GROWING up in a family of eclectic musicians – from her father Dr Wan Zawawi who is a renowned anthropologist and folk singer-songwriter, to her older brothers Rendra and Hameer who are both pursuing music in the United States – has subconsciously influenced Malaysian singer-songwriter Kaisha, who is based in the United Kingdom.

She shares: “Growing up surrounded by live music really opened up my eyes to the possibility of it as a career, and I’ve got no one but my family to thank for it.”

Her debut EP, Something Else is a lush mirage of futuristic neo-soul and jazz-esque breakdowns replete with pop grooves.

Her melancholic tempos and nostalgic beats build a sentimental soundscape, and her lyricism pierces the hearts of many listeners.

Who were the first major artistic influences in your life?

“I’ve had so many artistic influences but the one who stands out the most and one I really resonate my writing with is Erykah Badu. She’s such an iconic soulstress legend!

“KAYTRANADA is also another one, his album 99.9% was the soundtrack of my life for a very long time.”

You moved to Brighton for university in 2015 and started pursuing music seriously – how has your practice evolved as a result?

“I’m definitely way more informed about the music industry as a whole than I was before. I’ve become more organised too, and I think I’ve gotten even more passionate about music.

“With all this, I just feel a lot more focused, knowing what I need to do to keep this momentum going.”

What’s the music scene like in Brighton?

“It’s a bit of everything, really. There’re a lot of rock and grunge bands that play in the gritty music venues, but on the flip side, there’s also a booming soul and jazz scene.

“And then you’ve got the big dance and house nights by the seafront too. Because Brighton hosts so many musicians, there’s just so much variety of everything.”

Our music preference has such a major influence on the way people see us. It’s also interesting to see how our music taste evolves, but our commitment to it doesn’t. How has your personal music taste, as well as your own music, evolved?

“It’s funny actually, I went through so many different phases of genres growing up, from post-hardcore, and K-pop to house and techno music, and now R&B, jazz and soul – genres that I’m super keen on and totally in love with!

“Though, all the previous genres I’ve been a fan of will always have a special place in my heart. Before I moved to the UK, I was set on making edgy electronic pop music like Little Dragon with Disclosure, but as time passed and the more I was exposed to the vibrant UK jazz scene in London and Brighton, the more I was taken in by it. Eventually, the idea of my music evolved to match my personal music taste too.”

Speaking of commitment, do you ever doubt yourself as a singer-songwriter?

“Yeah, always. Who doesn’t really? It used to be a lot more often, but now it’s just something that I’ve managed to tune out to a whisper in the back of my mind.”

Could you tell us the meaning behind the title of your debut EP Something Else, and about the process of making it?

“So before Kaisha, I was making electronic pop music for quite a while under a different artiste name. I wasn’t happy though; nothing I made felt quite right and anything I did make would feel a little wrong.

“The biggest red flag was when I realised I wouldn’t really listen to my own music, I felt like I should’ve been making something else. So naming the title of my debut EP Something Else under a new artiste name, Kaisha, was a way to honour my progression as an artiste.”

The tracklist on your debut EP opens with Shoulda Known and ends with Ready Set Go. Can you tell us a little about that progression?

“Shoulda Known is pretty easy listening and hooky with the chorus, so I thought that it’d be a great opener, followed by Tell Me felt like the most natural step.

“As things started to pick up at the end I wanted to move to more adventurous melodies like in Redlight, Break This Habit and lastly Ready Set Go.”

What can we expect next?

“I Just had a collaboration track with the brilliant Sam Wills that came out a few weeks ago titled Kitchen Sunset. It’s super mellow and smooth! I’m working on tonnes of collaborations at the moment so definitely more of that next, and I think maybe not long from now, people can expect to hear another single soon!”

AT 24 years of age, Rauf Yusuf is a man of many talents, mostly skewing towards music. Despite this, Rauf says that his father is the real musician in his family, as he was a drummer in a band during his youth. Rauf grew up listening to his father’s extensive collection of music.

“The musician part of me comes out during the weekends, singing and playing the guitar at local malls, train stations and city street corners,” he said, as weekdays are spent at his full-time day job in logistics.

The young musician is also an ardent outdoor sports enthusiast, and shares his talents through his eponymous YouTube channel and on Instagram (@jaibbx).

You’re a singer, songwriter, musician and beatboxer. How did each of these begin for you?

“My first experience singing in front of an audience was when I was 12 years old. I sang Suci dalam Debu by Iklim in front of my classmates. That song was played so often at home that I had memorised the lyrics, and singing felt so easy to me.

“When I entered secondary school at Victoria Institution, I took more interest in music. I joined the school’s music club and actively sang tenor in my school choir group. I joined the school singing competition and even represented the school in choir.

“A few years into doing my diploma in TESL at Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech MARA, I decided to not let my passion die out, so I joined Vocalism, the college’s music club. After a successful audition, I joined the choir team as a tenor and we performed at various different events held by the college.

“Another stepping stone in the growth of my passion was when I joined a band called The Five Live, where we performed at open mic [sessions] at Jalan Dalam and LiveLokasi.

“As for beatboxing, it started when 13-year-old me was left in awe after witnessing my cousin demonstrating a few cool beats using only his mouth. Soon after that, I taught myself how to beatbox through binge watching beatbox tutorials on Youtube, joining beatbox competitions and performing at a number of events.

“Although it has been 10 years since I started beatboxing, it never ceases to amaze me that the human mouth is able to produce such sounds.

After graduating, I decided to let my passion become my profession. So here I am, singing my heart out to local passersby on the weekends.

“I am aware that to some, it may not seem like the most proper profession, as we are earning from people’s generosity but to me, it is the best medicine for my soul as my heart is content with what I do.”

Do you have a particular genre that you’re more inclined towards writing/performing?

“Honestly, I never had a preference for genres when writing my songs. All I know is that I write some lines, strum and pluck through numerous chords to find a progression that fits the lines accordingly.

“Then, those two are arranged in a way that complements each other, and that’s pretty much it. I do receive comments saying that my music often sounds country-like, sometimes pop, the opinions vary at times.

“For the moment, I am still on a journey to discover my true genre of music.”

Do you have plans to release your own original songs any time soon?

“Yes, I am currently working on getting my first single out, and it is one of the few pieces that I am proud to have made. It will be available on all music streaming platforms, and I am very much looking forward to it. I’ll leave updates on my social media as to when exactly it will be released, so stay tuned!”

How has the pandemic impacted you?

“Everything has two sides to it, including this pandemic that we are going through. The downside of it is that I’m not able to be out and about, sharing my passion with the public, and not earning through busking. I am more of an outdoors person myself, and being stuck at home all the time really took some getting used to.

“But on the bright side, I have so much time to catch up on what I’ve been missing. Being fatigued from work has always kept me from practicing those new songs that I have always wanted to. So right now, I’ve been keeping myself occupied with practice and lessons.

“I also experienced my first ever livestream open mic performance, which was quite an eye opener since social distancing began.”

ON Nov 16 last year, Priyaa Simmi was crowned Mrs Malaysia World 2019. A week later, she flew to Las Vegas to compete in the Mrs World 2019 international pageant.

The 25-year-old beauty queen is a dynamic woman who runs a security company, a beauty spa, online boutique and a rehab centre for stroke patients.

When she walked into the room for our interview, she definitely turned several heads. Her beauty shone from the inside out.

What motivated you to join the pageant in the first place?

“Five years ago, I started an organisation called Persatuan Kebajikan Sai Malaysia with my father. The aim of the organisation is to help underprivileged women gain financial independence.

“We give them sewing machines for free. We provide tailoring courses and makeup courses.

“I believed that participating in this pageant would allow me to reach a wider [demographic] of women, give more exposure to our courses, and make my voice heard.

Why do you believe it is important for women to be financially independent?

“I have been advocating for financial independence for underprivileged women for years, because I believe it will eliminate a lot of self-esteem issues that women are facing currently, which includes inequality, gender discrimination, and domestic violence.

“When it is only the man who provides the family [with] financial support, the women of the family automatically feel undermined and weaker compared to the man.

“Hence, they feel that it is their duty to accept all threats, verbal and physical abuse, or the [abuse] thrown at them without even realising that they are the ones who are [turning] the houses into homes for the men and their family.

“However, when a woman brings her share to the table, then equality will conquer. I strongly believe that women are strong and powerful, both mentally and physically, that we are able to carry out responsibilities both outside and inside our homes.”

Did you expect to win?

“No. This is the first beauty pageant I joined. I received so much support and encouragement from my husband and family to join the pageant.

“When my name was mentioned, my eyes started to tear. I am so grateful and blessed that my family and friends were there to cheer for me and support me. Their presence helped me stay calm, and gave me the confidence to perform my best.”

How has the victory changed your life?

“I learned a lot about myself and the people around me. Before joining this pageant, I have always thought that everybody loves me – which is why when I’m asked who I hate, I won’t be able to think of anyone, as I’ve always had the tendency to just give love to everyone around me.

“Now, I realise that there are some who despise me, who will criticise me and find fault in my actions.

“This pageant has taught me to accept criticism positively, in a way which helps to build my confidence and [to have] a strong personality.”

Who are some of the role models in your life?

“For every girl, her father is her hero, and the love of her life. My father taught me to be financially independent. He never spoiled any of his children. He only paid us our allowance when we worked for it.

“My father-in-law also taught me the value of being financially independent. I can always turn to them for any advice.

“My husband appreciates who I am as a woman, and [supports] my passion to be financially independent.

“He appreciates my longing to do something for society and change [it] for the better. My husband never stood between me and my ambitions. Instead, he is the fuel for my courage, and my confidence that I can achieve my dreams.”

PRE-TEEN SKATER Sangeeta Retnakumar has been on a roll in the world of ice skating, recently bringing back five gold medals from the Ice Skating Institute (ISI) Asia Final Championship Series in Bangkok.

Representing Sunway Pyramid Ice Academy, 12-year-old Sangeeta attained gold in the Drama Sports FS4, Footwork F4, Freestyle 4, Open FS Silver and Solo Comp F4 events that took place at the Rink Ice Arena in the Thai capital’s Central Plaza Grand Rama 9.

She was one of 128 participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand who competed.

The SK Pusat Bandar Puchong Dua student had also competed in the previous two ISI Asia Championship Series, along with Skate Indonesia 2019, Skate Malaysia 2019, Skate Shenzhen 2018, Skate Asia 2018, Skate Malaysia 2018, Skate Bangkok 2017 and Skate Malaysia 2017.

In almost all of the competitions, Sangeeta has consistently clinched first place. Her father Retnakumar Annamalai said that the family is looking into eventually sending Sangeeta, the eldest of three children, to a skating academy overseas.

“In Malaysia, there are no ice skating academies,” he said. “Those that exist are in shopping malls. Under the Sports Ministry, there are no ice skating stadiums. If you want to join an academy, it has to be somewhere overseas. That costs a lot.”

theSun recently caught up with the bubbly ice skater at Sunway Pyramid Ice during one of her practice sessions for an interview.

How did you feel when you won five gold medals at the Ice Skating Institute (ISI) Asia Final Championship Series (in Bangkok)?

“Very happy. The championship was a little hard. I made new friends in Bangkok.”

When did you start ice skating?

“I started ice skating in 2015. I was seven years old. I found out about it through a brochure. My brother brought it from his kindergarten. It was a brochure for a holiday package in Sunway. After the one week of the holiday package, I liked skating so I continued doing it.”

Why choose ice skating over other sports, like badminton/squash?

“Other than skating, I am going for ballet and yoga. I liked skating over other sports because I like being challenged. I felt like skating is the hardest sport, which was why I kept doing it.”

What do you feel when you’re skating?

“When I skate alone in the morning, I don’t feel lonely. I feel like I am bonding with the rink. As for when I am competing, I do not play to win. I do it to give the audience my best performance.”

How often do you practise, and for how long?

“I practise on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but after school hours. On Sundays I practise in the morning. I normally spend between four to five hours. My coaches are Angeline Chan and Michelle Chak, where Angeline is the main coach.

“Other than practising on the rink, I am also doing yoga and ballet. Ballet gives me flexibility and grace, because figure skating requires a lot of grace, while yoga gives me the posture and strength.”

In total, how many medals do you have?

“I can’t count (laughs). But the most I have are gold and silver medals.”

What is your current goal?

“My current goal is to join the Malaysian Nationals sometime in April. I also want to join the Winter Olympics. That is my final goal.”

AT THE age of 25, Ariffa Maryam Yeop Abdul Mutalib can already see the bigger picture. Looking forward to the future, but with her roots steeped in heritage and culture, Maryam walks a path not travelled by many in her age group – promoting local batik and making it contemporary for the younger generation.

Maryam actually has a background in the culinary arts. Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings, she learned how to cook traditional food from her aunts, whom she declared “the best teachers she ever had”, while her restaurateur mother specalises in Negeri Sembilan cuisine.

In fact, Maryam once made traditional Malay kuih for her mother’s famous Aunty Aini’s Garden Cafe in Kg. Chelet, Nilai, which she was meant to take over.

However, Maryam found her calling to promote batik, and about two years ago she became an accessories designer and owner of the label MaryamBayam.

“Batik is something that won’t go out of style. It is timeless,” explained Maryam, who uses traditional batik material to create modern statement accessory pieces such as Batik Bow Hoop earrings which appeal to the youth.

“Batik can be fun, contemporary and anything you like. It is a way of self-expression. It is Malaysian identity.”

How did you get into designing accessories?

“I always loved wearing the headband. It was my first product in my whole collection. I thought: ‘Why do I need to buy if I can make it myself?’. I started learning how to make headbands from YouTube, as I knew how to sew since I was 12 years old. I went to a sewing class because I wanted to become a fashion designer at that time.

“I started to make headbands and my friends and family were interested in them. I had this idea to make headbands with batik material. It wasn’t common or [readily] available in the market. I thought it would be unique as [batik] is our identity.

“Initially, I did not plan to sell. It was only meant as a gift, but some of my friends said it would be really good if it was in the market.

“I don’t design batik at the moment. Currently, I am getting my batik supplied from Terengganu. All my batik material is made locally.”

What motivated you to create accessories instead of dresses using batik fabrics?

“The market is too saturated with clothing. Accessories like what I am doing are unique and hard to find. They have their own identity. It is a statement piece accessory, a niche market.”

How has the response been, especially from the younger generation?

“Alhamdulillah, It has been wonderful. I got so many good comments and people are grateful. You will be surprised that my main customers are Chinese, and they really appreciate what I am doing.”

Do you think the younger generation is not keen on batik?

“It is not that they are not keen, I think they are not exposed to it. We are so caught up with modern and Western [trends], and we are so ‘whitewashed’. We are so caught up with ‘in the now’, or whatever is trending that we don’t realise that we have something unique, and it is our heritage, our own culture.

“I guess a part of my mission for MaryamBayam is to promote local batik, it is contemporary and fun and attracts the younger generation through accessories.”

What is the difference between local batik and those from neighbouring countries?

“We have our own style. The abstract motifs are unique, funky and the colour combination is so attractive to my eyes.

“[Indonesian Batik] is mainly brown and black. They have pastels as well as red, but our batik has more floral motifs, which is made by the older generation. It has a vibrant colour, which is what really attracts me towards Malaysian batik.”

What is your next plan?

“I want to take MaryamBayam into retail, and I want to have my own store. I want to have different products that cater to everyone, including men, not just batik shirts, but batik ties, batik bow-ties and others.”

A LIGHT-bending technique caught the attention of architect Justin Lee and chef Ooi U-jean, and together they co-founded creative studio Luna Macula to explore and experiment with liquid light art.

Their respective roles and skills balanced each other out; what one lacked, the other fulfilled.

The two 29-year-old interdisciplinary artists call their work ‘projection painting’, as it’s built upon an analogue relationship between light and liquid to form dynamic and psychedelic visuals generated in real-time.

It’s a living and breathing expression that plays out as an experiential painting – a performing art so immersive and compelling, that it has a way of dissolving the divided tension between the performer and the audience.

However, no two paintings are alike. The intangible painting that appears superficial in many ways dances alongside the performer in an intimate setting, and becomes multi-dimensional as a whole.

This was evident during Luna Macula’s most recent collaborative performance titled Impermanence at Kongsi KL, comprising a simultaneous large-scale installation and live performance, piecing together sound, movement and analogue visuals that traverse the impermanence of the universe.

What is Luna Macula about?

Lee: “Luna Macula specialises in liquid light shows, a technique discovered in the 1960s and later adapted into music videos and performances. It creates really funky and vivid visuals that are also psychedelic.

“We’re entirely self-taught, which means we explored a lot, and [went] through many trials and errors using only overhead projectors. From the experiments, we also discovered and created many techniques and patterns that we think, regardless, are material through the analogue process.

“When the effects are projected onto a surface, they appear as a light show.

“I guess what makes Luna Macula different from others is that we’re taking on time-honoured analogue techniques in an increasingly digitised world.

“Digital art is created with computer software using a coding system which can be replayed multiple times [depicting] the expected visuals, but analogue art such as a liquid light show is a psychical, material act that cannot be done with a computer.

“Each attempt and outcome is different, so there’s always room for flaws but that doesn’t mean they’re imperfect. In fact, we embrace imperfections, at the same time, we uphold the consistency to meet our standard.”

What’s the meaning behind Luna Macula?

Lee: “Luna means the moon, and macula is the central area of the retina in our eye that creates images to be sent to our brain.

“If there’s a spirit animal that describes Luna Macula, it would be the cuttlefish. The entire body, including the eyes, of the cuttlefish changes colour according to its mood or [when it] camouflages itself in the environment.

“We try to mimic a realm in between the water and the cosmos, hence the name Luna Macula.”

What’s the narrative behind Impermanence?

Lee: “The name of the show Impermanence summarises [the intention].

“It depicts the impermanence of nature that evokes the forces of the universe through a geological time span. Natural phenomenon shapes the foundation of the earth, where rocks over time corrode with rainfall. Meaning, even the hardest particle is fragile over time. Water shapes the mountain, and the residue gets taken to the sea.

“There’s also the emotional aspect of the show, this is where the performers come in. What’s more, we as human beings are also impermanent – we live up to 80 years old on average, but compared to the scale of the universe, our material desires are temporal. The show essentially reminds us to be humble through our actions.”

How is the value being measured for intangible artwork such as projection painting?

Lee: “We’re not merely creating a painting, we’re also performance artists. Especially in Impermanence, where we’re not situated at the back of the stage, but rather upfront and part of the performance.

“When you go to an art gallery, you don’t see the artist creating an artwork. However, with projection painting, we do it live on-the-spot and we don’t pre-record it.

“It’s valuable in that sense, similar to what a musician, actor or movement artist does. It’s the creative process and the creative output that we deemed valuable. It’s very much impermanent, you can’t buy it nor can you keep it at home.

Ooi: “Regardless of how many times we’ve done it, each result will come out differently with varying emotions and feelings. It also changes according to who we collaborate with, what type of music is in sync with the projection painting, and so on.”

IF THERE is one thing we seek more than wealth in modern times, it is validation, be it from peers, our family or society as a whole. In the case of 29-year-old Azri Yunus, validation came when his parents acknowledged his success as a film music composer.

He said: “At one point, I think I was too focused on music and it affected my studies badly. My dad, in his disappointment at that time, said it was better if I stopped it, and one thing that stuck with me was when he said: ‘Menyesal ajar main gitar’ (I regret teaching you to play the guitar). Now, I think my parents are proud.”

One of the fastest rising and eclectic composers in the country, Azri works for WAU Animation, the animation studio behind the Ejen Ali TV series and its recent film adaptation, which grossed RM30 million at the box office in its six weeks of screening. Part of the animated film’s most lauded aspect? Its score.

Having worked as a composer since 2011, Azri does the background music that ranges across various genres, and defines his job as “filling in the music for every scene in a movie or TV series”.

theSun recently met with Azri who spoke about his passion for music and how he found a career path that suits him.

How did you get into music and then start composing music for feature films?

“I began composing when I was studying in Multimedia University (MMU), but I have been playing the guitar since age 12, after my father taught me to play.

“He taught me the basics, and I picked up the rest by myself. At some point, he discouraged me from playing as my studies deteriorated. I did not progress further at that point.

“When I was in MMU, I was studying animation for about four years, but I also had a [band] at the same time. While studying animation, a subject called Film Studies exposed me to a wider variety of music usage, such as using music to tell and elevate a story.

“While this was going on, I was studying 3D visualisation for architecture. As I realised music was a crucial part of me, I had to drop animation.

“After moving to a different company, I did the audio, sound effects and music for an entire season of the animation that the company was working on.”

What were your parents’ reactions to the change from animation and architecture to music?

“In the beginning, they said: ‘Takkan nak buat music selamanya?’ (Are you going to play music forever?). I think it was a mindset thing, for parents and the older generation to think that making music and becoming an artiste are mutually exclusive.

“I had to tell them that I did not want to become an artiste, but that I wanted to make music for films. They let me try, but when I was working on animations that were not [well-known], they were not convinced. I just kept pushing forward.”

Did you expect the reception to the Ejen Ali The Movie score/soundtrack to be as good as it was?

“Firstly, I’m very grateful for the positive reception and feedback. When we first began the [TV series], the reception was lukewarm, and when we wanted to make the movie, there were fears that the audience wouldn’t know what it was, or if they even watched the series first.

“So we didn’t expect this. In relation to the score, I didn’t want the audience to watch the film, go back and forget about it. I wanted the music to move the audience and possibly even change their mindset. Based on the reception, I’m very grateful the audience resonated with the score.”

How do you give the songs/suites/tracks in Agen Ali their own personalities?

“Before I start, I ask for the ‘keywords’, like for Ejen Ali it was ‘gratitude’, [and] ‘loving our mother’. When I know the keyword, I research the emotions attached to it.

“For example, if it’s a picture of a mother hugging her child, I’ll try to find the saddest chord. It also depends on how a character looks like, such as the prominent colours on them. If it’s red, the sound has to be dangerous.”

Walk us through your creative process. How long does it take you to come up with and complete a single track?

“There are four components. I need to know the rhythm or pacing, what is happening with a character, the environment, and the story itself, like the motive at the moment, such as if someone says: ‘I’m going to kill that person’.”

FORMER fashion design diploma-holder turned artistic cake baker Tan U-Mae uses her creative mind, knowledge from the world of fashion and talent in art and painting to create one-of-a-kind, stunning cake decorations.

“Education in fashion design helped me to have an eye for detail and create design patterns. In fact, I am still using design tools [such as] rulers and measuring tapes,” said Tan, who owns online cake business bitter/sweet, which is based in Kuala Lumpur.

“I used to draw and paint as well, but now my canvases are my cakes. My family is ‘arty’. My creative genes came from my dad but my business sense came from my mum,” said Tan.

Encouraged by family and friends, Tan left her job as a business development executive at an automotive agency in 2014, and set up the bitter/sweet Facebook page and Instagram page, gaining almost 24,700 followers to date.

Since then, there has been no looking back.

How did you get into baking?

“It was by chance. It is a funny story. I was always fascinated by pretty cakes but never put much thought into venturing into it as a business, until one day I had the chickenpox. I was homebound for two weeks. Since I had time on my hands, I watched YouTube tutorials on cake decoration, and started to experiment with baking and decorating cupcakes.

“I made a set of Valentine’s Day-themed cupcakes and posted a picture on my Instagram. My friends commented that the cupcakes were very pretty and asked if I was selling them. I got support from my family and friends from the start.

“It kind of took off from there. I think it [was also] good timing, as I was really looking to do something [new].”

What motivated you to start the business?

“I used to work as a business development executive at an agency, which dealt with publishing a wedding magazine. While working there, I was exposed to gorgeous wedding cakes. I always admired them from afar.

“It started as a passion project. I never thought it would [become] a full-fledged business. It just progressed naturally over time as I started to make more cakes.

“As I was younger and very unsure about running a business on my own from scratch, my family and friends gave advice and support, which pushed me to set up bitter/sweet as a proper business. It was encouragement from my family and friends which motivated me to turn baking cakes into a full-fledged business.”

What kind of cake flavours and designs do you have?

“[My] cakes range from a very rich Belgian chocolate cake, down to fruity strawberry chocolate and lemon blueberry cakes, to savoury cream cheese paired with red velvet cakes. Recently, I introduced an orange rosemary flavour to cater to more mature palates.

“I also experiment with flavourings and pairings with my customers, as well.

“Wedding cakes are intricately designed for my customers’ tastes. Some couples will share their taste preferences with me. I don’t only make custom cake designs but flavours, too. I am more than happy to accommodate, if I can.

“At the moment, [I create] mostly butter-based cakes. I do offer vegan-friendly options as well, which is new. The next step is to create separate birthday and wedding categories. [I also plan] to create separate (social media) pages for wedding cakes.

Where do you get the ideas for your cake design or decoration?

“I work very closely with clients in terms of designs. They sometimes come to me with an idea/theme in mind and from there I will personalise it to make their cake their own. If not, I will spend time talking to them, to get a grasp of their ideas and needs, and craft something from scratch.”

What is your signature cake?

“My signature flavour is a Belgian chocolate cake ... As a cake baker, I will use buttercream and fondant, fresh flowers and sugar flowers.

“In terms of design, [the] ‘arrangement of the flower’ is my signature style, the bitter/sweet touch. I think every cake baker has their own style. I will try my best to do it for my clients.

“The moment customers come back for a second cake, it is very good for me.”

THERE are several different ethnic groups that make up the Orang Asli community, each with its own unique language, culture and celebrations. In 2015, the Orang Asli community was recorded at about 0.7% of the total population of Peninsular Malaysia.

Despite their small number, its members are gradually making inroads into various fields, and even have their own voice in the mass media.

Vicky Eluq Achom, 26, is one of the several Orang Asli radio presenters working at RTM’s ASYIKfm (known as Radio 7 from 1959 to 2005), which broadcasts from 8am to 10pm daily. Segments on ASYIKfm are conducted in the Temuan, Temiar, Semai and Jakun dialects.

Vicky is one of four Semai speakers on the station, regularly hitting the airwaves on Tuesdays between 7pm to 11pm. He usually kicks off with the news and then proceeds to entertain viewers’ song requests. He also fills in for other Semai presenters when required.

When theSun caught up with Vicky recently, he said that although there are some similarities between the four languages, it is not enough for him to try his hand at speaking any of the others over the airwaves.

Vicky explained that there are two major Semai communities in Malaysia, one in Perak (where his mother hails from) and the other in Pahang (where his father comes from).

Interestingly, Vicky’s father Achom bin Luji was a presenter on Radio 7 from 1975 to 2005.

“It is like a legacy thing,” said Vicky, explaining that over a year ago, he was approached by RTM producer Kathy Bah Takoi, who was looking for someone to conduct a segment in the Semai dialect.

Vicky worked for a while in the e-commerce industry after university, but preferred to pursue a career in the arts.

Aside from his duties on ASYIKfm, Vicky also works for a graphic design company, Asli Kraf Sdn Bhd, which specialises in producing unique Orang Asli-inspired souvenirs, and regularly takes part in events to showcase his designs, which are based on his cultural background.

He was also one of three Orang Asli artists featured on Bernama TV to promote the Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival which was held at the Botanical Gardens in Shah Alam in August last year.

What does this radio station, ASYIKfm, mean to you?

“It is a means to deliver useful information, especially those that are relevant to my community.

“It also encourages us to develop our full potential and skills without forsaking our culture.”

Do you see ASYIKfm as the voice of your people and culture?

“Yes, especially where my father is concerned. He is still remembered from his time on the radio among the members of my community.

“My father was shocked that I was given this job. He himself did not think that his legacy would continue.”

Growing up, what was it like hearing your father on the radio?

“At that time I thought my dad’s voice sounded different on radio. I only really paid attention when I started going to school.

“I even followed him to the station.”

Are most of your listeners from Perak and Pahang?

“There are [even] some from Selangor. There are also some from other ethnic groups who understand a little bit of Semai.”

More and more members of the Orang Asli community are becoming more visible these days. What has been your own experience?

“When I introduce myself as an Orang Asli, people are surprised. I was born in the city but I speak Semai at home.

“I know my roots and culture. I just look a little different from my forefathers.

“I get comments like: ‘You don’t look like an Orang Asli at all.’ It is a bit confusing sometimes. People still have their perceptions.”

What do you want to tell those who do not know about ASYIKfm?

“I just want them to know that there are many Orang Asli communities, each with their own food, culture and language.

“You may not have learned much about us in school but this [radio station] is a nice introduction to us.”

MUHAMAD ZICKRY MOHD YUSOFF is a man of many talents. He is an actor, singer, dancer, trumpet player and a professional dodgeball player and trainer.

Twenty-five-year-old Zickry was born and raised in Penang. At age 18, he came to Kuala Lumpur to pursue a Diploma in Performing Arts.

Since his graduation, he made Kuala Lumpur his second home, where he is set on carving a name for himself as a musical theatre artiste.

You may have already seen him in a handful of musical theatre shows such as Almost Maine, Fame the Musical, Avenue Q and Malaya Relived: The Fall of Singapore.

Tell us more about yourself.

“My father is a businessman and my mother is into multilevel marketing. My mother is Chinese, while my father is a mixture of Japanese, Arab and possibly Malay.

“They have two sons, and I am the youngest.”

What was your first musical experience like?

“During my school days, I was forced to join a school band and learn how to play the trumpet. I was only eight years old.

“Initially, I hated the idea. Slowly, I began to love the experience.

“I could not express my feelings eloquently through words. But I found music helped me to be expressive.

“I could tell my feelings better through music.”

When was your first experience watching musical theatre?

“My all-time favourite television show is Glee, and my favourite song from the show is Defying Gravity.

“My best friend persuaded me to see the musical theatre production Wicked [when it came to] Singapore, and said that the musical would feature my favourite song.

“I never knew Defying Gravity originated from this musical. I was blown away by the way the Wicked cast performed the song, and by what I saw on stage.

“Because of this play, I wanted to be a musical theatre artiste. I was only 17.”

What is the biggest challenge you faced as a musical theatre artiste?

“I would love to focus on my musical theatre artiste career on a full time basis. I want to put all my energy into it. But I can’t. There are not enough jobs for one to be a full time artiste in this field.

“I have to take a second job. I teach speech and drama to children and young adults from the ages of eight to 13 in an international school.

“But I do not hate teaching. I love the kids and sharing my knowledge.”

How did your parents react to your decision to be a musical theatre artist?

“My father did not raise any objections. But it was a different story with my mother. She was worried I could not make enough money to survive.

“She wanted me to be a lawyer, doctor, or a dentist.

“But I have shown her that I can stand on my two feet. Now, she is a little more accepting of my career choice.”

How do you keep your singing voice good and steady? Do you sing everyday?

“Yes, I do. I will sing in the shower every morning.

“I stay with my older brother. He gets irritated with my singing in the shower, because he will be sleeping at that time and I will be singing at the top of my voice. He used to tick me off.

“Now, I sing less in the shower, and more in the car while driving to work.”

How did you get into dodgeball?

“I was indoors most of the time and constantly playing computer games. My mother wanted me to break this habit of mine. My brother is a sporty person and was involved in dodgeball. My mother forced my brother to take me out of the house to play sports, and he got me involved in dodgeball.

“I hated the sport initially, but slowly began to love it.

“I love the bonding and togetherness among team members in dodgeball. I have even participated in a few international tournaments in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

“When I was there, I took the opportunity to watch international musical theatre shows such as Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera. I had a good time watching these shows.”

Some Malaysian musical theatre artists have ventured outside of Malaysia to try their luck on Broadway and the West End. Do you harbour the same dreams?

“Not really. At the moment, I want to focus on establishing myself in Malaysia first.”

“Why must we be colour-blind? Aren’t we the most colourful people?” asked graphic designer and food artist Faye Lim.

Together with her two friends, Faye, 29, travelled around Malaysia to film a documentary titled “Re-discovering Each Other”, about the various ethnicities and created food artwork using local food to represent the “faces” of Malaysians.

Faye, from Petaling Jaya, is of Chinese, Thai and Nyonya descent. She turned up for the interview at theSun, wearing accessories from East Malaysia.

“While filming the documentary, we stayed with people of different cultures to find every element of unity, from architecture and food to culture and other angles. What we found had a huge impact on us,” she said.

She also made lots of new friends who were willing to share their food cultures and to help in any way they can. Faye also discovered unfamiliar food, drinks, sweets and pastries such as Amplang and Kuih Cin Cin.

“My mind opened up, bit by bit,” said Faye, the co-founder of ww.therojakprojek.com She is also creating artworks using soil and leaves from Orang Asli habitats and is interested in sustainable food packaging using leaves.

Why did you choose unity as the subject of food art?

“The idea came at the end of 2014, a year that was particularly trying, with the disappearance of MH370 and the MH17 plane crash. Racial unity cracked and negativity surfaced over the past couple of years.

“Colour-blindness (black and white) has always been the go-to trend to discuss unity in diversity but we at The Rojak Projek approach it differently.

“Multicultural Malaysia should not be diluted into shades of grey because colours are where our beauty lies! So in 2016, I wanted to share a creative and positive perspective on the beauty of our diversity.

“I did a series of conceptual artworks on local food. Where words are inadequate, food is symbolic of love and Malaysian food takes it to the next level. Food has always been a gesture of peace for us. We sit, eat and enjoy each other’s company despite our differences.

“It is also our differences that make us unique. These artworks showcase not only the beauty and variety of Malaysian food but also our diversity which is equally beautiful.”

What is your opinion on Malaysian unity?

“We’re not there yet. The awareness is slowly building up but it’s on the surface. Unity comes with understanding each other but right now, we do not know each other well enough.

“It is important that we never allow anyone to stop our friendship and love for one another and to know there’s strength when Malaysians work together.”

How long did it take to create one piece of artwork?

“We completed 60 artworks in 2015. From 2016 to 2017, we completed another 480 to reach a total of 540 artworks for Malaysia’s 54th National Day.

“When we asked questions and realised our ignorance, it was an eye-opening moment. Many of us did not know about Malaysia Day, the formation of the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore on Sept 16,1963.

“In Peninsular Malaysia, we mostly celebrated Merdeka Day on Aug 31.

“But not acknowledging Malaysia Day is like not acknowledging the existence of people in Sabah and Sarawak.”

What is the idea behind The Rojak Projek?

“Initially, it was to inspire unity, to showcase the beauty of local food and to share the message that our diversity is beautiful. Anyone can talk about unity; I’d rather show it through our ‘heart-work’.”

What is your next project?

“Our upcoming project, #RojakNation, advocates our multicultural identity and seeks to bring together everything that makes Malaysia.

“ The aim is to encourage Malaysians to mix around and collaborate with each other in ways that will lend a voice to the unheard and under-represented fellow Malaysians.

“We hope #RojakNation will, one day, evolve into a larger scale nation-building movement. I can’t reveal everything just yet because it is still a work in progress with our partners. All I can say is that it has to have a lot of youth and grassroots involvement, to make it happen.

“Everything we do, we do for Malaysia.”

MAKING waves across the blogsphere and in the media in general following its official opening in March, Crème De La Crème or CDLC is a dessert parlour, a ‘bar’ that serves top of the shelf artisanal ice cream and even cake.

Located in Damansara Uptown, CDLC is owned by Lio Lim and operated by a team of pastry chefs, some of whom have received training from famous pastry chef Christy Tania, who herself was a regular guest on Masterchef Australia.

As mentioned, CDLC’s trade is artisanal ice cream, featuring an eclectic range of flavours and styles that customers can choose from at reasonable prices.

The diminutive Evelyn Chung leads CDLC’s kitchen team. A professional pastry chef, Chung’s romance with pastries stretched back to her younger days.

Speaking to theSun, Evelyn revealed that she nearly took a different path in life before completing her studies in Culinary Management at Sunway University.

At which point in your life did you start to get interested in cooking/baking etc?

“[My] mum used to bake at home. That’s where my interest [began]. She did it as housewife thing, for the family and for fun. I used to help her out, and that sparked my interest. Initially it was more of a hobby, so not so much as [a] career.

“When I moved on further, I realised this could be a career. Because initially, people [didn’t consider] being a chef and all of this as a career. I realised I could do this as a career during my college days.

“Initially, I was taking a pre-university [course] because I was pursuing medicine before making the switch to culinary management.”

What inspired you to pursue this line of work professionally?

“I feel like when I grew up and became more matured, I realised that the hobby could become a job, as I was passionate about it and it would not be very hard as well.”

How are new pastries created at CLDC?

“I [have led] the kitchen team here since [March]. Everything here is natural, and made from scratch. The most important [ingredient] is of course our ice cream mix. Basically we have to make our own ice cream mix first, which comprises the scoops and all that.

“For the cakes, there are a few components, like the mix is churned and put into a mould. Once it comes out in the shape that we want, we will decorate and garnish it.”

Is it hard coming up
with new creations consistently?

“Sometimes it is hard to come up with new things. Here, we try to come up with new creations every month. Once in a while we’ll have new cakes or a new ice cream flavour.”

How do you know if customers will like it?

“That is our own fear as well. Everyone has their own tastebuds and their own preferences.

“That’s why we will not do something in a big batch first. If it is something new, we will [put] out something to test the market.

“If the response is good, we will continue [making] it in proper batches. That is one thing good on why we do not make a lot, as we are not a manufacturer.

“We are artisanal.”

TRIVIA

Favourite flavour: “Banana ice cream with butterscotch, walnut and chocolate crumble.”

Favourite combination of flavours: “The 63% dark chocolate with banana.”

Favourite pastries to work with: “More of traditional, old school cakes like buttercake and banana cake. My daily job involves artisanal, so sometimes I feel like rustic pastries is a good getaway.”

Culinary role models: “My head chef in university, Chef Patrick Siau.”

MUHAMAD HAQIMIE HASIM’S optimism is an unstoppable force. An amputee after suffering an accident eight years ago, this 28-year-old husband and father of one has proudly represented the nation in his favourite sport of football.

He even quit his job at a bank to become a real estate consultant in order to devote more time to his greatest loves – his family, and football.

Haqimie’s confidence and inner strength puts some of those with two legs to shame. He uses his conviction to motivate other amputees to not give up on their dreams, and proves to them that they are not alone in this world.

How did you lose your leg?

“The accident happened in 2011. During a long university holiday, I went swimming with my friends at a river almost every day. I always asked my mother for permission, hugged and kissed her before I go. Except on that fateful day.

“My mother told me that I didn’t have to go to the river that day, but I still did because it had become routine.

“It happened on the way back. I rode a motorcycle with a passenger at the back. While trying to avoid a bike with a sidecar, I veered off the road and drove between the two pillar walls of a surau.

“My friend suffered relatively minor injuries. I was unconscious. The damage was so severe that the doctors had to put me in a coma for 20 days.”

How did you get into amputee football?

“I was not aware of the existence of amputee football at that time.

“I was still studying back then. After my studies, I opened a business selling cakes. It didn’t work out, but I learned a lot.

“After that, I was hired to work at a bank. I started working at age 23. In 2018, a colleague asked if I did any sports.

“We knew about Malaysia’s Paralympic heroes, but because the sports that they participated in were not sports that I was interested in, I [assumed] that there was no sport that I could play.

“I told him that I used to play football, and he instructed me to contact a certain person [who was involved with amputee footbal players].

“I didn’t know there was such a thing as amputee football. It was still new to Malaysia, having only been introduced here in 2016.”

What did you do?

“After work, I sent my wife to her parents, and I called [the contact]. I was so excited, that the call lasted for over an hour. I told him that I wanted to join this community, and he invited me to tryouts a month later.

“That was the first time I had kicked a football in the seven years after the accident. It was awkward, we played using canes instead of prosthetics.

“I was so excited that I ran as if I had two legs, and double-stepped on my right foot, which is dangerous for the ankle. I had to calm myself down.

“From then onwards I didn’t look back. I even got selected for the national team.”

What was the last big game you played?

“In April or May, we had a friendly match in Jakarta. At the time, we stayed for three days and two nights. We had three games against the Indonesian team. We tied a game, we won a game, and we lost a game.”

How do you keep such an upbeat attitude after all that happened?

“I don’t know if it is ‘positivity’. Like, when the doctor told me that my leg had been cut off, I readily accepted it. But I feel it is more like [having] a ‘laid-back attitude’. I did not want to think too much about it.

“I thought to myself: ‘It happened and there is nothing else I can do about it, so life goes on.’

“Some worry for me, and ask about what am I going to do now. I tell them not to trouble themselves.

“[After all] I am the one who lost a leg.”

How has losing your leg changed you?

“It made me more open to others. I stand out in any crowd, and because of this, I have the confidence to talk and interact with people. More so than ever before.

“It also made me work harder and surround myself with positive friends.

“Admittedly, I didn’t reach for the highest achievements when I had my two legs. I studied and worked just enough to get by. But this accident opened my eyes. It is as if nothing can hold me back.”

Ask someone who Alexis SueAnn Seow is, and the list of options is long. Emcee, TV host, radio announcer, fitness enthusiast, dancer, singer, Miss Universe Malaysia 2018 first-runner up, and most recently, the winner of Miss World Malaysia 2019 – honestly, is there anything this young woman can’t do?

But one thing is for sure, Alexis has a heart big enough to handle all these challenges.

The 24-year-old, who holds a degree in psychology, has been volunteering at children’s and old folks’ homes since she was just 12 years old.

For her Beauty with a Purpose passion project associated with being Miss World Malaysia, Alexis has initiated #Chance4Change in collaboration with Orphancare Foundation, in order to raise awareness and educate the public on two heartbreaking topics – baby dumping and the sexual grooming of children.

All this as she prepares to represent Malaysia at the upcoming Miss World 2019 in London on Dec 14, competing against 111 other beauty queens from around the world.

How do you define beauty?

“I always believe that beauty comes throughout our lives.

“A beautiful person is someone who is able to speak their truth and worth, a person who has a beautiful mind and soul, and who has the will power to succeed.

“It is not defined by something you see perpetually up front. It really is about their characteristics and personality, and how other people see that person from the inside.

“The superficial idea of how beauty queens just have to be beautiful certainly isn’t the case anymore, particularly at this point in time. The world has evolved according to how we perceive it to be, society at large has created a generation that is socially accepting, and now beauty pageants extend beyond physical beauty.”

After Miss Universe Malaysia 2018, why did you decide to participate in a second beauty pageant?

“Miss World Malaysia has always been my first choice, but back then there was some complication with the organisation.

“I was approached to join Miss Universe Malaysia 2018. Back then, I wasn’t sure if I shared the beliefs, values and attributes of the pageant, let alone could imagine getting crowned Miss Universe Malaysia.

“But because I joined, I’ve noticed how much work beauty queens have to put in it. I’ve come to love and respect the beauty pageant industry. I won first runner-up which was a bummer to me, because I worked so hard for it.

“After that, I decided to never join another pageant, but the pageant fan clubs here were so persistent in telling me to join Miss World Malaysia, they could see how it correlated with my beliefs.

“After a lot of persuasion and self-reflection, I took a step back and asked myself why I joined Miss Universe Malaysia in the first place. It wasn’t for fame or as a stepping stone, it was to represent my country on a global stage.

“Miss World is such a strong platform, it really is a beauty pageant that focuses not on physical beauty, but rather beauty with a purpose, which is through our charity causes.

“Now that I finally get to represent my country, I’ve been given a chance to tell stories close to my heart to the whole world.”

Tell us about #Chance4Change.

“Growing up, I’ve always been helping out different charities, organisations and foundations with my mum.

“I started #Chance4Change even before winning the crown, with the aim to educate. But how do you educate children about things that are not taught in school, for example, taboo topics?

Last year, I visited an NGO called Rumah Kita which shelters unwed teenage mothers, and pregnant mothers who are cast out by their families.

When I was there, I realised there were more babies than mothers.

“Now, a lot of people think that ‘unwanted pregnancies’ only occur out of wedlock, but it’s not true. There are cases where girls have been raped in the most unimaginable situations.

“As of 2019, there have been over 1,000 baby dumping cases in Malaysia, and 64% of the babies died within the first day they were dumped.

“#Chance4Change creates awareness through education by engaging with different schools, teaching both female and male teen students the most basic ideas: how to detect sexual harassment, how to say no, what areas of the body are safe to touch, and even if it’s a safe area, are you comfortable with it? Also teach them how to seek help, who to get help from, and how to save themselves from sexual grooming.

“At first, I thought they’d be able to tell the differences, but you’d be surprised. These students haven’t the slightest clue what’s right or wrong, because sex education is a taboo topic in our country.

“It’s not necessarily about using condoms, but really just about knowing the differences between love and lust.

“#Chance4Change also partnered with Orphancare Foundation and Rumah Kita to teach young mothers how to make jewellery and trinkets to sell.

“Profits go to the mothers because they are still hiding from society, away from predators and people who put negative labels on them. We want to give them an opportunity to work within their comfort zone, so they’re able to provide for their little ones.”

What do you wish to see in future pageants?

“I hope to see more passionate about girls joining pageants, not for fame but to see them strive to become the next Miss Malaysia for a definite reason – to be a voice for the voiceless, and to represent the country with pride.

“Only then will more people realise beauty queens are not just pretty girls pursuing fame, but in fact, are women of substance.”

EACH of Ejin Sha’s avid explorations of the notion of visual identities marks yet another demonstration of her graphic obsession with typography and images.

That being said, visual identities in the most dynamic form of words and symbols are being reimagined with images to create a straightforward impression. It is after all, the fundamental idea of communication.

Ejin’s work tends to run along these paradigms at the same time.

And as a graphic designer, her practices transcend disciplines between art, design, architecture and literature crossing into technology, ranging across mediums such as books, posters, site installations, exhibitions, wayfinding signage, GIFs and interactive performances.

The 29-year-old says: “Graphic design is less of skill and more of a design thinking.”

What is the role of a graphic designer?

“It’s to communicate and translate a massage or a value of the entity I’m designing for.

“Sometimes I’d like to think I’m a makeover artist, in a
way, I’m representing them through my typography and image design to speak best about themselves so they can carry it along their process in the making of their work.”

Is there a line between a graphic designer and a visual artist?

“I don’t think there’s a clear boundary, even in Europe, graphic design no longer presents itself strictly in print, it could be [in] digital media or anything that can convey the message in the best way possible.

“It’s an exciting time to be able to experiment, as graphic designers are able to shift between these two practices.”

How much do you rely on instinct when designing?

“I believe strongly in [the saying] ‘form follows function’, starting with research and thinking what are some of the relevant values or design language that the subject has.

“So by designing visuals with typography as symbols, they don’t look too intimidating. And typography allows freedom for expression, at the same time, it lets the client’s personality shines through ... even if it has flaws. It’s about finding a balance in where they belong.

“Graphic design can allow visibility for subjects that are often overlooked or taken for granted.”

Does graphic design always have to solve problems?

“No, it can ask questions or form speculative visions. Even if it has ties to advertising, it doesn’t mean it has to serve the commercial purpose, it can be used for social awareness as well.

“But sometimes design has to solve problems before asking questions, hence, typography is my [way] of doing that.

“It really depends on the institution that supports [allowing] graphic designers to practice this. There will always be a struggle between financial and creative freedom in Malaysia.”

What about typography that intrigues you?

“[I] deal a lot with visual identities, translating them into logotypes, which is basically distilling an idea and expressing [using] words that we are familiar with to make an impression.

“I think words are a very direct way of saying a message, it’s not an image but it could be thought otherwise. It’s communication made really straight forward.”

What are your thoughts on the KL’s cityscapes typography.

“The awareness for type design is slowly growing. Some time ago, there was a workshop on designing type with software, and how typography is integrated with technology.

“In a collaborative performance, I did call Senitiga: As We Go Along with visual artist Max Jala, he created live projections [which were] interactive with motion and sound. It was a nice experiment to be able to stay away from the static medium and create interactive typography.”

This is not the first time Sophia Kamal has depicted the female gaze, and it certainly won’t be her last.

Through her unique examination of the subject in fine art portraiture, she paints an equitable representation of women in various visages, sensually expressed in manners that reflect neither their material nor physical facets, and which project a sense of true nature in the form of vivid acrylics.

She explains: “I believe in the potential of the developing mind, and in the ability of strong colours and imagery to convey an alternative perspective on femininity and contemporary thinking.

“I feel there’s still something alien about being a female in this universe every day; it’s like a kind of fantasy how each day we women weave our multiple roles and identities together to create a place that somehow extends far away from truth and reality.”

Sophia uses a modernist sensibility to produce her art. As she sees it: “I am envious of modernism. It’s admirable to learn how modernists were able to perceive daily lives without any ostentation.”

What is it about the female gaze that drew you in as a subject for your work?

“As a female, I like the idea of exploring female characteristics and ways of thinking, and the different female points of view. It’s something you don’t really hear a lot, even with female artists, you don’t get a lot of variation, their work [focuses] mostly on feminism.

“That prompted me to ask why are female painters so inherently linked to feminism.

“When the female gaze comes from a male perspective, there’s a sense of sexual desire, but from a female perspective, it’s more genuine, more raw and unfiltered, you don’t feel like you’re invisible. In fact, you feel like there is more meaning to it.”

Which art movement has most influenced the way you perceive a call for equitable female representation?

“It’s definitely Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Their basic approach to any subject is by looking at light and colours to portray the subject as if it’s bright and illuminating.

“But the art movements never really spoke to me through its landscape formats. If it happened, it was always through painting flowers because they represent female qualities, [like] growth and beauty.”

Has your approach to art changed in response to the paradigm shift of the female gaze in contemporary culture?

“It has definitely changed and shaped the way I think. Over the years, when people become familiar with my work, my work changes as well, because I wanted to explore more and discover more.

“As an art teacher right now, I also like to review previous art movements so I can teach my students. In a way, it also teaches me as well, I get to refer back to all the art styles and rediscover paintings.

“Whenever I look at my students’ work, I can also see how they are able to understand certain things, and it broadens my mind [to understand] how they think.

“Even though I don’t paint as much right now, I’m doing mostly research, which I think is equally important, if not more, because you need to know what your work is about before you start to paint.”

How do you portray the narratives of your multiple identities as a Malaysian Muslim woman in the post-modern age?

“When it comes to visual mediums, it’s hard to portray narratives, but perhaps [it is possible] through the contemporary style with the bright colours that I use. I like to keep things minimal with figurative and metaphorical details.

“I also like to question the female gaze, on why Muslim women have to hide and not expose our true identity. Often times, I depict girls as if they’re naked but in actual fact, they’re not.”

Have technological advancements displaced the way we perceive art?

“Looking at fashion designers, they’re always looking elsewhere for inspiration; at artists’ works in art and culture, or politics. It’s important not to ignore these advancements that are intertwining with our lives, we can either be open to changes or stay ignorant.

“Social media and the internet in general serve as a database [for] the archive of paintings and artists for easier accessibility. It’s about the education it brings with it as well.”

PROVING that it’s true a magician never reveals his secrets, Acker Kwan persistently refuses to disclose the secret of the magic trick he has demonstrated right before my eyes during our interview. To this day, I’m still dumbfounded.

Most magicians became enamoured with magic from a young age, and Kwan was the same. At age 15, he decided that he wanted to pursue magic full-time after attending a magic show. His mind filled with dreams and aspirations that someday he would be standing on the big stage as a magician himself.

Unfortunately, his sceptical parents weren’t as supportive, and even associated magic with the supernatural and dark arts.

The now 24-year-old recalls: “My brother and I would hide in the bathroom just to practise magic tricks.” Eventually, his parents accepted his decision after seeing him perform a magic show in a church, and the rest is history.

What does it mean to be a magician?

“Magic isn’t just about playing with tricks. Many who claim to be magicians, do it for many reasons – some for the money, some out of passion, and others to compete.

“I like to connect with people and through magic, I’m able to make an impression among my spectators, and ideally brighten up their day.”

How long does it take to master magic?

“It depends on the trick. The quickest trick I was able to master was within a couple of days, [another] took me about six months, and another, one-and-a-half years more until I was confident enough to perform before an audience.”

Do you ever get stage fright?

“I do stage shows and walkabouts, also known as street magic, which happens up close and personal with my audience, so it’s a more casual and intimate setting.

“I don’t really get nervous when I do walkabouts, but stage shows still put me on edge. I always feel like I’m under-prepared for every show, [because of] the fear of what could go wrong. However, I think the fear motivates me to be better.”

Does the possibility of your secrets being uncovered play on your mind during a show?

“I did fail a few times when I performed. The audience obviously knew and saw through me. I just had to suck it up and cover up quickly with another trick. Usually, I wouldn’t perform a trick unless I’m really confident, but mistakes still happen.”

Can you describe the most rewarding aspect of performing before an audience?

“One of the reasons [I got] into performing magic was because I was dumped by my first girlfriend in college.

“I needed to find a way to distract myself and ease my mind, hence, I started performing magic literally outside of my college to a bunch of friends and strangers. The fact that magic is able to make them happy, makes me happy.”

What goes through your mind when watching a magician perform?

“After so many years in the trade, I tend to lose my sense of wonder. I don’t get astounded any more, mostly because I know the basics of magic, hence I know how it is done.

“Even after solving the trick, I don’t feel surprised or shocked. Sometimes, I do wonder [what it would be] like to experience that kind of feeling again.”

How does mentalism work?

“Without revealing too much, it’s basically scientific mind-reading, which involves psychological subtleties, body movements and intuition.

“When the audience asks me: ‘Is magic real?’, I don’t want to lie to them to say magic is real, even to a kid. I would tell them magic takes a lot of practice.

“Magic isn’t about the technicality and tricks behind it; magic is [about] the moment, the mind-blowing wonder [of a trick] that your brain cannot comprehend.”

COOKING was his first love, but Shawn Lee experienced real passion when he began baking in college.

Bread is something we don’t tend to think about. Sliced sandwich bread and pre-packed stuffed buns are ubiquitous sights at convenience stores, but we rarely give them much thought.

Neither did Shawn. He never thought he would ever become a baker either. But college changed that, and since then, his passion for the humble bread has grown.

Why did you become a baker?

“I bake by choice. I enjoyed cooking when I was in college. My goal was to become a chef. But, I realised something when I was a student: I noticed that in baking, you use your bare hands.

“I realised that I liked working with my hands, and this started me on the path to becoming a baker.

“I find a lot of enjoyment in baking. It’s like developing something from a baby to a fully-baked bread. I take pride in seeing people happily eating the bread that I’ve made.”

Why didn’t you train to become a pastry chef?

“I like to bake bread, specifically. I feel that with pastry, you will have to deal with a lot of messy, watery and sticky ingredients, the stuff that make pastries into desserts. I didn’t like it.

“I used to experiment a lot more before I started to work. In the kitchen, I follow the guidelines and recipes of the company I work for. But at home, I still experiment and try new things.”

How do you get inspired?

“It usually begins with a trip to the grocery shop. An ingredient would catch my eye, and I’ll get inspired – stuff like fruits or imported ingredients, and rare ingredients, like fish roe.

“Yes, I do bake bread with fish roe in it!

“Inspiration also comes from my wanderings around cafes and shops, locally and abroad.

“I like to see what are the trends, and what they have to offer. I even get ideas from colleagues who travel overseas or from something I read in a magazine.”

Which country has the most exciting bread?

“Japan tends to have the most interesting bread creations. They have an artisan spirit and a strong spirit in their breadmaking.

“They pay attention to every single detail when they bake, like the temperature of the ingredients and baking time. Very detailed.”

Is baking bread difficult?

“It is not simple; in fact, it can be difficult. For example, almost every cafe and bakery sell croissants, but not all croissants are the same.

“Some shops and cafes mass-produce their baked goods, while others pay attention to details, like the number of layers, the type of butter used.

The good ones have the desired outcome from the start.

“It’s the same with baguette. The taste, the texture, the colour, even the cuts made on the dough to give the bread that signature look – every bakery has its way [of doing it], but not all are great.

“The ingredients of the baguette are deceptively simple: water, flour, salt and yeast – only these four. It is your skills and techniques that make the bread.

“Another bread that looks simple but deceptively difficult to make is anpan, the red bean bun. Making one will test your knowledge of the basics of baking bread.”

What, in your opinion, is the Malaysian attitude towards bread?

“To most Malaysians, bread is just a food, something to be had for breakfast or as a snack. They do not have a [fixed] opinion of how a specific bread should be.

“But a few [do] look at the presentation of the bread, how it tastes like, and they do know the difference.

“The right ingredients will influence the quality of the bread. The different kinds of butter and flour can result in different flavours and leaven different types of bread.

“For me, the yeast can make a difference too – but an essential component of making bread, the element that gives it the most flavour, is the levain or bread starter.”

Will you open your own bakery someday?

“Opening my own bakery is in my plans, but the economy is not very conducive right now.

“Everything is expensive, and the price of ingredients keeps on increasing. Even local ingredients are not as affordable. It is a tight market.

“That said, I would definitely further my career in Malaysia. The market is not fully developed, and there is still room to grow.”

GIVEN the interest that he has displayed for art ever since he was a child, no one was surprised that Aleff Ahmad, 29, grew up to be an artist.

Almost always seen with a smile on his face, Aleff is an optimist known for being quiet, but sociable.

I met him in his studio atop two flights of stairs, on the third floor of an unmarked building in Kuala Lumpur.

All around us lay his artwork, both completed works and those in progress. The space is undeniably home to an artist – and a passionate one at that.

He sat down on the floor, popped open a can of industrial paint, grabbed a paintbrush, continued his work, and we started talking.

How did you know you wanted to take up fine arts?

“My dad used to tell me that when I was small, he would buy colouring books for me. He would also buy a box of Staedtler Luna colour pencils. You know, the standard box.

“When he went to work, I would start colouring the book. All in one day. At the end of the day, I would go to him and say: ‘Dad, I finished. Can I have another?’

“From there, I realised that my interest [in art] was in my blood. It started with small things.

“My artistic side came from my mother. She’s not an artist, but she used to sew clothes and do embroidery. From there, I think the appreciation for art [transferred] to me.

“The perfectionism comes from my father’s side. My dad is a mechanic, and to be a good mechanic, you must pay attention to detail. So I think it’s the combination of both [traits] that makes me the artist I am today.”

Did you study fine arts?

“Yes. I have a diploma and degree in fine arts from UiTM Seri Iskandar, Perak. I studied fine arts for five years ... For my degree, I majored in painting and minored in graphic design.

“So that’s why you see my work has more illustrative concepts and ideas. Most of my concepts play with colours and composition.

“Some pieces look like runners (the frame) from a plastic model kit. A lot of them are inspired by toys. When you insert random shapes and geometric shapes, it becomes more interesting.”

What was your first significant achievement?

“My friend was studying in Australia. At the time, I was already busy doing art. He saw one of my art pieces on Facebook.

“He told me that they were planning to do [a] Malaysian community event in Adelaide. They wanted to exhibit [the works of] talents from Malaysia there.

“He wanted this whole series of artwork I did to be sent to Australia. I was only 20 years old at the time, and my work was [going to be] showcased in Australia.

“Well, my artwork was there, but I wasn’t. I have never been [to Australia].

“It motivated me to do more. From there, I started to join more exhibitions. If there is an invitation, I’ll join in.”

Recently, you customised a Tun M figure designed by artist and filmmaker Michael Chuah.

“Before I did the Tun M custom, Chuah offered me to customise his Yuurei Neko Sama figure. I was doubtful of my skills.

After a while, he said: ‘It’s okay why don’t you try Tun M instead?’

“It took me a long time to figure out what I want to do with the figure. In the end, I decided to kitbash (add parts from a model kit) Tun M with an RX-0 Unicorn Full Armour Gundam.

“Arifin Amin (toymaker, designer, customiser and artist) is a mentor to me. So I asked him a lot of questions. From there, he guided me on what to do.

“There was a lot of trial and error. I even tried to put a runner in an oven to shape it, but it melted instead.

“So I used Sculpey [polymer clay] to add shape to the figure so I could slot in the shield, backpack, and [other parts].”

ENVIRONMENTAL advocate Le Zanne had worked in a variety of industries, including consumer analytics, automotive, and even the creative industry.

Living in Klang, the 26-year-old had always found it difficult to get hold of zero waste products, since most zero waste stores are located in Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya.

That prompted her to set up her own zero waste store, Liquid Etc, in her hometown in May this year.

Le Zanne encourages shoppers at her store to bring their own reusable packaging including bottles, containers and recycle bags as a way to reduce unnecessary waste, while progressing towards a greener future together.

What is zero waste?

“Zero waste to me means reducing unnecessary waste in my life, and that includes most packaging.

“For example, the beauty industry has been constantly telling us to buy into all these skincare products including cleanser, toner, moisturiser, oil, serum, masks and many more.

“Living the zero waste lifestyle is about selecting the necessities you need, while living as minimally as possible.”

Wouldn’t it make more sense to call it a minimal waste lifestyle?

“Yes, it would, because zero waste sounds really intense, that’s why Liquid Etc [promotes] the minimal waste lifestyle instead of zero waste.

“But the reason why I have to also brand it as a zero waste store is because of how easily understood the term is.

“A typical person who attempts the zero waste lifestyle may find it extremely time-consuming and rather inconvenient.

“With Liquid Etc, I want to educate people, and make them realise a zero or minimal waste lifestyle is not as difficult as it seems. It’s as easy as just bringing a bag for grocery shopping, or not using plastic straws for drinking.

“As long as you start small, you’re already reducing waste and contributing to the betterment of the environment.”

When did you start adopting this lifestyle?

“I don’t know exactly when, but it has been a gradual journey. I’ve always been passionate and concerned about being environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

“I’m always asking myself: ‘How can I make sure that I am not contributing to the landfill, air pollution and other environmental issues?’.”

Share one thing about a zero waste lifestyle that is often misunderstood.

“Many think that it’s expensive, but if you’re resourceful, you can always search the internet to find ways to craft things from scratch, or even upcycle.

“What’s amazing is that you can be creative with your resources, it’s not a lifestyle that has to be entirely organic.

“There may be places that sell organic skincare products, which no doubt include premium ingredients, hence, might not be affordable to some.

“We need to understand that it’s an option, but not the [only] option.

“Some people enjoy skincare, so if you think that is necessary for you, then it’s not a waste. It’s up to you to decide what is wasteful and what is not.

“Even if you’re producing waste, you just have to be mindful and consider packaging that is recyclable.”

How are metal straws sustainable?

“People are aware of the impact of single-use plastic straws and are looking for alternatives such as metal straws, bamboo straws and even silicone straws.

“Metal straws seem to have become the perfect alternative right now because they are durable and easier to clean.

“If you buy a metal straw and use it for a long time, then it’s good because you’re no longer using plastic straws.

“Which is why I always say to people who want to purchase metal straws: ‘If you don’t need a straw, then you don’t need to buy a straw’.”