does not include representations of landscape or representations of human figures, that Islamic art is all geometric or calligraphic.”

However impressive this selection of artwork is, it forms only a small part of what will eventually be the Aga Khan Museum in the Canadian city of Toronto. The permanent museum is due to open at the end of next year and will hold some 1,000 artifacts in its collection. Many of these pieces, linked by different themes,  have toured some of the most prestigious museums and galleries in the world.

“This exhibition is not an isolated event,” explains Monreal, “it is not an isolated product. It is part of an ambitious programme which started six years ago to send artwork around the world to different countries, starting with Europe, to spread the notion that Islamic arts and Muslim societies are not only very old, but they are diverse and creative, too.”

Each travelling exhibition has its own theme, showcasing different elements of the future Toronto collection, so although the KL show is only part of this overall touring programme, it is a unique event in its own right. Benoit Junod, the Director of Museums and Exhibitions at the Aga Khan Trust, says there has not been an exhibition on the subject of architecture in Islamic arts since 1982.

“This is something which is out of the ordinary,” says Junod, “and an uncommon approach to Islamic arts. The temporary exhibitions we have had so far have attracted an enormous amount of public interest. We are up to 940,000 visitors, since announcing the creation of the museum, and we very much hope we are going to get to one million thanks to all the people who will come to see our exhibition here [in Malaysia].”

The Aga Khan, who officially opened the exhibition in KL, paid tribute to the work done by the IAMM in furthering the knowledge of Islamic art and culture in Malaysia. He said this kind of work was important to counter “misconceptions” about the Islamic world.

“It is our responsibility to correct the messages being sent around the world about our history and about our culture,” he says. “We see more and more museums coming up in the Islamic world that illustrate the diversity, the history, and the great traditions of our world. We are re-entering the knowledge of global humanities, from which we have been absent for too long.”

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Treasures of the Aga Khan
Museum: Architecture in Islamic Arts runs at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) from 30 March to 29 June.

The museum is open every day (including public holidays) from 10am-6pm and tickets are priced at RM12 (adults), RM6 (students and Malaysians aged 55 and over), while children aged 6 and under enter free of charge.

The IAMM is located close to the Lake Gardens and the National Mosque on Jalan Lembah Perdana, KL. Contact the museum on 03.2274 2020 or by emailing info@iamm.org.my.

This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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A JOURNEY UPSTREAM ON THE RIVER GANGES IS QUITE A MOMENTOUS OCCASION, SINCE ALMOST NO TOURISTS HAVE TAKEN THIS ROUTE SINCE THE 1940S. PETRA O’NEILL TAKES US ALONG FOR THE RIDE AS SHE LOSES HERSELF IN THE BEAUTY OF INDIA.

I had been travelling upstream for some days on the river Ganges when the captain cast anchor by an island. It was a large sandbank that may well be subsumed during the monsoon but, being the dry season, the crew were able to set up a lavish barbeque on it. Iwalked along the edges of the sand bank, looking at the waves lapping at the shoreline and beyond, to the boats where fishermen were casting their nets. When I returned, we ate, and the dinner was magnificent.

As we sat around a large open fire my travelling companions urged me to sing a song: “something Australian” they said. I couldn’t remember anything; my head

was spinning with that gyrating Bollywood dance music we heard periodically as we cruised past small villages and towns.

Martin, our naturalist guide, hadn’t impressed me greatly until then. He had slept during most of our train journey from Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) to Farakka, and he had provided me with only brief responses to the many questions I’d asked, but I saw him differently from that night forward. “I know a song,” he said. Then, with considerable pathos, he sang a traditional song full of loss and nostalgia so beautifully that we all had tears welling in our eyes. It was one of those travel moments where you find yourself so totally immersed in the journey, so overwhelmed, that you lose yourself within it.

TAKING TO THE WATER
My journey had begun in the decaying, chaotic city of endless fascination that is Kolkata. I stayed a night at the splendid Oberoi Grand Hotel before venturing out to Howrah Station, where we were met by the sight of a small girl painted orange, the endless procession of people boarding their trains, and a two-hour delay. By the time our train reached Farakka, it was late and cold.

Our river journey began just beyond the Farakka Lock Gate and we sailed out into a river so wide and vast that the banks were not visible. We rounded a bend in the river and beyond it were fields of mustard. Women wearing brightly coloured sarees stopped working to gaze at us and, against such a brilliance of green, it made for an amazing sight.

For most of its course, the river Ganges, rising in the Himalayas and emptying into the Bay of Bengal, is a wide and sluggish stream. The plain of northern India across which it flows is one of the most fertile and densely populated regions on earth. The Hooghly and Ganges run through the heartland of West Bengal to Kolkata and beyond, to the Bay of Bengal. This is a trade route that once brought ships from Europe upstream to Patna, then onto Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow.

The river Ganges has seen successive civilizations from the Mauryan Dynasty (c. 321-185 BC) to the Mughal Empire, the latter founded in the 16th century. While elephants, buffalo, bison, rhinoceroses, lions, and tigers once roamed freely here, wild animals are now few, with the exception of deer, wolves, and foxes.

STOPPING FOR THE SIGHTS
We arrived at Rajmahal, once known as Akbarnagar, which was founded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar as his eastern capital in 1592. It is the place where Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal, spent much of his youth and there are remains of palaces, forts, and mosques to explore. Past the confluence with the Kosi – the river that comes down from Nepal – we moored at Batuksathan and travelled by Jeep to the ruins of the 8th-century Buddhist University of Vikramshila.

We visited the island shrine at Colganj to see both Buddhist and Hindu cave temples, and travelled along a stretch of the river where Gangetic dolphins, otters, turtles, and a large variety of water birds could be seen.

We sailed on to Sultanganj where thousands of pilgrims had gathered to take rest after having walked for several hundred kilometres. I talked with one who had a broad smile and a perfect Oxbridge accent, his head piled high with dreadlocks.

Monghyr, also spelt Munger, was yet another stop, and we found it in possession of a fine Mughal fort, colonial bungalows, and a British cemetery dating back to when it was a settlement for the East India Company.

On the next day, a long bus ride took us to visit the Jain and Buddhist monuments at Rajgir, where Buddha lived for many years. Then we went on to the Buddhist monasteries at Nalanda: perhaps the oldest seat of learning in India with extraordinary ruins believed to have been established in the 5th century by the Gupta Kings. Next we ventured on to Boddhgaya, the site of Buddha’s enlightenment, to visit the Mahabodhi temple and Bodhi tree under which he sat, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists.

TIME TO REFLECT
During the cruise up the Ganges, tourists can also continue onto Varanasi to be overwhelmed by the din of traffic, funeral pyres, and crowded Ghats. Alternatively, one can end the week-long cruise in Patna, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited places, at a berth close to the old East India Company opium warehouses. Visits to the extraordinary 18th-century Gola Ghar granary, the great Sikh temple, and the impressive State Museum are great ways to round up your trip.

A leisurely cruise on the river Ganges offers a chance to experience the rhythm of daily life and appreciate the rich cultural heritage to be found during visits to villages and riverside towns, and the opportunity to enjoy the passing scenery from the observation deck. At sunset, when the sky turns brilliant shades of pink and orange, you may find yourself reflecting on the profound religious significance of the Ganges as the holy river for Hindus. Witness along its shores the gatherings for cremation ceremonies, and watch those who come to be cleansed by its waters bathing in the evening glow. It is a journey unlike any other.

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TRAVEL TIPS
Assam Bengal Navigation operates cruises from Kolkata to Farakka on the Hooghly, and from Farakka to Patna on the Ganges. The cruises may be taken separately or combined.

The Sukapha is a 40m-long boat and can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests in spacious cabins with a lounge, dining room, and observation deck.

Email: assambengal@aol.com or visit www.asambengalnavigation.com.

Getting there: AirAsia flies to Kolkata, while Jet Airways has a comprehensive network for travel within India.

Accommodation in Kolkata: The Oberoi Grand Hotel is a restful retreat from the busy streets that lie beyond its iron gates. Email reservations@oberoi-cal.com or visit www.oberoihotels.com.

The Taj is located in a quieter neighbourhood, with fine dining options and a vast lobby. Email Bengal.calcutta@tajhotels.com or visit www.tajhotels.com.

For further information, visit www.incredibleindia.org.

This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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SINGAPORE IS A WELL-TRODDEN TRAVEL DESTINATION, BUT DAVID BOWDEN SHOWS THAT, WITH A LITTLE DIGGING, TRAVELLERS CAN DISCOVER MUCH MORE ON OFFER THAN THEY EXPECTED. HERE’S HOW THIS VETERAN TRAVEL WRITER SPENT HIS DAY.

I have to admit, it wasn’t a normal visit to Singapore. My purpose was to travel around the island in a day to secure as many photographs as possible for a new book I’m writing called Enchanting Singapore. This wasn’t my first time in Singapore by any means, and, like many frequent visitors, I thought I had a reasonable handle on what the island offered. That said, when circumstances compel you to put a country under the microscope, you certainly see it in a different light. So what differences revealed themselves on this day?

BREAKFAST WITH THE CROCS
I had previously undertaken, and loved, breakfast with the Orang-utans at the Singapore Zoo. When my guide extraordinaire, Garry Koh, suggested that the Orang-utans were passé and that crocs were now de rigueur, we were soon heading north to Sungei Buloh (well, after I’d had my real breakfast at my hotel of choice).

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, in the island’s northwest, is home to crocodiles as well as waterbirds, various marine organisms, and specialised plants that are able to survive in the brackish waters of the mangrove forest. While I had to head deep into the park with the assistance of one of the staff to hunt them down, we did manage to see two wild crocodiles on the banks of muddy estuaries. Thankfully, they seemed docile and were contentedly focused on sunning themselves while I watched from a safe distance.

This 130-hectare reserve serves various purposes from recreation to education, conservation, and research. It’s covered in mangroves, mudflats, ponds, and secondary forest, all of which are home to unique plants and animals, as well as a wintering ground for migratory birds (especially from September to March). In addition to trails, boardwalks, and hides, facilities include displays, a theatrette, a cafeteria, and an outdoor classroom. The reserve is open daily from 7.30am to 7.00pm (Monday to Saturday) and 7.00am to 7.00pm (Sundays and public holidays).

MORNING TEA ON SENTOSA ISLAND
Next, we headed back to the city and across the small causeway to Singapore’s second island of Sentosa Island. This is the playground for Singaporeans, and no doubt expats with families already know the island thanks to Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios. At 504 hectares, it’s big enough to be home to 11 resorts, a marina, beaches, museum, forest trails, two golf courses, and, as I quickly discovered, an exhilarating range of fun activities. My main interests were some of the lesser-known recreational activities that include a MegaZip Adventure Park (flying fox, high rope course, and zip line), iFly (world’s largest wind tunnel for indoor skydiving), and Skyline Luge Sentosa (part go-cart and part toboggan). At the latter, thrill-seekers can luge the Jungle Trail and then take the challenge of the Dragon Trail, a 1.2-km downhill action and adventure trail.

LUNCH BY THE BREAKERS
With all that adrenaline still pumping, I wanted to visit Wave House Sentosa, a simulated wave-surfing experience. While Singapore is surrounded by water, it rarely gets whipped up into a state that would increase the heartbeat of any surfer worth his boardwax. In addition to having two simulated waves on offer, Wave House also sports a restaurant and a bar, and offers some cool beachside relaxation, as well. While I used the excuse that I was only there to photograph to avoid having to ride the waves (well… maybe “wipe out” would be a better term), it certainly looked the bee’s knees for someone who was into learning to surf or boogie board. They also have excellent facilities for lounging around Siloso Beach, and the Wave House Bar and Restaurant serves up a most agreeable duck pizza.

A SPORTING AFTERNOON
My next stop was the parkland forests around Bedok Reservoir. These are home to the Forest Adventure: an aerial ropes course involving ladders, bridges, swings, nets, trapezes, and a 200-metre zip line traversing parts of the reservoir. A smaller kids’ course enables people of all ages to enjoy the adventure and is perfect for those with energetic children.

An activity aimed squarely at more experienced sporting types is the East Coast Parkway. This 17-km parkway offers extensive trails enabling cycling, jogging, and inline skating, while the area is also popular for fishing, kite flying, dining, and recreation. Ski 360° is located here and offers cable skiing and wakeboarding on a lake.

For a completely different experience, I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Gardens by the Bay at Marina Bay. Located just east of the downtown area, this new development is mostly reclaimed land offering a mix of commercial, residential, recreation, hotel, and entertainment activity as well as Marina Bay Sands. Parts of Marina Bay have been transformed into a freshwater reservoir with the completion of the Marina Barrage, and the lake is surrounded by parklands and recreational space.

GETTING HIGH OVER SUPPER
Just as I was mopping up the last of my crab dinner, my guide reminded me of a few more places to experience before heading back to bed. While the views from Swissotel’s New Asia Bar are some of the best, they are from behind the safety of floor-to-ceiling glass panes. For the open-air, 360-degree experience I craved, I visited 1-Altitude located on the 61st to 63rd floors of One Raffles Place near the Singapore River. 1-Altitude provides an interesting new perspective on getting high over Singapore and while there’s a first-drink cover charge, it’s better to pay this than the surcharge to go to the cantilevered park on top of the three Marina Bay Sands stacks. The drinks served at 1-Altitude are excellent and, should there be rain, patrons adjourn downstairs to the totally enclosed Stellar Restaurant or the very smart 282 Bar and Citygolf.

There wasn’t time to settle in here, but I made a mental note to return and take in the evening ambiance. Clarke Quay was waiting with its impressive light fountain and enviable Singapore River location, where it’s possible to get the island’s iconic cocktail, the Singapore Sling. Just opposite, the Malaysian-owned Vintry offers 1,000 wine labels with 32 served by the glass via their state-of-the-art Enomatic Wine Dispenser.

With a nightcap well and truly on my mind, I put down my camera and reflected upon my day in Singapore while sipping a very fine and rewarding glass of Blaufränkisch Austrian red wine: I had seen the island in a completely different light

CONTACTS:
Forest Adventure: www.forestadventure.com.sg
Gardens by the Bay: www.gardensbythebay.org.sg
Garry Koh (guide): www.garrykoh.com
Novotel Clarke Quay: www.novotel.com
1-Altitude: www.1-altitude.com
Singapore Tourism Board: www.stb.gov.sg
Ski360°: www.ski360degree.com
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve: www.sbwr.org.sg
Swissotel Stamford Hotel: www.swissotel.com
Vintry Wine Bar: www.vintry.com.sg
Wave House: www.wavehousesentosa.com

This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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NICK ATKINSON CAUGHT UP WITH INTERNATIONAL SHOE DESIGNER AND NATIONAL TREASURE, PROF. DATO’ DR JIMMY CHOO, OBE, WHO TOOK SOME TIME OUT OF HIS HECTIC SCHEDULE TO REFLECT ON HIS CAREER AND HIS LIFE SO FAR. HERE, IN HIS OWN WORDS, HE SAYS…

“As a youngster, I would watch my father and Granddad creating shoes. My father told me, ‘If you can learn some skills, you will never have to fret that you cannot get a job.’ He instilled in me that you have to be passionate; nobody is born good at this or that, but if you are willing to learn, you can definitely do it.

You’d never think the first Jimmy Choo shoe was a sandal. After moving to London at a young age I remember going to the Elephant & Castle and Whitechapel markets. They were selling sandals. When I went back to the factory and spoke to my father we decided that this was the way ahead; not just a runof-the-mill sandal, but one that focused on comfort. Anyone can make a shoe, but how do you put the pattern in the right position to hold your foot nicely and look great? That requires knowledge and artistic talent. I started selling my sandals to the market stalls, and the rest is history.

As a designer, my eyes are always open. When I am walking around or visiting, there are always new things to see. Even what the customer is wearing will give me ideas, and I can honestly say that my inspiration comes from everywhere. Think of Chinese food; chicken, vegetable, fish and other things all come together as the ingredients for what you eat. It is the same with my designs; everything comes together.

I feel very blessed that so many people from all walks of life wear my shoes. Every nation is a good friend and a good customer because they admire what I do and want me to design something for them; I can’t help but appreciate it. It is very important to me to have an appreciation of everything that has helped make me successful. I don’t believe there is enough appreciation in the world.

Even the smallest thing is worth saying thank you for. It is why I have been working with the British Council now for over ten years. They asked me to travel around the world promoting education and I said yes as it is a wonderful opportunity to visit new places and make new friends in areas where they may know my name but have never had the chance to see me. I am only too happy to share myself and my skill. It all comes back to appreciating what I have achieved and sharing it with those who are now in my life.

One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t spend enough time with my children when they were young. I was always working, working; everything was about making shoes and although the money was there to give them whatever they needed, it was not the same. I regret that. The young don’t think like us anymore and even the way they talk is not how we talked when we were younger. If you want children to be good you must spend a certain time with them and you must understand them.

In London I have been working with a lot of youngsters who want to develop their skills in the shoe trade. I am a tough teacher; I insist on them being good and working hard. It is my name that they may one day represent so they must understand that in this profession it is all or nothing. It gives me great satisfaction when my students succeed.

I am still learning. I am still working and to be honest I still have so much more to do. People say ‘oh you have all that money now, you can go shopping every day’ but I just want to keep creating shoes. I want to design shoes and I want to train young people to learn my skills. That’s who I am. I have to remember my Chinese heritage: you never say you are the best as you never know what tomorrow will bring. I am happy with where I am now but I know that there are still places to go and things to do.

2012 is going to be an interesting year for me and I can’t wait to see what develops for Jimmy Choo.”

For the full interview, see the May-June issue of Senses of Malaysia.

This article was written by Nick Atkinson (nicholas@theexpatgroup.com)
This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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Two years ago, I had the honour of co-editing the first-ever anthology of travel stories about Malaysia. If we take Derek Neale’s definition of travel writing as “a form of autobiographical writing which is ostensibly focused on place,” then Sini Sana scores highly, even if I say so myself!

THE BOOK
Reading the book is like watching a cinematic tracking shot across Malaysia’s nature and culture. In a hair-raising piece entitled: “Storming Gunung Tahan,” Lee Yu Kit treks up Malaysia’s toughest mountain and into a colossal storm. In “Ladies of the Longhouse,” Polly Szantor whisks us off to the remote village of Pa’Umor for an ethnographic insight into one of the smallest tribes in Borneo. Marc White’s “Lessons at the Night Market” lingers on the gastronomic pleasures of Taman OUG. I challenge anyone not to feel hungry reading it, but be warned: the story ends on a cautionary note. When Zhang Su Li encounters an old Chinese woman in “Postcards from All Over the World,” readers stop moving through space and start moving back through time to World War II and the resistance movement.

Sarah Cheverton (“A Complicated Paradise”) perfectly balances the ethereal, stuck-in-time atmosphere of Perhentian Kecil with her own inner yearning for love. At the other end of the emotional spectrum, “A Beginner’s Guide to Magic” by Subashini Navaratnam depicts a Langkawi full of scary snake dens and freaky trees that appear to be alive.

From Eric Newby’s “Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” and Geoff Dyer’s “Yoga for People Who Can’t Be Bothered to Do It,” to Sarah MacDonald’s slapstick tour of India in “Holy Cow!”, travel writing about Asia has always been humorous and Sini Sana is no exception. My vote for the funniest story goes to “Papa’s Bukit” by F. D. Zainal, set in rural Kelantan. When an elephant pays an unwanted visit to the family house, Zainal tries everything to get rid of it, including asking it nicely in Tamil, Siamese, and Hokkien.

THE PROCESS
The genesis of Sini Sana dates back to a not-so-funny encounter in Brickfields in October 2009. Tan May Lee and Eric Forbes of MPH were taking my young family and me out for lunch after I had expressed my curryholic’s need for the finest Indian food in KL.

En route to the restaurant, Eric suddenly started shaking, as if he’d fallen ill. A man was kneeling down and gripping Eric’s leg. A large crowd swiftly gathered around them. The man then let go of Eric and the crowd dispersed. May Lee asked Eric if he still had his wallet. “No,” was his heavy-headed reply. It transpired that he had been the victim of a street robbery for which the leg-gripper and the crowd had created a well-choreographed diversion.

This was not quite the introduction to Malaysia I had planned for my family! Eric and May Lee couldn’t stop apologising, but I told them not to worry; these things happen everywhere in the world.

We proceeded with caution to the restaurant. On a brighter note, by the end of our meal, we’d come up with the idea for Sini Sana. Soon after, May Lee and I signed on as co-editors. This wasn’t going to be easy, what with her based in KL and me in Manila. But, thanks to the wonders of modern communications (plus one face-to-face meeting the following Christmas), we were able to complete the project.

There were a few tricky moments along the way. I was sometimes unsure whether expressions and sentence constructions that jarred in British English might work in Malaysian English. Also, my grasp of Bahasa wasn’t good enough to judge the sprinkling of foreign words and phrases that is such an important convention of the travel genre. May Lee came heroically to the rescue on both these counts.

Having now edited four travel anthologies for four different countries, I can say that the submission phase is my favourite part of the creative process. As the stories materialise in my inbox or drop onto my doormat, I get a tremendous sense of privilege, not to say anticipation. For Sini Sana, I was being paid to read dozens of excellent stories by the best writers from both in and out of Malaysia. What could be better than that?

Sini Sana is available in all good bookshops nationwide and costs RM35.90. For more information visit www.mphonline.com.

This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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How often does the word meditation inspire people to mentally roll their eyes and imagine bearded middle-aged travellers sitting cross-legged and humming in an Indian ashram? While this may be one aspect of the global phenomenon that meditation has become, even those who pride themselves on being scientific shouldn’t turn their noses up at a practise that has been helping calm people since 1500 BC.

Meditation is a term that refers to various processes which lead to a relaxed state of consciousness and can offer some benefits, both mental and physical. In a fast-paced world where we are increasingly rushing around and accumulating stress at an alarming rate, meditation can be the gateway to an oasis of serenity.

Those seeking scientific justification can be comforted by research findings. Neuroscientists have found that those who meditate succeed in shifting their brain activity to different areas of the cortex, thus decreasing the negative effects of stress and anxiety. Scientists also spotted that meditators had reduced activity in the amygdala, the area where the brain processes fear.

By reducing anxiety, those with medical conditions brought on or exacerbated by stress may find some relief, and conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma can be reduced. Even those without medical conditions can reap the benefits: Taking the time to slow down after a long, difficult day can help with sleeping and ensure that worries never become overwhelming.

For many, of course, the notion is that meditation is a luxury that time simply does not allow. How to justify spending two hours sitting on a cushion when the children need to be collected, dinner needs to be cooked, and work reports need to be finished? Not to worry, because meditation takes many forms, and activities such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong all share similar benefits with the more stereotypical image of what meditation entails. If you can find time for traditional exercise, you can
incorporate the benefits of meditation.

Moreover, meditation can be actually fitted around any activity, and can be as simple as taking two minutes to slow down and focus on breathing, or walking down to the shops and chanting a mental mantra – it could even be what you need to buy! – to slow down your mind. Some people find a sense of calm focus by reading something meaningful such as a poem, and then taking a moment to ponder the meaning of the text. It is easy to see that any activity can be beneficial, as long as it involves slowing the mind down to focus on something for a period of time. In this way, the brain has a chance to take stock of the things that are piled into it, and anxiety is eased.

There are many good websites offering easy tips on meditation, and numerous classes to join throughout Malaysia, from basic meditation right up to advanced yoga, while many public places such as parks host tai chi classes in the early morning or at dusk. If time pressures do not allow for such lengthy a period of focus, then make an effort to spend five minutes a day to simply slow down your whirling mind, focus on your breathing, and you’ll reap the benefits of a modest effort that can greatly enhance your well-being.

This article was written by Sarah Rees (sarah@theexpatgroup.com)
This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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When living in a hot climate that is different from your home environment, it is vital to make a conscious effort to keep your body hydrated throughout the day to avoid getting headaches and to keep yourself in tip-top condition. Here are some easy ways to stay hydrated:

1. Have a drink as soon as you wake up, as your body won’t have had any fluids all night.
2. Drink water every 15 minutes as you exercise.
3. Carry a plastic bottle of water around with you when you are away from home.
4. Drink before you get thirsty rather than waiting until you are parched.
5. Keep a glass of water next to your bed.
6. Limit your intake of caffeinated tea and coffee; these are diuretic and can cause you to lose liquids quickly. If you drink these to stay warm, try a mug of hot water with a squeeze of lemon.
7. Find a cordial that you enjoy to make it easier to drink more water.
8. Try and drink a glass of water after each alcoholic drink, as alcohol dehydrates the body.
9. Eats lots of fruit and vegetables; they contain lots of water.
10. Air conditioning can make some people feel thirsty. If you work in an air-conditioned environment, keep a bottle of water on your desk.

This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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THE HUMAN FOOT. It is such an essential part of the human anatomy, used for balancing, walking, running, hopping, jumping, skipping, dancing… you get the idea. But it is hardly spoken about, except maybe in how they look aesthetically and not how they function!

A check with Wikipedia (www.wikipedia. com) tells us that “the human foot and ankle is a strong and complex mechanical structure containing more than 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated), and more than a hundred muscles, tendons, and ligaments.” And yet, it is more often than not neglected and taken for granted.

I met Dr. Mark Reyneker recently and found him to be extremely knowledgeable, sincere, and completely passionate about feet! Hailing from South Africa, Dr. Mark (as he is fondly referred to by his patients) practiced in South Africa before being lured to Asia to redevelop a podiatry department in a centre in Singapore. Two years later , he came to Malaysia, where he founded the Family Podiatry Centre (FPC) in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail seven years ago. It is the only private podiatry centre in Malaysia. Since opening, Dr. Mark and his team have treated over 50,000 feet.

So what is podiatry exactly? “Podiatry is that part of the medical field concerned with the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the lower limb, paying special attention to the feet,” explains Dr. Mark. “Fully 25% of all the bones in the human body are found in the foot, and together with numerous intricate joints, they carry your body weight around all day. Added to that, it has been the evolution of our feet that have given us the ability to walk upright and be bipedal – a trait that distinguishes us from the rest of the animal kingdom and is very likely responsible for our survival as a species.”

Podiatrists consider themselves to be very much part of mainstream healthcare. They utilize medical diagnostic tests, have prescription rights, and perform a variety of surgical procedures. Around the world, they practice in hospitals and other medical facilities, private or governmental. Podiatry has been around for a very long time: The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association is 107 years old. However, podiatrists still consider their field to be rapidly evolving.

The FPC has become well-known for treating conditions of the lower limbs. “We have excelled particularly in the management of musculoskeletal disorders such as heel pain (plantar fasciitis), knee pain (runners knee) and lower back pain,” Dr. Mark informs me. “Other types of typical problems involve developmental leg problems in children, and foot deformities.”

Patients who visit the FPC predominantly have chronic ailments. The reason for this is that many doctors are misinformed about foot pain. Oftentimes, patients who consult them are sadly told that foot pain is a normal part of aging, or to wear arch support, change their shoes, and wear more cushions. Unfortunately, some patients get referred to shops that sell arch supports and shoes staffed by untrained individuals. So the patient ends up being “treated” in a shoe shop or kiosk for a medical condition. By the time they reach FPC, it is not uncommon for them to report having suffered for well over a year.

Besides Podiatrists, Dr. Mark has also hired Chiropractitioners and Physiotherapists in his centres. “My experience over the years has shown that a multidisciplinary approach to certain conditions is often times the best approach,” he explains. “There are many cases such as chronic lower back pain that have causes that only a podiatrist will know how to identify. Then there are treatments that only a chiropractor will know how to administer effectively.”

He continues, “There is also an important role for the physiotherapist to play. This example of teamwork is what makes our centre so successful. Dr. Barry Kluner, who is our chiropractor at the Mont Kiara branch, treats numerous conditions of the spine and gets his patients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lifestyles by addressing nutrition, rest, and fitness.

He is actively involved in helping people improve their posture with evidence based products and gives numerous international talks on the topic.”

Dr. Mark has also recently added Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) to aid in the treatment of motion pain, such as Plantar Fasciitis, shoulder pain, tennis or golfer’s elbow, Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee), Achilles tendon pain, heel pain, or chronic neck, shoulder and back pain. This therapy can also treat muscle tension caused by painful muscular nodules (trigger points) and knee osteoarthritis. I learnt that the therapy is like a deep tissue massage but more than that, in how it is focused in sending pressure waves to the pain site. This therapy has apparently been used in numerous sporting events such as the Olympic Games and by leading sportsmen and teams to treat sports injuries besides pain.

“ESWT is a fascinating treatment,” Dr. Mark shares enthusiastically. “It is evidence-based and FDA-approved. It is a typical example of physics taking medicine to new heights.” He explains further, “The device that gets applied to the skin generates a low-energy sound wave. The sound wave penetrates deep into the area we are targeting and changes the pathology with almost immediate results. We have successfully used it on myogelosis (trigger points), which means that patients no longer need to get painful trigger point therapy, where the therapist will use his elbow or finger to press on the affected area, often leaving a patient battered and bruised. The feedback from patients has all been positive. ESWT has proven to be a valuable tool in our arsenal of treatments.”

This was the treatment I wanted to have, as I have suffered from chronic neck and lower back pain for months now. It’s not debilitating pain, but it’s ever-present, and I welcomed the chance to treat it.

And if the addition of ESWT wasn’t enough, Dr. Mark will also be including yet another procedure to his practice – the CoolBreeze laser treatment of onycomychosis (toe nail fungus) and Verruca Warts. It seems many people do not actually realize that there is a treatment for toe nail fungus and the warts that grow on the soles of the feet or toes. These warts can sometimes cause pain. The CoolBreeze laser treatment will be the first of its kind in Malaysia.

What a worthwhile afternoon spent with Dr. Mark Reyneker. Not only did I learn a great deal about the human foot and its importance in our everyday activities, but I left with relief of the neck and back pain with which I had arrived, and am so grateful that I learned of this new treatment!

Dr. Mark’s parting words of advice: “Pain is not normal if it persists for a few days. It is a warning signal, a red light, telling you that something is wrong. Listen to your body and respond by seeking help from the right professional.”

The two Family Podiatry Centres are located in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail and Solaris Mont Kiara. Please go to http://www.familypodiatry.com.my for more information.

This article was written by Chad Merchant (chad@theexpatgroup.com)
This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
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As the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) nears its 15th year of existence, a new face has arrived to join the team. While he may have only been in Kuala Lumpur since January this year, Timothy Tsukamoto, the new General Manager of Malaysia’s only professional orchestra, is getting down to business.

“We are currently working on next season,” he explains, “trying to ensure we have a varied programme and confirming all the guest conductors and artists.” This, he says, is made challenging by the location. Whereas in Europe, performers can simply “hop” from country to country, securing an artist in Malaysia involves more complicated logistics. “It is a different challenge,” he admits, “but I enjoy that.”

Timothy has always been one to seek out challenges. After working for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in his home country, he has “hopped” around the world himself, spending time in Japan at the Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra and then in Switzerland with the UBS Verbier Festival Orchestra, before accepting the job in Malaysia. “I like to take advantage of opportunities that come my way,” he says.

Half-Japanese, Timothy started playing the French horn at a young age and continued through high school and into college, while at the same time planning and organising concerts with his friends.
“I always enjoyed organising concerts as much as playing in them,” he admits, “so administration was an obvious choice.”

His 11 cumulative years of work at the BSO gave him a strong foundation in working with orchestras, but the MPO is a different experience, not least because it is a relatively new orchestra: 14 years old compared to the 131 years behind the BSO.

“Working in a relatively young music scene has been quite different,” agrees Timothy, “but interest in the MPO is increasing all the time. In addition to our core body of subscribers, we have many new concert-goers each season. Our recent auditions for the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra attracted more than 170 young musicians so the younger generation is already keen.”

While appreciation of classical music may be in its infancy in Malaysia compared to the Western world, Timothy is determined to help spread the word about the quality of performances on offer at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS. “I believe that the MPO is one of the best orchestras in Asia,” he says. “It is truly an international orchestra and Malaysia is very fortunate to have it.” He is hoping the number of locals attending the concerts will continue its steady increase, and hopes the variety of concerts will pique the interest of tourists. “Just as a trip to the Twin Towers Skybridge is a ‘must-do’ for tourists, so should an MPO concert be.”

Timothy is also involved in sharing the benefits of classical music with the people that never get the chance to come to the concert hall, and the outreach programme takes MPO ensembles into such environments as hospitals, retirement homes, and schools to share music with the wider community.

“Music of any kind enriches life,” he explains, “and it is a fundamental part of the human experience. Classical music is often dismissed by people who haven’t had the opportunity to experience it.”

This is something that Timothy hopes to change during his tenure at the MPO, and speaks passionately about the importance of reaching out to as many Malaysian residents as possible. “One of the missions of the MPO is to give people the opportunity to discover the excitement of classical music,” he says. “I think that, in time, classical music will become more a part of the Malaysian cultural scene.”

Timothy’s enthusiasm and passion for his new role makes him a real asset for the MPO, and it is clear that the prestigious orchestra will flourish under his leadership. For Timothy, it is a thrill to be involved with a place that he remembers being unveiled to the world 14 years ago. “I remember reading about this fantastic new concert hall built between the Twin Towers,” he reminisces. “It caused quite a stir in the music world at the time, and now I am here to see it for myself!”

Read more about the MPO’s current season at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS by visiting www.mpo.com. my. For ticket bookings please call 03.2051 7007.

This article was written by Sarah Rees (sarah@theexpatgroup.com)
This article appeared in the MAY 2012 issue of The Expat magazine
Get your free print subscription and free delivery at http://www.theexpatgroup.com/magazine_subscription.php