N0 14 / JUL - AUG 2015
I’m
FREE
6 issues a year
aN INDEPENDENT lifEstyle print & digital magazine WWW.KUCHINGINANDOUT.COM
Wood for Thought A BElian Story
Recycling and Remodelling Building Future Heirlooms Kampung Buso
Small Village Big Heart NEW Article plus Video
CALENDAR l MAPS l HISTORICAL STREETS l NIGHT SPOTS l LISTINGS
Gestures of greetings... The little girl clasped the hands of her grandmother, lowered her head to them and kissed them. A Malay ritual of respect that is so beautiful to watch. In Thailand, one would put their hands together and bow to greet a visitor. In Japan, as well as Korea, a deep bow would be the sign of welcome or thanks. In many cultures, a simple handshake is how we say hello or bid farewell to each other. Even the Silvered Leaf Monkey (pg. 43) greet each other with a hug! The village of Kampung Buso greeted us with unreserved friendliness on this impromptu visit. Energetic gesticulations of excitement from the children to gentle touches to our faces from the elders made our day trip a joy. Small Village, Big Heart kicks off a KINO-VIDEO project. A project that has been wished for since the inception of KINO magazine. The articles on print will be given a different dimension through video and can be viewed through our website www.kuchinginandout.com. Kids on a Plane: A Story of Survival by KINO's Wise Traveller flies high with emotions for all on board (pg.24) and Family Ties: Sharing History continues with lost and found relatives (pg.27). Feature article Wood for Thought (pg. 18) takes us into the world of a man who has taken on a maverick decision to create-not-to-be-great but simply to recycle and remodel the belian wood. MARIAN CHIN Editor-in-Chief
Selamat Hari Raya to all!
The Chins, the Leongs and the Abu Bakars met up at Taman Mesra Bako recently. Dora Mohamad Leong, my 1st cousin (6th from the right) contributes an state level award winning recipe (pg.29) in the "KINO Recipe from You" page and together, we pen a short article in honour of her father and my mother who were brother and sister (pg.27).
Donations for Sabah Earthquake
Mount Kinabalu Guides Association (Pemangkina) A fund for the mountain guides who work on Mt Kinabalu. Donations can be made directly to their bank account, “Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu” CIMB acc. no. : 8005609923 (Email transaction slip to: anthoniuspsani@gmail.com) Contact: Richard Soibi – 019 808 3349 http://kinabalutourguide.com/blog/ KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 3
The Board of Trustees of the Sabah Parks A fund set up for the mountain guides and the families of the guides who died. Donations can be made directly to their bank account: Alliance acc. no.: 101050010000790 Contact: 019-821 0202 or 019-897 7553 http://www.bernama.com/bernama/ v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1142159
Sabah Community Development and Consumer Affairs Donations to support mountain guides and porters affected by the earthquake can be made directly to their bank account: Alliance acc. no.: 101960010086060 Contact: 08-8221194 http://www.thesundaily.my/ news/1451411
l 6 CALENDAR l 15 I b KUCHING l 17 By the Way l 3 SABAH
18 24 27 30
Donations for Earthquake Covering July, August & September
N0 14 / JUL - AUG 2015
In this issue...
I’m
FREE
6 issues a year
aN INDEPENDENT lifEstyle print & digital magazine WWW.KUCHINGINANDOUT.COM
WOOD
for Thought A BElian Story
EXCAT: from Houston, Texas
Recycling and Remodelling Building future heirlooms
The Public Toilet
Small Village Big Heart NEW Article plus Video
Kampung Buso
KINO Future heirlooms
CALENDAR l MAPS l HISTORICAL STREETS l NIGHT SPOTS l LISTINGS
Recycling and Remodelling with Belian KINO COVER PHOTO: SHIRLEY TANG
KINO wise traveller Travelling with Kids
KINO Family ties Sharing History
KINO exploration
KINO Digital magazine is INside and OUTside of the printed magazine. Log onto www.kuchinginandout.com to read the latest copy online. Join us on the KINO facebook page – it is your platform to tell a story, share your thoughts, memories, talk about a recipe, see and post videos, and join us for competitions, events and more.
CONNECT WITH US FOR MORE! Kino Magazine
kino.mag
Kino Video
Small Village, Big Heart
Article plus Video: KINO VIDEO is the addition to an article, giving different dimensions of the story www.kuchingandout.com
36 NIGHT SPOTS l 38 CAT CITY WALK l 40 «NEXT STOP» l 42 EDUCATION l 43 W ILDLIFE l 44 CLASSIFIEDS l
Hidden Places Illustrated Map: Kenyalang Park BUS ROUTES MAP, first steps... Let there be Music! Flora and Fauna
editorial MARIAN CHIN Editor-in-Chief KAREN SHEPHERD Copy Editing ART / WEB / photography JEAN VOON 013 813 2995 COREINFONET SHIRLEY TANG CONTRIBUTORS SHEELA GOH, JOYCE KHOO, ALAN LAU, DR. GERALDINE LAW-LEE, CH'IEN C. LEE, DORA MOHD. LEONG, KAREN SHEPHERD, ANDREA TAN, PEGGY WONG. ADVERTISING MARIAN CHIN 019 857 957 6 marian.chin@kuchinginandout.com ADMINISTRATION info@kuchinginandout.com PUBLISHER WHATMATTERS SDN BHD (518203 D)
Listings
KINO CALENDAR LISTING: We would like to hear from you, should you have any free public events inside and outside of Kuching that can be added to our calendar upon selection. info@kuchinginandout.com
Published bi-monthly by WHATMATTERS SDN BHD (518203 D)
Next issue of KINO: septembeR-october 2015 All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner in whole or part may be allowed subject to written permission. The publisher is not liable for statements made and opinions expressed in the publication. KINO has 10,000 circulation for every issue. KINO has over 100 drop-off points in Kuching City. Printed by Infografik Press SDN. BHD. Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
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5 KINO Events
EVENT
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in partnership with
BORNEOCAKEEXPLORATION
THANK YOU!
It WAS A SMASH HIT! 21st - 29th of May, 2015: 9 days of KINO Events but months and months of preparation and coordination between different parties from different countries. The Master Royal Icing Artist David MacCarfrae's intensive workshops were with full attendance all 5 days. The Cake Icing competition showed remarkable local talents. 1st to 3rd prizes went to: Tan Hui Chin, Nicholas Chai and Sui Ee Chin respectively. The Royal Gala diners were greeted with the extraordinary 60 piece orchestra "The Sainsku Winds". The exceptional live band "Sumthin' Like Dat" kept the evening on the move and groove under the music direction of Petrus Kallang who together with Alex Chai sang as well. 3 surprise vocalists, Liz George for jazz, A. Ling for Ballads and Folk and Alan Lau for Opera gave diners a wonderful evening of entertainment. The biggest surprise came from David MacCarfrae who played on the keyboard and painted with royal icing to the mesmerising sound of flutist Niko Coyet. Thank you to the donor who bid and bought David's painting for a very generous sum. This amount goes towards the cause. A very special thanks in gratitude to artists Raphael Scott Abeng and Michael Lim for the donations of 2 paintings that continue to be auctioned. Paintings will be shown in the next issue and on www. kuchinginandout.com. Thank you to Alex Chai, Rafal Lulko, Jean Voon, Magdalene Crocker, Alester Leong and Desmond Ong for their total support. To 'My City Landscape Sdn Bhd' for the 12 beautiful trees and to Sharon Hiew who patiently worked with us on the decorations. Last but not least, to Alex Ling for the sponsorship of the videography during the entire evening. KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 5
The Competition
The workshops
Thank you to Plaza Merdeka for sponsoring again this year, the venue and sound system.
Thank you to Hilton Hotel for the venue and their supportive collaboration.
THE Royal DINNER at BCCK Thank you to all the 120 diners. Your presence made this Royal Dinner of "Fine Dining with a Difference, Fine Dining for a Difference" a total success. Fruit juice pairing was offered to all our halal diners as well as for the expectant mothers. A signature mark of KINO events, and a first in Kuching.
Dr. Drahman at the Royal Dinner
The Cause:
In the next issue of KINO (Sept-Oct), an article will cover the cause of the auction at length. Proceeds from the sale of the paintings will contribute to a year of apprenticeship for 5 young adults from less fortunate backgrounds. These apprenticeships will be under the care of 5 specialists in the domains of Age Care: "We can help develop care associated Dr. Ismail Drahman (Alzheimer's), with old age, so that they don't suffer Dr. Ong Tiong Kiam (Physiotheraphy), Dr. Law Wan Chung (Parkinson's), in silence." Optimum HealthCare Asia Pacific Dr. Ismail Drahman, Psychogeriatrician, Sarawak General Hospital (Caregivers) and 20dB (Audiology).
JULAUGSEP2015 CALENDAR-IN-OUT & 5 JUL
Spectrum Run Interact Spectrum Run 2015 is a 5km charity run organised by the Interact Club of SM Lodge. Interact Spectrum Run hopes to raise funds for the Green Ribbon Association Kuching and Salvation Army. There will be medals for the top 10 runners in the male and female categories. HOW MUCH: RM20 WHERE: KUCHING – SM Lodge WHO: Interact Club SM Lodge CONTACT: 016-8550357 or Facebook: Interact Spectrum Run 2015
18JUN-16 JUL
Ramadhan Bazaar WHERE: KUCHING – Sukma Ria & Jalan Semarak WHO: DBKU CONTACT: www.dbku.gov.my
10-12
Interbike Hash 2015 The Inter Bike Hash 3 (IBH3) will be a 3 day event held 10 – 12 July, 2015. The programme activities will commence on Friday afternoon, continue with a mass mountain bike ride on the Saturday and end with a city ride on Sunday morning. The main ride event will be held in the vicinity of Bau and will include trails covering 12 – 28 km each. 250 to 300 international participants are anticipated to join some 100 local bike hashers. WHERE: KUCHING – Bau WHO: Kuching Bike Hash Club CONTACT: www.kbh.doturf.com
11-13
Listen to Nature's Voice with Marc Anderson The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) is happy to again host Marc Anderson, for a series of talks entitlted "Listen to Nature's Voice" in Kuching, Sibu and Miri. Marc Anderson gained international fame when his
recording of nature's sound at dusk recorded at the frog pond in Kubah National Park near Kuching was voted the Most Beautiful Sound in the world last year. He also spoke at SBC's Biodiversity Day 2014 on his journey of sound. Anderson is a nature sound recordist based in Australia and has done extensive work on recording nature soundscapes around the world, including throughout Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. Such recordings of nature are fast becoming a tool in science and biodiversity conservation as they are able to depict the health of an eco-system, as well as monitor target species within an area. SBC has arranged for Anderson to speak at the following venues and times: 1. Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Kuching on 11 July 2015, Saturday from 2.00 to 4.00pm. 2. Paramount Hotel, Sibu on 13 July 2015, Monday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm 3. Pustaka Miri, Miri on 15 July 2015, Wednesday from 10.00am to 12.00noon. The talks are open to the public and free of charge.
& AROUND KUCHING JULAUGSEP2015 WHERE: FREE, booking required WHERE: KUCHING, SIBU & MIRI (see above for details) WHO: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) CONTACT: 082-610 610 (Asha, Constance, Nurul or Ha-Mim) www.facebook.com/sarawak.biodiversity.centre
26
Momentum Run 2.0 (Series 4 - 21km & 30km) Last of the Momentum Run Series for the year 2015. Finishers entitled to 2 Medals and 1 Brooks Finisher Tshirt. HOW MUCH: RM70 for 21km and RM80 for 30km WHERE: KUCHING – MBKS WHO: City Joggers Club CONTACT: 082-459 397
30 JUL-1 AUG
Pesta Nunuken – Bario Food Festival The 3-day festival celebrates the unique food, farming, forest and cultural heritage of the Bario Highlands (3,200ft ASL) – one of the last surviving intact traditionally farmed and forested highland watersheds in Sarawak and East Malaysia. Enjoy the delicious organic food cooked by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands. There will be traditional games and dances by young and old. There are plenty of trekking trails to keep your adventure spirit high and cap off a great day by catching the awesomeness of the Milky Way if the timing is right. WHERE: MIRI – Bario CONTACT: Facebook: bariofoodfestival
30 JUL-8 AUG
Borneo Cultural Festival 2015 The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) is a week-long festival of food, music and dances celebrating the diverse cultural background of Sibu community such as Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau and Chinese. BCF stands as Sibu biggest tourism event. This is a perfect time to mingle with the locals from all walks of life. Fringe events include trade shows, a fun fair and stage shows. HOW MUCH: Free WHERE: SIBU – Sibu Town Square WHO: Sibu Municipal Council
KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 7
CONTACT: 084-333 411
31 JUL-23 AUG
Kuching Festival Food Fair 2015 The ever popular food fair will continue to whet appetites with both local and international cuisines. HOW MUCH: Free entry WHERE: KUCHING – Padungan Community Hall (Dewan Masyarakat) WHO: Kuching City South Council (MBKS) CONTACT: Organising chairman Tan Kay Hok 016-888 1600
7-9
Rainforest World Music Festival 2015 The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo. Its formula of three afternoons of interactive and educational workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, who come from near and far. The festival site is set up with a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists. HOW MUCH: Check http://rwmf.net/tickets/ WHERE: KUCHING – Sarawak Cultural Village WHO: Sarawak Tourism Board CONTACT: http://www.rwmf.net/ or 082-423600
8
I Luv Kuching City Last year's Kuching City North Commission's "I Luv Kuching" event included futsal, a flea market, busking, band performances, Kuching Street workout and Aerobathon. Call for details on this year's event. WHERE: KUCHING– Padang Merdeka WHO: Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) CONTACT: 082-446 688
11-13
National Hornbill Conference 2015 Theme: Hornbill Survival in Fragmented Landscape. To discuss current status, future trends and challenges pertaining to conservation of hornbills in Malaysia.
WHERE: MIRI – Imperial Hotel Miri WHO: Sarawak Forestry CONTACT: For more details on conference registration and fees, please see below or kindly contact 082-610 088 (Attention: Asmah Musa / Tinna Wound) / Email: asmahmusa@sarawakforestry.com /tinnaw@ sarawakforestry.com
15
Pertandingan Bercerita Piala Pusingan Datuk Bandar (Story Telling Competition) This event is aimed at strengthening the use of Bahasa Malaysia and to encourage a reading habit among the community as well as to share knowledge through reading. WHERE: KUCHING – DBKU Library WHO: Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) CONTACT: 082-446 688
16
Padawan Raft Safari River Safari in Padawan is a bamboo rafting competition. The journey down river, which will take more than three and a half hours, passes some amazing picturesque scenes and rapids which are the natural obstacles of the Safari. The event has been held since 2004 and the main reasons why many participants come back to this river is the great scenery and the chance to get close up to nature along the ride down the river. With dense forest lining either side of the riverbank, the huge outcrop of rock at various stretches of the river is a marvel to see. The water is relatively clean and of varying depths. Participants can experience the famous Giam Rapids as part of the challenge. It would be difficult and costly for anyone to experience this river ride on their own, therefore this Raft Safari is in fact a great opportunity to enjoy nature’s bounty here. There will be a total distance of approximately 40 km for the Rafting Expert and Kayaking category and a distance of 26 km for the other rafting categories along the Sungai Sarawak Kiri. WHERE: PADAWAN–Kampung Annah Rais, Kampung Temurang, Kampung Danu, Kampong Git Padawan WHO: Padawan City Council CONTACT: mpp@sarawak.gov.my or 016-867 4175 or 082-615566
JULAUGSEP2015 CALENDAR-IN-OUT & 16
Kuching Marathon 2015 Kuching Marathon (KM) is an annual event which brings runners from all over the world to the beautiful city of Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Surrounded by a subtle yet rich cultural heritage and pristine beauty, KM is well known as of the most multicultural marathon events in the region which offers runners the perfect occasion to enjoy the tranquillity and unique character of Kuching city. Kuching Marathon 2015 consists of a full marathon of 42KM, half marathon of 21KM, run of 10KM and 5KM respectively. HOW MUCH: Check http://kuchingmarathon.eventfeet. net/ for pricing WHERE: KUCHING –Padang Merdeka WHO: Kuching Marathon Association (KMA) CONTACT: kuchingmarathon@gmail.com
31
Pengucapan Puisi Hari Bandaraya (Kuching City Day
Poetry Recitation ) WHERE: KUCHING – Godown Amphitheathre, Waterfront Kuching WHO: DBKU CONTACT: 082-446 688
31
The Salvation Army Sale of Work Variety of food and item stalls, funds raised will be used for management and daily needs for the residents. 8am to 1pm. Coupons on sale now. HOW MUCH: Free entry WHERE: KUCHING – Jalan Ban Hock WHO: The Salvation Army CONTACT: Francis 082-242 623 / 012- 405 2430 francisngtb@gmail.com
4-6 SEP
Julau Pepper Festival The objectives of the festival are to realise the potential
of pepper as the main product for Julau, promote pepper usage and encourage interaction and knowledge sharing among pepper farmers. Past festivals include a pepper seminar, ‘Sukan Rakyat’ (people’s sports), ‘Pepper Queen’ competition, cooking funfair, rafting, karaoke and blowpipe contests. WHERE: SIBU – Julau WHO: Julau District Office CONTACT: http://www.sarikeiro.sarawak.gov.my/
5-6
Futsal Piala Datuk Bandar (Futsal Competition) WHERE: KUCHING WHO: DBKU CONTACT: 082-446 688
6
CMS Tribal Run Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS) is opening it's yearly company run to the public. 100% of the entry fees of
& AROUND KUCHING JULAUGSEP2015 the CMS Tribal Run will go to charity. There will be two distances: 5km and 10km. Each participant will get a Brooks T-shirt and goody bag, and every finisher will get a medal. Only 1000 slots are available, so sign up quickly. HOW MUCH: Public: RM35 (5km), RM45 (10km), CMS Staff: RM30 (5km), RM40 (10km) WHERE: KUCHING–MBKS WHO: CMS CONTACT: General Public: Brooks @ Green Heights Mall 082-459 397, 014-395 5194 (Agu Heng), 016-589 2233 (Albert Tan), CMS Staff: CMS HQ Office 082-238 888 ext. 552/576 Esther Ambin / Qarinne Qamilla
12-13
Sarawak Malay Drums The Sarawak Malay community is rich with artistic activities based on custom and culture. In addition to folk literature, traditional songs and folk games, traditional drums is one of the most popular activities among the Sarawak Malay. WHERE: KUCHING – Kuching Waterfront WHO: Bahagian Pengembangan Budaya, JKKN CONTACT: 03-2614 8200 / 8316 / 082-422 006/423 106 rosnan@jkkn.gov.my / salehhuddin@jkkn.gov.my
13
SSPCA Animazing Race Organised by the Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA). Fun run 5km, 10km and 21km for men and women categories, and veteran for 10km. Flag off @ 4am for 21km, 6am for 10km, 6.30am for 5km will be at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Entry form for the race can be obtained online at: www.animazingrace.com HOW MUCH: The registration fee for the race starts from RM40-RM90 per person, includes one run t-shirt, bib number and other gifts. WHERE: KUCHING – Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) WHO: SSPCA CONTACT: 011-186 2 6009 / enquiry@animazingrace.com
13
IEM Engineer's Run "Fit for Engineers, Fit for All!" Registration can be made at IEM Office, Gaya Sports Sdn Bhd, Phoenix Gym, City Joggers Club and Revolution
KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 9
Run Borneo. Exciting prizes await, including a lucky draw at the end of the run. Closing date for registration and payment is 26 July 2015. HOW MUCH: Fees start from RM35-RM40 per person WHERE: KUCHING –MBKS WHO: The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia CONTACT: www.facebook.com/iemyessarawak
17
3rd International Orchid Show The show will include orchid growers from Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong/China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Papua New Guinea. These countries will surely bring the best and most attractive orchids for display to the public. WHERE: KUCHING – Orchid Park WHO: DBKU CONTACT: 082-446 688
20
Run for Peace In this coming September, in conjunction with our SGM Peace Month, SGM will hold simultaneously the "Run for Peace" on September 20 (in conjunction of September 8, the day Josei Toda made the "Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons") nationwide. Run for Peace ("RFP 2015") is a non-competitive event organized by SGM to create awareness of peace and a healthy lifestyle in society. This event aims to encourage people of all backgrounds and ages to come together for the sake of peace whilst promoting personal and community health and to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. HOW MUCH: RM22 for adults and children WHERE: KUCHING – Dewan Masyarakat Kuching WHO: SGM Soka Gakkai Malaysia CONTACT: http://rfp.sgm.org.my
22-26
Sibu International Dance Festival 2015 Sibu International Dance Festival is a world platform for artists and arts organisations to explore, to exchange experiments and to inspire concepts, showcasing the diversity of dance in the land of Borneo. There will be performances, a conference, workshops and other activities. WHERE: SIBU
WHO: Hornland Dance Theatre CONTACT: sidfestival@gmail.com or 084-349 932 or http://sidfestival.com/
23-27
Sibu Base Jump This event is organised by Sibu Tourism Task Force Group and Sibu Base Jump with technical support by BASE Jumper from Australia and Malaysia. Sibu Base Jump is planned to be carried out just a week before KL Tower Jump. BASE jumpers from arround the world have found Sibu BASE Jump to be a unique and enjoyable event with a very welcoming atmosphere. BASE jumpers launch from the top of Wisma Sanyan and land in Sibu Town Square. Standing 126 meters high, Wisma Sanyan is the tallest building in Sarawak. WHERE: SIBU – Wisma Sanyan & Sibu Town Square (Phase I) WHO: Sibu Tourism Task Force Group CONTACT: garyc71@gmail.com or 084-321 963
23-27
Tanglung (Mooncake) Festival Past years events include a Food Fair, Children's Fashion and Talent Competition, Modern Dance Competition, Bintulu Talents, 1Malaysia Singing Contest, Halal Moon Cake Making Compeition, Sarawak Lion Dance and Tanglung Making Contest. Call for details on this year's events. WHERE: BINTULU – Esplanade Bintulu WHO: Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) CONTACT: www.bda.gov.my
24-27
Borneo International Kite Festival 2015 This will be the 11th time the kite festival will be held in this seaside town of Bintulu. The huge windy open space of the Old Bintulu Airport that faces the South China Sea means an ideal consistent flying condition that kiters love. This also explains why four records of the highest number of kites have been set since its inception in 2005. The latest being 2,500 diamond kites flown, forming the longest arch kite tunnel of 500 metres which went into the Malaysia Book of Records. Expect 400 kiters from 25 countries to participate at this festival. This family-fun event comes with cultural and artiste performances in the evening.
ERIC
JULAUGSEP2015 CALENDAR WHERE: BINTULU – Old Airport Runway WHO: Bintulu Development Authority CONTACT: 086-332 011 or www.borneokite.com/
24-3 OCT
Borneo Bird Race 2015 10 countries will travel more than 1000 kilometres in search of more than 200 species of birds in a wide range of habitats from the coastal regions, freshwater swamps, lowland forests, to the hills and mountain ranges of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. At the end of the day, each team will enjoy the beauty of this land as they count the numbers of recorded species, and the longest list shall earn the prestigious “Bornean Bristlehead Cup”. The Sarawak Leg will be held at Gunung Mulu National Park. WHERE: GUNUNG MULU NATIONAL PARK WHO: Sandakan Borneo Bird Club CONTACT: Cede Prudente 089-666 196 borneobirdrace@gmail.com
25-27
Sarawak Regatta This annual event is a showcase of boat races with participation from various government agencies, private sector and also participants from the neighbouring countries of Indonesia and Brunei. Teams from villages around Sarawak make it a grand affair and also a great occasion for families from outside Kuching to visit the city. The blue-ribbon event is the coveted ‘Raja Sungai’ (king of the river) title in the ‘bidar’ category. Each longboat carries thirty paddlers and this category is always a closely fought affair. The day's programme includes the “Brooke Swim”, kayaking, duck catching, displays of crafts, exhibitions and a food fair. The significance of regattas in Sarawak dates back to 1872 during the James Brooke era. It started with the intention to stop racial wars among local tribes where headhunting was largely practiced. James Brooke then instructed all tribes to instead challenge each other by having boat races to prove their power and strength. The call to challenge each other through the boat race rather than headhunting was successful in bringing peace to the area. WHERE: KUCHING – Kuching Waterfront
KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 11
WHO: Resident Office Kuching CONTACT: Adrian Chan Fook Weng 082-507 051 / 082-507 055 or adriacfw@sarawaknet.gov.my Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) Adoption Day (call for dates) Through the support of local Kuching malls, the SSPCA organises regular off-site adoption campaigns for its animals to find loving homes. WHERE: KUCHING – various malls in Kuching WHO: SSPCA CONTACT: Brenda Png 019-886 3118 1st Saturday of each month A Walk Through Kuching’s Chinese Heritage Discover the history and culture of the Chinese in Kuching through a guided walk in the Chinese History Museum and Carpenter Street. The museum tour will touch on the origins of the Sarawak Chinese, the various communities with their distinct professions and food, and local Chinese culture briefly covering: education, religion, music and festivals. We will also walk along Ewe Hai and Carpenter Streets, taking a closer look at the typical features of a Hokkien temple as compared to the Hainanese temple, learn what makes the trades and shops typically Chinese, and discover some of the oldest houses in Kuching. The walk will start outside the Chinese History Museum entrance at 10 am sharp and will take about 2 hours. Walk limited to 15 people. Reservations are required. HOW MUCH: Free, registration required WHERE: KUCHING – starts at Chinese History Museum, ends at Upper China Street WHO: Friends of Sarawak Museum (FOSM) CONTACT: fosmuseum@gmail.com or call 014-907 4406 Urban Sketchers Kuching Sketch Crawl (first Sunday of every month) The Urban Sketchers gather at a Kuching location every first Sunday of the month to draw on location. Sketchers of all skill levels are welcome – from total beginners to experts. HOW MUCH: Free, bring own drawing supplies WHERE: KUCHING – check our fb page for details WHO: Urban Sketchers Kuching CONTACT: www.facebook.com/groups/urbansketchers
fresh ideas For all occasions
3 Bakers' Talk pastry Chefs graduated in Master Royal Icing Artist David MacCarfrae workshops in Kuching
8 Outlets in Kuching: Outlet: Giant Hypermarket Tabuan Jaya Tel: 01110-53-8117 Outlet: Giant Hypermarket Kota Padawan Tel: 01110-57-8117
Outlet/ Pastry Production: Hui Sing Tel: 01110-59-8117 HQ/Production: Stutong Tel: 01110-54-6461 Production: MJC Batu Kawah Tel: 01110-54-6468
Outlet: Tun Jugah Tel: 01110-54-6463 Outlet: One Jaya Tel: 01110-54-6462 Outlet: Everise 4th Mile Tel: 01110-54-6467
AUGSEP2015 festivals events nationwide R011 G021 B081
PANTONE 0293C C100 M070 Y000 K000 R000 G072 B156
PANTONE 290C C025 M000 Y005 K000 R187 G229 B238
PANTONE 185C C000 M090 Y085 K000 R240 G065 B054 PANTONE 123C C000 M015 Y085 K000 R255 G204 B037
YEAR OF FESTIVALS 2015 EVENTS NATIONWIDE
C100 M070 Y000 K000 R000 G072 B156
C100 M090 Y000 K045 R011 G021 B081
30 AUG-12 SEPT
countries who will be invited are Indonesia, Philippines, Logo with white outline Logo with white text Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Thailand, China, Italy, (on coloured background) (on coloured background) Malaysia Contemporary Art Festival Australia and New Zealand. Estimated number of A wonderful collection of contemporary arts creations participants is around 320 people. dedicated to the independence theme is portrayed WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR – Esplanade KLCC Park during the festival. WHO: Bahagian Pengembangan Budaya, JKKN WHERE: SELANGOR – I-Galleri, I-City Shah Alam CONTACT: 603-2614 8200 / 8283 / 8316 or WHO: Pejabat MOTAC Selangor noraliza@jkkn.gov.my / rosnan@jkkn.gov.my CONTACT: 03–551 11122
21-22
2 AUG
Preffered Logo
International Museum Day Marathon (Larian Hari Muzium Antarabangsa) International Museum Day is a celebration that is held throughout the world. "International Museum Day Run 2015" involves 1,000 runners of museum members around the country and the public. WHERE: PERAK – Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh CONTACT: 03-8891 7521
8-9
Port Dickson International Triathlon In 2012, the Port Dickson International Triathlon was organised for the 11th time by the State Government. The event began in 2002 and, over the years, has grown from just 387 entries from 17 countries to 1,450 participants from 34 countries. This event is one of the signature international events in Negeri Sembilan. It highlights 3 sports categories including the Olympic Distance (1.5 km swim, 40 km cycle and 10 km run), Sprint Distance (750 m swim, 20 km cycle and 5km run) and Kids Triathlon, which consists of 2 stages, 11 years and under (150 m swim, 4.5 km bike ride and 1 km run) and 13 years and under (350m swim, 9 km bike ride and 2km run). WHERE: NEGERI SEMBILAN – Port Dickson WHO: Lembaga Pelancongan N.Sembilan CONTACT: 06-765 9725/34
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Malaysia International Mask Festival Malaysia Mask Festival will highlight the uniqueness of the performing arts that use masks as a prop in performances. The festival involves participation from all major races in Malaysia including the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak. In addition, neighboring
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5-6 SEPT
Boria Festival Port Dickson International Bike Fest 2015 The Boria Festival helps to boost traditional art The Port Dickson International Bike Fest is an annual Logo in reverse white performances such as Boria Penang. Boria Penang Logo in black and white tourism event that unites bikers. unites many races through an advisory element and Highlights include high powered motorbike exhibition, teaches through sketches and essays presented to the bike owners carnivals, arm wrestling competition, local community as well as international tourists. exhibition and booths by motorcycle clubs and It also helps to foster in the younger generation a love motorcycle accessories companies. of Penang’s art and culture heritage, especially Boria. WHERE: NEGERI SEMBILAN – Port Dickson WHERE: PULAU PINANG – Fort Cornwallis Padang Kota WHO: Lembaga Pelancongan N.Sembilan Lama, Georgetown CONTACT: 06-765 9725/34 or www.ns.gov.my WHO: Bahagian Pengembangan Budaya, JKKN CONTACT: 603-2614 8200 / 8283 / 8316 or noraliza@jkkn.gov.my / rosnan@jkkn.gov.my Ritma Kinabalu Rhythm of Kinabalu Rhythm of Kinabalu profiles Sabah’s traditional music, Malaysia Busking Festival 2015 (August, call for dates) performed by musicians from various local ethnic Be part of these interesting street performances groups The eclectic mix of ethnic communities from involving group or solo performances such as Sabah features unique instruments made from musicians, clowns, artists, acrobatics, magicians and bamboo (gamelan, flute, bungkau etc.), metal others. These perform together in groups according to (gamelan, gongs etc.) and wood (gabang, harp, etc.). their respective categories. WHERE: KOTA KINABALU – Kompleks JKKN Sabah WHERE: Lanai, MaTiC WHO: Bahagian Pengembangan Budaya, JKKN WHO: MaTiC CONTACT: 03-2614 8200 / 8316 / 082-422 006/423 106 CONTACT: http://myfest2015.com.my rosnan@jkkn.gov.my / salehhuddin@jkkn.gov.my
18-19
Festival Sukan Lasak (August, call for dates) In conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Festivals, this event combines ironman-like sports such as Labuan Strongest Man who will show off his physical and mental strengths to raise an 11-ton lorry and carry weights as heavy as 200 kg, Decathlon with running and cycling activities as well as Extreme Games. WHERE: LABUAN – Dataran Labuan WHO: Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia Labuan dan Perbadanan Labuan CONTACT: 087-422 622 or motaclabuan@gmail.com Facebook: motaclabuan
18-19
Traditional Games Festival The Traditional Games Festivals will be held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur. It's aim is to revive and showcase to the public as well as the foreign tourists about the diversity and uniqueness of traditional games from various races in Malaysia. WHERE: KUALA LUMPUR–Taman Tasik Titiwangsa WHO: Bahagian Pengembangan Budaya, JKKN CONTACT: 03-2614 8200 / 8316 / 082-422 006/423 106 rosnan@jkkn.gov.my / salehhuddin@jkkn.gov.my
15 I b KUCHING llll
by Sheela Goh
ExCat: Houston, "it's been quite a ride"! I left Kuching in 1995, on my father's birthday, to be precise. I was incredibly sad and scared, and excited and exhilarated. On one hand, I was leaving the safety net of my parents and the home I'd known for over two decades. But on the other hand, I couldn't wait to go. I felt stifled, like a stranger in my own hometown, and in my heart, I knew that leaving was the best decision for me. Twenty years later and it's been quite a ride. I've been fortunate to travel extensively for work throughout SEA and Europe, and experience life across continents. I've met people from all countries, all stations of life, shared meals with them, and exchanged stories. I've gotten married, had a child and gotten divorced. Hey, I did say it's been quite a ride. Today, I live in Houston with my soulmate, Pierluigi, and our combined three children aged 20, 17, 16. And while there are no white picket fences (ours are Cedar), I'm living my happily ever after. As expected, I’m often asked how different life is here compared with Kuching, and truth be told, it isn’t really all that different. I mean, I realise how ludicrous that might sound, but allow me to explain. People here are friendly and kind, and genuinely want to hear your response when they ask, “How are you?”. The Kuching I recall was the same. True, temperatures were on the higher side, and languages spoken differed, but there was a real sense of warmth and sincerity that I have yet to come across elsewhere in the world save in the Southwest. Life also moves at a slightly slower pace in Texas. Having lived in a
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cosmopolitan city for over 10 years where if one had a heart attack, passersby would merely step over your body while complaining you’re in their way, a slower pace is very much welcomed these days. I still have work deadlines and personal commitments but I no longer feel as though my life is a pressure cooker, which is a really lovely thing. The last time I experienced such calmness? Growing up in Kuching. Back then, the slowness exasperated me. I recall being incredibly frustrated with the turtle-like speed of mall elevators and human traffic on the sidewalks. There were even moments when I was tempted to trip people who were slow. Try not to judge me too much. Everyone has an evil thought or three every now and again, yes? On the flipside, differences aren’t necessarily bad either. In fact, the disparities between Houston and Kuching have only helped me appreciate many things. A fine example would be food. For instance, I don’t even like laksa but because it’s not something you can find in Houston, I’ve been coveting it for
ages! Durians are available, yes, but they’re simply not the same, and let’s not even talk about native fare such as jungle ferns or belacan and bamboo snails, and the bounty of fresh seafood. You know, I haven’t had a fresh pomfret in years. So, my point is this – it’s not really Kuching that I miss, because I don’t. I don’t miss the pollution nor the chaos, and I certainly don’t miss the weather. It is, however, the bits and pieces of what makes Kuching that I miss dearly because, quite simply, it's the place I grew up, where my parents live, where some of my most treasured memories were made and no place in the world would ever be able to replace that. Would I go back to live there? No. Do I yearn to visit? Yes, please, as often as possible. KINO Born and bred in Kuching, Sheela has been conceptualising brand strategies for the luxury fashion and lifestyle sectors for close to 20 years. When not poring obsessively over her work, she seeks out antique books and readily confesses to being an avid gym rat.
17 By The Way llll
by Andrea Tan
Ladies and Gents... eww The Toilet As far as public amenities are concerned, there’s nothing we gripe about more than the state of our public lavatories. We’ve all been there; with our senses assaulted the moment we set foot into a wet and dirty public toilet that reeks like a cesspool and resembles a typical scene in Asian horror movies. Is there a longhaired pontianak standing silently in the next stall? Who knows? Who needs the paranormal factor when the toilet itself is its own horror story? Everyone has numerous tales about dirty public toilets from around the world, and not just the ones from our home turf. Many have written about the ‘nightmares’ encountered – a long list, from disgusting, clogged lavatories with no toilet paper and broken toilet seats, to meeting users who displayed a lack of etiquette and consideration to others. In the 2014 Annual Report by the World Toilet Organisation (WTO) (seriously, I’m not making this up… there’s really a “global non-profit on improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide”), about 6.5 billion of the planet’s population own a mobile phone, but only 4.5 billion have access to a safe toilet with proper sanitation. Surprising, isn’t it? We may carry the latest and snazziest smartphones, but why is it so difficult for everyone to keep our public toilets clean? The United Nations have already recognised the need for proper
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toilets and sanitation as a human right. The lack of it could lead to poor health and even death. A single toilet is home to 80 million germs, including those that carry the potential to spread infectious diseases like typhoid, cholera and diarrhoea. We should consider ourselves lucky to have toilet facilities within our reach, because 1 billion people in this world still practice open defecation. That may be looking at the broader picture, but everything always boils down to the individual to put in the effort to maintain cleanliness of common facilities shared by all. Unclean toilets are not always a case of poor maintenance by the ones managing the facilities. Sure, in some cases, they could make improvements. However, that only covers 50% of the effort. Why? Because maintaining clean toilets requires everyone’s cooperation to keep it so. Cleaners or janitors are responsible for the general upkeep of the lavatory on a
regular basis. Each user who visits it also holds the responsibility to help keep things clean and dry for the following user. It’s an act of civic-mindedness, a gesture of respect and consideration. How well people maintain and use public amenities are a reflection of the society in a country. In this case, Japan is a role model. Their public restrooms are the cleanest in the world. Their attitude towards hygiene is what made the difference; something they practiced for many years. For the Japanese, if a public toilet’s cleanliness is compromised, it means that the country is “undeveloped”. So, what does it say about Malaysians if we look at the condition of our public toilets? Definitely not a reflection about how many fancy smartphones we own. KINO Andrea Tan is from Kuching but lives in the Big Durian, Kuala Lumpur. She scribbles and doodles, and on occasion, stands quietly in the (clean) toilet stall next to yours.
18 KINOFuture heirlooms
by Karen Shepherd
WOOD for Thought A dream to build future heirlooms through recycling and remodelling.
who he is, a professional who has taken a route from a degree in chemistry, through a stint in oil and gas, past an MBA, into a sojourn in contracting and finally back out into his current role as a successful remisier, employing three others. This is the kind of man you would trust with your money. But two years ago, in a decidedly unexpected twist, Stanley bought an old timber yard. Now he is busy (continued)
KINO PHOTO: SHIRLEY TANG
We all have a mental image of the ‘creative type’ – the artist, the designer, the decorator - bohemian, antiestablishment, maverick, unconventional, perhaps even impoverished? Stanley Ngu does not look like this type. Pin-striped shirt, smart slacks and studious glasses, he looks the archetypal professional, handsome and well-presented. After all, that’s exactly
KINOFuture heirlooms 20 (continued)
transforming almost every new F&B outlet in town with innovative furniture and fittings alike. So, just how does a successful remisier, turning 50 in August, come to own a timber yard full of rusty old lumber? Wood. It all comes down to wood. He loves it. Merbau is a favourite, but of course, most of all, Belian. Sarawak is home to many tropical hardwood superheroes but Belian is the man of steel. Found only in Borneo, parts of Indonesia and the Sulu archipelago of the Philippines, it is our ebony – pitch black, impervious to termites, resistant to rot. It is no wonder it is known colloquially as Borneo Ironwood, qualifying for the title on its weight alone. It has anti-bacterial properties (though anyone who has ever suffered a splinter might doubt that) and it even smells good! To give it its scientific name, Eusideroxylon Zwageri is highly prized by the Dayak who recognize two different types, Belian Teras and Belian Kapuk. Believed to ward off tigers and elephants, traditionally the tiang pemun (central pillar) of every longhouse at the very least would be hewn from Belian, if not the rest of the structure, especially the tanju. In modern times, however, this magical timber and its forest fellows have been the foundation stone of Sarawak’s development and, sadly, the source of many of its troubles. The Fifties saw the rise of the timber tycoons and the felling of our mighty forest has continued right up to the present day. Horrifying statistics abound. Studies show that Malaysia had the world’s highest rate of forest loss in the world between 2000 and 2012, nearly 50 percent higher than the next closest country Paraguay, and the statistics are even bleaker on this side of the South China Seas. Here, satellite images reveal that only 5 (continued)
Sarawak is home to many tropical hardwood superheroes but Belian is the man of steel. Found only in Borneo, parts of Indonesia and the Sulu archipelago of the Philippines, it is our ebony – pitch black, impervious to termites, resistant to rot.
KINOFuture heirlooms 22 (continued)
...Stanley has a mission, deep-seated and fascinatingly specific. He even has a mission statement: ‘To build 100 dream houses to creatively and innovatively enrich the built environment of Kuching.’ per cent of Sarawak's rainforest remains untouched by logging or plantations, thanks to a total deforestation rate 3.5 times as high as the rest of Asia put together. According to a 2012 article in the renowned Economist magazine: ‘Sarawak has only 0.5% of the world’s tropical forest but accounted for 25% of tropical-log exports in 2010.’ With its slow growth rate (it takes 120 years to reach 30cm diameter), it is little wonder then that Belian is on the list of threatened species and is essentially extinct in most of Sarawak. But ironically, its very properties that make it so vulnerable to death at the hands of the timber industry are also responsible for its rebirth here in Sarawak. After all, Belian lasts a really, really, really long time. Japanese researchers have dated some stumps at well over 1,000 years old. Even better, it only improves with age, darkening from a newly cut light brown to a distinctive charcoal. Exposed to the elements, deep ruts, channels and grooves appear creating a unique texture. Leave it in a river for 100 years and the effect is even more fascinating. This ironwood is extremely dense and so doesn’t float in water, lying on the bottom of our famous rivers for decades. With the passage of water and time, the surface becomes a black moonscape of ridges and hollows, once home to eddies and river snails. Perfect for a statement piece in the homes of yuppies and urban rats. So it is that old Belian lends itself so well to recycling and Stanley is a pioneer among a growing number of enthusiasts who are putting it to uses new. It all started for him way back in 1995 when he and his brother went to work for their uncle in furniture and renovations. The job itself was short-lived, ending abruptly at the crash of 1997, but the passion of a lifetime was born. He started doing renovations on his own properties, with the wood always the star. It clads surfaces;
it shutters windows; it covers floors; it creates furnishings. The Charcoal. If you’ve seen it, you’ll remember it. In a cut-through between Batu Lintang and Jalan Simpang Tiga, it juts out, monolithic, from the end of a row of identikit terrace houses. Armoured in black belian, this once ordinary property is now a castle which poses questions on form, function, purpose, aesthetics. In a town that seems to have a decided preference for chrome and concrete, this is either the Anti-Christ or a revelation, depending on your point of view. His neighbour describes him as daring: what if he couldn’t sell it? But, as Stanley puts it: “I only have to find one buyer”. In all, the house is such a Stanley statement – deeply organic and yet wholly constructed simultaneously. He has no plans, just adds and shapes as he goes along. The belian shutters in the Charcoal took him 9 months to get right. Sometimes he can spend up to an hour in silent contemplation of the space. With the furniture, he comes up with a concept and his workers have to make up the method. Everything is
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The Charcoal; the first among many In all his renovations, the wood is always the star
in some respects an experiment, whether in furniture or in fittings, that leads him closer to his final goal.
When he is done, he plans to retire and enjoy life. But, it seems like he might be already, more than most of us at least.
In the meantime, his wood hobby has come good. And yes, despite a thriving business, Stanley still considers it a hobby with no plans yet to give up his day job, juggling the furniture, renovations and investments with aplomb. In fact, the furniture, which is currently selling so well, is almost a distraction, at best a sideline. Actually, Stanley has a mission, deep-seated and fascinatingly specific. He even has a mission statement: ‘To build 100 dream houses to creatively and innovatively enrich the built environment of Kuching.’ The Charcoal is just the start. It couldn’t get more constructed than that, and yet the journey in between is entirely organic – even the timber yard. He used to buy his wood there and when the previous owner retired, he and his brother decided to buy it. In fact, the owner wanted them to have it, rejecting a higher offer, infected by Stanley’s passion. Now he is stockpiling old timbers and young manpower for his final mission.
So, is Stanley the ‘creative type’? ‘Creative’ certainly, but clearly not a ‘type’. Bohemian, certainly not; establishment, clearly; maverick, definitely; impoverished, definitely not. This is what makes him unconventional. He approaches a creative endeavour with the laser sight of a scientist and somehow makes it work – a man on a mission. He calls his business ‘Solo’, a testimony to the uniqueness of the wood, but it is also a testimony to his own. Each piece of furniture is branded with that word, so that one day his children will be able to recognize a piece and know that it was built by their father. After all, thanks to KINO him, the wood will outlive us all.
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Karen had long been fascinated by the Charcoal, so on meeting the owner/designer, she leapt at the chance of making friends. A shared passion for belian is a powerful thing!
24 KINOwise traveller
by Alan Lau
Kids on a Pl factors, and it seemed manageable. Like board members of a bank on the eve of a financial crisis. Like Churchill before Gallipoli. No one knew how deep the abyss would go. The kids were turning a year old. We packed the usual items, which is to say, we packed everything. Diapers, boxes of food, endless bibs, thermoses of boiled water, soft toys, pacifiers, change clothes, disinfectant, wet wipes, tissues. We staggered to the airport like camels. There was a minor hiccup with the booking. The flight was full, so we had been booked into separate seats. We would have to try our luck at the airport, or try to switch with another passenger. Picture this. Eyes leaking with redness and lack of sleep. Your clothes, wrinkled and covered with child-grime from food, tiny sticky hands, and quite possibly the latest lethal hantavirus making the international rounds. Around your swollen feet and person, like a nuclear blast radius, a hill of tissues, papers, oily blankets, small pillows, food wrappers and other detritus.
PHOTO MONTAGE: ALAN LAU
And of course the looks, the unvarnished looks of your fellow passengers. They vary greatly in mood, ranging from looks of abject pity to undimmed hatred. But they are all aimed at you, like lances in a tournament. And over all this, floats the ludicrously chirpy voice of the head crew, surreal as a voice-over for a WW2 movie: “We hope you have enjoyed your flight, and look forward to seeing you again.” And you look down at the human octopus squirming in your arms, your otherwise sweet, sweet child, who at the moment is turning purple in his bid to outscream the plane engines. And you think: Not bloody likely. Warning: this is a work of fiction, but other than that it’s completely true. Let’s turn the clock back, shall we? We weighed the risks of course, we didn’t walk into this with our eyes shut. That’s what makes it so incredible. We reviewed the
But first we would have to get to the departure gate. Ours were economy class seats, but thanks to the grandparents we got to use the business class lounge. Or rather, we got to sit in it, which is different from using it. As soon as we put down the bags, it was Feeding Time. Bags were opened, bottles produced, napkins readied. And the kids bolted. Exhilarated to hysteria by the new surroundings, they slithered about the feet of other passengers, they tried to electrocute themselves on light fittings, they made an assault on the plate warmers. We lunged after them, apologising profusely left and right. We were at that stage still capable of speech. Feeding Time had become as nerve-wrecking as administering CPR. Feeding Time ended, and I managed with my free hand to make a cup of tea. Baby #1 sat himself down on the wool carpet, smiled, and defecated noisily. Feeding Time had morphed into Changing Time. We glanced at the clock. It was time to board. We split swiftly into 2 teams, one to change Baby #1, the other to distract Baby #2. When it was all done, we had to make a run for it. I left my tea on the table, untouched.
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ane! A Story of Survival
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KINOwise traveller 26 (continued)
They gave us small seatbelts for the babies, but they might as well have given us flapping chickens to hold. They squirmed, they howled, they tried to take off themselves. The silent stares of the passengers behind us were like an icy wind to our backs. On boarding, we found our seats separated by an iPhone attached to a young woman. She seemed perplexed at our request to swap seats. I see you, girl. You chose a front-cabin seat and you’ll feign any kind of ignorance to keep it. Mummy lost her cool. “It’s up to you,” she said tersely, “but you’ll have to sit between two screaming kids.” The woman’s eyes widened. She looked at the 2 babies happily shredding inflight magazines, and swiftly vacated her seat. Have you ever been tempted to tie yourself to a water wheel, just to see what it’s like to half-drown? Fifteen minutes waiting with babies on a runway for take-off, that’s what it’s like. They gave us small seatbelts for the babies, but they might as well have given us flapping chickens to hold. They squirmed, they howled, they tried to take off themselves. The silent stares of the passengers behind us were like an icy wind to our backs. Fortunately the kids quite enjoyed the take-off, and they didn’t react too badly to the changing pressure in the ears. The air crew cooed over the kids and left them small gifts – biscuits and soft toys. As the flight wore on, the gifts continued, but the crew began to leave them surreptitiously and cautiously, like offerings at a lion’s den. Shhh, don’t wake the 2-headed monster. The kids loved the bassinets, those removable wall-hung cradles. They loved everything about them, except being inside them. They simply didn’t like lying down and behaving like babies. Exhausted and worn-out, we let them play in the rubbish tip that was mounting about our feet. They liked none of the expensive toys we had brought; none of the overdesigned, eco-friendly toys
could keep them quiet for long. They began to play with the discarded plastic bags for the headphones. We adults looked at each other. We’re bad at parenting, we are the worst caregivers on earth. We kept a beady eye on the kids while they laughed and fought over the plastic bags. The hours trickled by. I remember trying to watch a film but it was futile. I drifted in and out of consciousness, as if recovering from a car crash. There were small children everywhere, under the seats, in the aisles, hanging from the overhead storage. There was one in my coffee, I swear. I fished him out with my finger, and he gave an ear-piercing shriek. Great, I thought, now he’s high on caffeine. All the films we watched soundlessly, because the kids had made a game out of snatching the headphones off our heads. We could only understand them from subtitles. I felt like posting subtitles on our current situation: Do not try this at home. When we finally landed, when the kids had screamed themselves into oblivion, we emerged from the plane like refugees cast upon a foreign shore. The kids were finally asleep, drooping off their harnesses like sacks of vegetables. Not a single square inch of me felt clean. There was a constant ringing in my ears, my eyes were criss crossed with a reddish haze. But we had survived. Most importantly, the kids had survived, even enjoyed the experience. For them, it was a tiny taste of the larger world around them. They had travelled a great distance, their first footsteps far beyond the walls of home. From henceforth, they would learn to be denizens of a wider universe. They would begin to know, and hopefully to care for, an existence that was bigger than themselves. So in the end, given the hassles, the burdens, the nerve-wrecking KINO experience, it was worth it. For their sake.
Alan Lau is a Kuching-based architect and musician. Due to a recent trauma, he often breaks out in a cold sweat when you mention “kids” and “flying” in the same sentence. He has sought professional help in this matter and is now enjoying near-full recovery.
www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 26
27 KINOFamily TIES
by Dora Mohamad Leong and Marian Chin
Family Ties: Sharing history
Above: Dora Mohd. Leong with her parents Uncle Cyril and Cikgu Suasa. The family would grow to a total of 22 siblings (adopted siblings included). Left: My family with my mother Agnes Leong Chin (centre and myself in front of her) at the Were Road government quarters. Later, we would have the addition of a little sister, making us a family of 8 siblings.
My mother, Agnes Bibiana Leong was the older sister to Cyril Joseph Leong. Both were born in Kuching but Uncle Cyril eventually left to work in the 3rd division. That was sixty odd years ago. He married Cikgu Suasa Abu Bakar, a Muslim Kiput in 1959. For the first time, only a few months ago, I met my cousin Hajjah Dora Binti Haji Mohamad Leong and her family at Taman Mesra Bako. Living and working in Marudi and Miri for most of her life, Dora was relocated to Kuching recently. I have no clear recollection of Uncle Cyril, Dora's father, if only for a faint memory of him during the time when my family was
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living in the government quarters at Were Road, a wooden house on stilts, at the end of the lane. I was only three or four years old then. Dora, who's six years my junior, has a better memory than I do of the past. “When I was 10, my Dad and I came to visit your parents at the house in Jalan Pisang Selatan. We stayed for a week. I remember your Mom talking about food a lot and your Dad showing us his collection of orchids”, recounted Dora “but I don’t remember much of the rest of the family”. That was 44 years ago.
However, the family ties simply did not end there. These were ignited in the mid-70s. My second elder sister, Celia, husband Nick and their two very young children, together with our late mom, Agnes, paid a visit to Uncle Cyril in Marudi. At that time my sister recalled, Dora was still in her early teens, a vivacious and bubbly personality (and still is today!). Then in the early 80s family ties were reconnected with the presence of my youngest sister Stella, whose husband, a doctor had been relocated to Marudi. The young couple spent most weekends at the Mohamad Leong’s (continued)
KINOFamily TIES 28 (continued)
house. She remembers too, how gracious, generous, warm and kind Uncle Cyril and Aunty Suasa and other family members were. Sitting in the cool and quiet of her office area just a few days ago, cousin Dora and I shared the many things we had in common despite the total absence of each others company for all these years. Food, charity work, dancing, preserving our culture and a desire to put ink to paper on how we are related were affectionately discussed. Her passion for food goes a long way. Winner of many Divisional level culinary competitions, she continued successfully to State level competitions. To celebrate the festive season of Hari Raya, Dora has reproduced her winning dish for KINO “Recipes from You” in this issue. The criteria of the competition, she explained, was based on choosing between 2 products. Sago flour or Gula Apong. Representing the MAKSAK Bahagian Miri, Dora chose the Gula Apong and made it a savoury dish. This was the challenge she gave herself. Over 60 competitors, her dish aptly called Rendang Daging Kisar ala Gula Apong won her the “1st Anugerah Emas”. Organised by FAMA (Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority), it was in conjunction with the National Day, held in Miri. In 2006, she was asked to represent the State for the National level in Kuala Lumpur. She declined as her mother Cikgu Suasa had just passed away 3 days earlier. Sharing her knowledge about our family history, Dora said “your mom and my father were put in St. Joseph's and St. Teresa's missionary boarding schools when grandfather returned to China after the death of grandmother. My father worked as a dresser at the Sarawak General Hospital” she continued, “until he left for the 3rd division to join the Government Agricultural Department. He was 20 years of age when he left Kuching. Long Lama in Baram eventually became his home after a job relocation and
that was where he met my mother Cikgu “Yot” as she was known”. Before moving to Long Lama, they had lived in Kampung Benawa in Central Baram, the only Malay kampung in Ulu Baram. Dora also relates that both my parents often visited them in Marudi. Dora's mother attended the Batu Lintang Training College for 3 years here in Kuching. When she returned to work as a teacher she would be transferred often from one town to another. Dora said that because her mother was away often, she was taught cooking by her father and her maternal grandmother. “Father was the cook. He taught me many chinese dishes like the Seaweed Soup or the Ayam Kicap with Ginger”, said Dora adding that “my mother, although a Kiput, learned to speak Hokkien and because my parents spoke to each other in Hokkien, I am able to speak it”.
Hajjah Dora Binti Mohd. Leong
“The Kiput were the first people to arrive in Baram” she said, explaining that there are about 5000 in Sarawak and 2000 of them are Muslims. Her father converted to Islam when he married her mother. “He was such a devout Muslim, praying 5 times a day for as long as I can remember” added Dora in visible awe of her father. “I have 4 brothers and 11 sisters. Included are 2 sets of twins. I am the 2nd oldest in the family. My parents then adopted 6 more children making us a family of 22 brothers and sisters”. Dora is married to Haji Wan Abu Bakar bin Dato Sri Wan Hashim, who she says “gives her moral support and is a good chief to my family”. Her family is without doubt the source of “strength and inspiration” behind all the culinary competitions she has entered. She has 4 children and a grand daughter.
more delightfully amazing for us, is to learn that our Leong lineage has been traced back to the Bisayah-Berawans of Baram.
My mother Agnes, Uncle Cyril and all of my mother’s other siblings have long since passed away. For this simple reason, I feel deep gratitude to have these renewed family ties that bind us to treasure old memories. Even
On the 20th of May 2015, my father, John Michael Chin celebrated his 95th birthday here in Kuching. Of course, my cousin Hajjah Dora Binti Haji Mohamad Leong was there to KINO share this most special family day.
1st Anugerah Emas winning dish.
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Documenting your «Grannys’» Selected-to-be-Collected recipes, from the less known or forgotten to simply favourites by you the public!
Rendang daging kisar ala gula apong 1st Anugerah Emas By Hajjah Dora Binti Mohd. Leong “I like to experiment. I never give up trying ways to make something different and
better. It was my father and maternal grandmother who influenced me in my cooking”.
KINO PHOTO: SHIRLEY TANG
Rendang 1 1/2 cup coconut milk (from 1 coconut) 2 pcs kaffir lime leaves 4 tbsp palm sugar (gula apong) A bit of salt 600gm minced meat 2 pcs dried tamarind Minced Ingredients 2 stalks lemongrass 1 cm galangal 4 cloves of shallot 2 bombay onion 30 stalks dried chilli
Put coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, palm sugar, salt and the minced ingredients into a wok. Bring to boil, then add in the minced meat and dried tamarind. Stir until mixed thoroughly. Cook until mixture is dry and remove from wok. Sprinkle with kerisik (toasted coconut) and serve.
Nasi PULUT kuning
Put the coconut milk, salt and sugar in pan, and bring to boil until it thickens a little. Put in the glutinous rice. Stir mixture until dry. Remove and put in a mould. Steam for one hour.
2kg glutinous rice (beras pulut) 1 litre of coconut milk (santan) a pinch of salt a pinch of sugar colour/turmeric
Small Village, Big Heart...
31 KINOEXPLORATION
by Joyce Khoo
www.kuchinginandout.com
With greenery galore, vast spacious land and beautiful unpolluted skies stretching as far as the human eye can see, Kampung Buso is an intricately beautiful little village worth the visit despite the hindrances of narrow unpaved roads that posed questionable safety issues even for the most experienced drivers. Kampung Buso is a small kampung located roughly 6 kilometres from Bau town and 30 kilometres off Kuching city, the scenic drive requires fairly good navigational skills and a sharp eye to spot the little signboards by the sides of the roads. It is like a treasure hidden in a field, a couple of left and right turns in the supposedly mini-forest would lead you straight into the heart of this very much undiscovered gem.
Bearing certain similarities to the traditional Malay kampungs, Kampung Buso is composed of collections of little houses that have distinct mixtures of both old and new elements; wooden stilts that resemble the traditional longhouses and bases of bricks that bear more similarities to modern day housing. The majority of the houses are concentrated closely together, seemingly comfortable with the lack of privacy. This really reflected how the relationships within a smaller community like Kampung Buso vary from most city folks where no one really knows their neighbours anymore. We live a footstep away from total strangers while a community like Kampung Buso has such tight knit relationships, everybody knows everybody. (continued)
KINO PHOTO: JOYCE KHOO
Kampung Buso came into existence during the Japanese military occupation in the 1940s when a large number of villagers moved to the kampung for safety. They then stayed on through the British colonial period, with the two main races consisting of the Chinese and the Malay. With a push towards advancement in the agriculture and farming sector, opportunities were then created for the Bidayuhs to also become part of the kampung. A large number of occupants currently are government servants, with quite a number of them working in Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and even as far as Singapore.
KINOEXPLORATION 32 20KINOEXPLORATION
www.kuchinginandout.com
So we started asking around. This led to our first story. Mr. Sulaiman Bin Haji Selli is the generous minder of a diverse fruit plantation and also a fireman working at the Malaysia Airports. With five children all furthering their education, he returns to Kampung Buso in his free time to mind his fruit farm together with his cousin. The most noticeable fruit would be the luscious pineapples that stood aplenty at the entrance of the fruit field. Mr Sulaiman harvests most of his fruits the traditional way - by hand. In some cases he even climbs the trees! However, this feat is tough
to execute especially if lacking in expertise because the mature trees are very high. Mr.Sulaiman also proceeded to share stories of Kampung Buso with surprising accuracy, a result of his study in the kampung’s local school. He mentioned that the villagers of Kampung Buso take great pride in their harmonious relationships between the Chinese and Malays. “We never fight!” As he bid us goodbye, he invited us to return in September and feast on the fruits in season, “PERCUMA!”. Free of charge.
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The second story begins by the river. Mr. Sulaiman had referred us to the Ketua Kampung (head of the village), Encik Sakawi bin Bujang and along the journey there, we were led to the river that separated the kampung into two sides. The side Mr. Sulaiman is on is known as Kampung Seberang Buso and the side where the village head resides is on the opposite side of the river is simply known as Kampung Buso. The children of the kampung take a little sampan across the river to and fro from school each day, bearing complete disregard of the rumoured crocodiles that are believed to be located further
upstream. The villagers are confident that the river is safe and often frequent the river along with their many children to have a dip, probably to cool off from the heat. Above the river is a tiny ‘pondok’ (wooden shelter) seated comfortably on a hilltop, a meeting place for the villagers to enjoy each other’s company and for their daily dose of vitamin D. A lady by the name of Soyong, invited us to join her as she openly shared stories of her 15 children and proudly boasted of her impressive 40 grandchildren. 3 generations sat under the shelter of the ‘pondok’ as they awaited for their children to come home from (continued)
KINO www.kuchinginandout.com 33
34 KINOEXPLORATION
www.kuchinginandout.com
3 generations sat under the shelter of the ‘pondok’ as they awaited for their children to come home from school, leaping off the ‘sampan’ and running up the hill with quite a few of them barefoot. Puan Soyong, one of the elders
Ketua Kampung Encik Sakawi bin Bujang, his wife, and his mother Puan Sengah Binti Anis
school, leaping off the ‘sampan’ (boat) and running up the hill with quite a few of them barefoot. Some of the little ones who managed to come home earlier were running around the compound playing leapfrog and were soon after joined by their friends. It was a beautiful picture of childhood that in these modern times is so often lost behind an iPad screen. The third story is set in a comfortable and simply decorated house belonging to the ‘Ketua Kampung’ (head of the village) of Kampung Buso and his family. Though language barriers caused some information to be lost in translation, the unfamiliarity of the English language did not hinder the Malay family from being nothing less than welcoming. The shaded house was an immediate relief from the scorching afternoon heat and despite being in the midst of their fasting month, they
served beverages and snacks without hesitation. 3 generations under 1 roof, each bearing a story of their own relevant to their generation and how they have over time formed their own attachment to Kampung Buso. The eldest in the household is the mother of the Ketua Kampung, Puan Sengah Binti Anis, born and raised in Kampung Buso since 1928. Encik Sakawi’s wife, Misah Binti Mahli was born in Lundu in 1955 and moved to Kampung Buso where they had three children. The “anak bongsu” (youngest child) Azan Bin Sakawi, born 1983, still resides with the family. As Encik Sakawi recalled the history of the kampung with additions from his mother, Misha was busy reciting recipes by heart one after another, sharing all the traditional specialties that over time have become her own. Delicious spreads of local www.kuchinginandout.com KINO 34
kuihs, “ayam pansuh”, asam fish, etc. “Remember to come back for our open house during Raya!” she excitedly called before we exited. Heading home from the colourful adventure, there is almost a sense of emptiness because we were made to feel so at home. There is so much more to this little kampung than the stories of floods and natural disaster that often grace newspaper articles. It’s the stories of relationships, history, harmony that KINO ought to be celebrated. Joyce Khoo is a full-time storyteller determined to craft stories with either pen or video camera. "The stories we are told shape us, the stories we tell shape others". www.soolproductions.com
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36 NIGHT SPOTS llll
Hidden spaces in unexpected
Like most cities on earth, Kuching has designated areas for everything, night spots are no exception – Travillion for clubbing, the Golden Triangle for pubbing. But there are always exceptions that prove every rule. These few reject the obvious choice of street front property for rooftops, back alleys or out of town locations. Known only to the initiated, KINO hereby initiates you…
Barambar – 3.5 Mile Penrissen Road (behind Banquet) By day, this area is bustling with hardware stores, but by night, there is not a soul in sight, except for the visitors to this new breed of karaoke bar. Barambar greets you with a wall of wood – a sculpture of offcuts and inside, the wood theme continues with interesting pieces tacked onto walls as shelves and feature pieces of furniture. Beyond that, this place is no frills fun – basic buckets of beer, basically, with the odd spirit thrown in for good measure. But the young, fun crowd love it, blaring out up to the minute karaoke pop with abandon. It seems a favourite place for birthdays or group gatherings. So make your way to Barambar, badabing badaboom!
Fisherman’s wharf – Lorong Datuk Abang Abdul Rahim In most other cities, riverfront property is the most sought after. But in Kuching, it is the hunting ground of stray dogs and wharf rats, largely deserted by humankind after dark. Fisherman’s Wharf laughs in the face of such stereotypes, placing itself, as the name suggests, near the wharf behind the Hock Lee Centre. The riverside motif continues with suspended boats over the outside seating area and wharf wood dominating the bar. This bar is owned by Meng, of Hitz FM fame, and he has been known to run the occasional party here, though most days it seems to be karaoke all the way, and largely Chinese – there is even a private room should you feel shy. A good place for sittin’ by the dock of the bay.
Secret Sanctuary, 133, Lorong Setia Raja 12a, Taman Stutong Indah Tucked away in a residential area of Stutong, this sanctuary is definitely secret. You know you’ve reached it when you find the giant wooden doors leading to the giant wooden bridge. Inside is a different world of hidden ponds, hanging creepers and craggy, tumbling waterfalls – really, in Stutong! Primarily a lodging house too, the compound has several small cabanas dotted around it and secret sitting places in between those. There is a small, well-stocked bar and also a restaurant with a range of dishes both Western and Asian. Watch out for the house cats – one even has a little outfit – making Secret Sanctuary an ideal rest stop for the cat city!
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places Limelight Rooftop Lounge – Limetree Hotel, Jalan Abell This bar has the best view in town – a bold statement but true. It is a panoramic sweep from MBKS, across the river all the way round to the Civic Centre. Seen from the top floor of the Limetree hotel, the view is one of Kuching’s best-kept secrets and as such, you are likely to have the place largely to yourself. The décor is spartan except for the omnipresent green glow (limelight?) and imposing belian table dominating the space – the view is the centrepiece. Smokers are warned not to throw their butts on the floor as green artificial grass carpets the whole space! The bar is well-stocked with the standard favourites and there is even a function room. But for a quiet drink with friends, the limelight puts the spotlight on the highlights of Kuching from above!
Sadau at Singgahsana – Temple Street Another night, another rooftop bar. Singgahsana is better known as a lodging house but should also be feted as a bar. On the top floor is a typical traveller’s haven done in typical Sarawak style of hanging baskets and fishing traps and rattan mats, mats, mats everywhere. In fact, the bar, despite its location, has almost no view, cocooned in mats from floor to ceiling to keep the heat of the day out, most of these festooned with flags from the round the world. However, there are hidden spaces in unexpected places inside the bar too with private viewing spots where you can sit with your honey and peer out at the stars. It also has a pool table and a wide screen TV showing sports for a night out with the boys. Expect to see a lot of tourists here, they live here after all, but non-residents are allowed. Just ring the bell for a rooftop rendez-vous.
Escobar – Damai Central Well, you can’t get more out of the way than Damai! Despite a brief heyday in the early 90s, Damai has usually been considered too far out for a night out, except of course for Rainforest weekend when it is crawling with humans! But Escobar may be bucking the trend for obvious reasons. First off, it’s the longest bar around but, more importantly, that bar is by the beach! You can sit on the outside space, knocking back an ice-cold beer, watching the sun go down over the ocean. Enough said really. Actually, the food is also pretty tasty and on top of that, they know how to throw a mean party. It is Escobar that could arguably be credited with bringing rave culture (at long last!) to Sarawak, shipping in DJs both local and international for a series of sold out, outdoor extravaganzas. Beach bar, beach party? Don’t worry, beach happy!
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38 Illustrated MAP llll CAT City Walk - Kenyalang by Peggy
Corner of the OLD QUARTER
(6) ANG CHENG HO/ SEKAMA
Taking a i CAT City Walk around town is the best way to see historical streets, their architectural monuments, heritage and shops. See what's selling, what's cooking and what's up, in and out! Next issue: ANG CHENG HO/ SEKAMA ...and more.
Wong, a member of our Urban Sketchers Kuching
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EMERGENCY Emergency Line / 082-365030 Civil Defense / 991 Fire / 994 Ban Hock FromJamobile to phone /112 Jalan n a la n Ambulance l Ja Police and Padungan/ 999 Police emergency service /999 HOSPITALS ur Borneo Medical Centre / 016 889 8302 Tim l a Kuching Specialist Hospital KG / 082-365384 nt r St. Joseph e C Multimedia Specialist & Maternity Centre / 082-428885 n Cathedral a Normah Medical Specialist Centre / 082-440055 Jal Sarawak General Hospital / 082-276666 a J. T Sarawak Medical J. T ri Centre / 082-442088 a m a n B u d ay an i u H e e K g n an S ri O Da Timberland Emergency Medical m TService / 082-232259 a i l t l u PHARMACIES k Wi JaGuardian / 082-613259 lan Watson’s Ell Personal Care Store / 082-239091 Legend Bus Numbers nk is STATIONS POLICE a h District Police HQ - Kuching, Royal Malaysian Police, s k 3A, K3 Jln Simpang Tiga / 082-241133 oo Main Bus Terminal Bampfylde r C Central Station Jln Khoo Hun Yeang / 082-241222 K8 Heights an Satok Station Jln Nagor / 082-245522 J al 8G Gita Station Jln Matang / 082- 254417 Hospital Bus Stop Tourist Info Centre Santubong Station / 082-846222 K11 Padungan Station Jln Kemajuan / 082-335930 K1, K2 Pondok Taxi Stand Beratok Station Jln Kuching-Serian / 082- 864235 Summons From Jalan Masjid Sekama Station Jln Sekama / 082-332522 Huts Sg. Maong Station Jln Tun Hj. Mohd. Adruce / 082-256800 Kota Padawan (Batu 10) Station Kota Padawan 16 Km, Jln. Kuching-Serian / 082- 612222 ng a t Siburan Station Km 27, Jln. Kuching-Serian / 082-864121 with associated bus numbers Lin u t a Tapah Station 082-867236 nB J al a All Buses Lead To and From Jalan Masjid Wisma Saberkas Station Wisma Saberkas / 082-253535 Police Station Tabuan Jaya / 082-360999 BDC: K8, 8G Police Patrol (24Hrs) / 082-244444 Boulevard Shopping Mall: 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, 3A, 6 TOURIST INFORMATION Cat Museum: K5, K5C, K15 Green Heights Commercial Center: 8G Tourist Police Unit (Kuching Waterfront) / 082-250522 Hilton Hotel: K2, K2, K16 Tourist The Information Spring Centre / 082-246575 Jalan Hospital Umum: 1F/1FA, 2, 3A, 6, 1C,K6, K8, K10, K13, K18, K17, 8G Airport-Kuching International Airport / 082-454242 Jalan Astana: K5, K5C, K15 Mall B at u Immigration Department / 082-245661 JalanLGreen: intanK12 TAXI Jalan Hj Taha:gK12, K18 ABC Taxi / 082-341818 Jalan Matang: K7 Jalan Satok: K7, K5, K5C, K15 Kuching City Taxi Radio Call Enterprises / 082-348898 Jalan Stutong: 8G, K8 Taxi (Red and Yellow colour) / 082-882466 Premier 101: 8G Executive Taxi / 082-480000 Jalan Masjid (Bus Station yellow and green buses departs-final station are from here) Simpang CONSULATES AND EMBASSIES Jln. Kwon Lee Bank: K2,K1, K16 Tiga Australian Honorary Consul / 082-23350 Jln. Padungan: K2, K1, K11, K16 Roundabout Brunei Consulate / 082-312681 Jln. Pending: K2, K1, K16 Chinese Consulate / 082-233816 Jln. Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce: K12, Konsulat Indonesia: 8G, K8 Consulate of the United Kingdom / 082-207272 Kuching Sentral Station: K3, K6, K10, K13 French Honorary Consul / 082-415588 Kuching Specialist Centre: K8 Indonesia Consulate / 082-460734 New Stutong Market: K8 Immigration Office / 082-245661 Regional Bus Terminal: 1FA, 2, 3A, K3, K6, K10, K13, 6 Sarawak Government Office / 082-222222 Sarawak Plaza: K2, K1, K11, K16 HOME SERVICES Semenggok Wildlife: K6, 6, The Commission of The City of Kuching North / 082-234654 St. Joseph/St. Teresa: K18, K8 Sungai Apong (fishing village): K2 Council of the City of Kuching South / 082-354200 Tabuan Jaya: K8 Post Office-Pos Malaysia-Kuching / 082-347677 The Spring Mall: K8, K11, 8G SESCO-Electricity Service / 1 300 - 88 3111 Timberland: 1C, 1F/1FA, 2, K3, K6, K10, K13, K18, K17, 3A, 6 Astro / 1 300 - 82 3838 Waterfront (Main Bazaar): K2 , K1, K11, K16 TM / Fax No : 082-239 257 Wisma Saberkas: 3A , 2, 6, 1C K3, K8, K10, K13, K17, 8G
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PRINT AND DIGITAL MAGAZINE LAUNCHED 1 ST ISSUE WITH THE J. Petan ak 1 ST KUCHING BUS ROUTES MAP ON THE 22 ND OF MARCH, 2013
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42 EDUCATION llll
by Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee
Let there be Music! MANY YOUNG PARENTS WORRY which are the best or correct moves in the early years after birth to give their children an advantage later on in life. As Shakespeare says it: If music be the food of love play on! Children respond and learn best in a musical environment. Many researchers from Harvard Medical School who have done further research on children, found that the brain connections were almost all completed by their sixth birthday. Instrument training is a multisensory motor experience, typically initiated at an early age. Playing an instrument requires a host of skills, including reading ahead and hand eye coordination, and has numerous benefits as illuminated in studies done by the Department of Neurology, Music and Neuroimaging Labs at Harvard Medical School, Boston USA. Music is also linked to all the sensory skills, brain development and later character building that can be formulated into positive advantages in adult life. So, it can start from babyhood: singing to them or rocking them to sleep with a song, or switching on light tunes from Mozart can establish calm, peaceful, happy environments as much as talking to them regularly. An early introduction to nursery rhymes can help them learn through the songs or even musical games. Later on, joining junior music classes or going to a kindergarten with extra music and movement activities and character building focus as well as bringing them to concerts establishes a musical discipline. Eventually starting them on a proper musical instrument would be the best initial step to open the door of educating the young child.
The Junior Learning House was indeed an experimental project for my three children. I realised years later that the set up of the JLH childcare centre with its foundations of early childhood music ingrained in the programs, plus the music and movement from the ballet and dance teacher had been, for me, an experimental hypothesis with a proven result. Coupled with the character development, spiritual teaching and frugal training of simple living from the home, it has in all proven the path for many parents who completely followed the recipe. Many parents rush for their children to be academically adept and forward, but essentially at the early childhood years of formation and brain development, children should have the space for creativity and understanding. They need hands on activities like playing in the garden to internalise their understanding through movements and activities and most importantly to develop their characters to be able to communicate well and to continue to explore their learning in all environments. A focus on understanding concepts over pushing them to complete huge
amounts of ‘paperwork’ can help them to develop a gradual appreciation of spiritual growth and support. All children are different in their genetic set up, and whilst environment and input are so important in their entire development, growth and understanding, it is through knowing all the major philosophies of great educators or medical scientists, such as Blooms Taxonomy, Piaget, Vogotsky, Dalcroze, Suzuki, Kodaly, Carl Orff and Montessori, that one can ensure that the children can develop to the best of their abilities with the right approaches and support. The triangular support from parents, children and educators is the most vital framework that can help ensure the right recipes for the child to develop to their highest levels before KINO independence. Dr. Geraldine Law-Lee is the Executive Director of the IMH Group of Companies and IMH Academy in Kuching. She now spends her time documenting and publishing valuable teaching materials and ethnic treasures of Sarawak for the newer generations, which would otherwise have been lost.
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43 KINOWildlife l
BORNEO insights by Ch'ien C. Lee Rainforest Pictures of Tropical Asia www.wildborneo.com.my
With a background in biology and environmental education, wildlife photographer Ch'ien Lee made the move from California to Kuching in 1996, fulfilling a life-long dream of living in the tropics. His images of Southeast Asian nature have been widely published internationally and he continually strives to use imagery as a means of raising awareness about the astounding flora and fauna that we share this planet with.
Photographed in Bako National Park, Sarawak.
"A pair of Silvered Leaf Monkeys (Trachypithecus cristatus) greet each other with a hug.
Like other langurs, this species is highly social and travels in cohesive groups numbering up to 40 or more individuals. They have a specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on high-protein leaves. Photo info: Nikon D810, 600mm f/4 lens, 1/320 sec, f/7.1, ISO 640."
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