The Malaysian Public Library in Kuala Lumpur will hosting a bilingual public lecture (Mandarin and English) shedding light on the 'Nanqiao Jigong Saga', which captures the story of South-East Asian volunteers who ferried supplies along the Yunnan-Burma Road during the Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945. Photo: The Star/Filepic
Bookshop events, readings and public lectures in the Klang Valley are off to a flying start this year.
This weekend is set up to be a bumper treat for those into history, literary, feminism and cultural conversations held in independent library and bookstore settings.
Here's a list of events to check out:
PUBLIC LECTURE: "THE NANQIAO JIGONG SAGA"
Venue: Malaysian Public Library, Wisma HELP, Bukit Damansara, KL
Date: Jan 27, 2pm
The Malaysian Public Library will hosting a free admission bilingual lecture (Mandarin and English) featuring historians Dr Julitta Lim Shau Hu and Lim Kwok Yong, who will shed light on the "Nanqiao Jigong Saga".
After war with Japan broke out in 1937, the Chinese in South-East Asia rallied to support China by contributing funds and even enlisting in the Chinese army. Less well known is the response of over 3,000 people from South-East Asia, the Nanqiao Jigong, who volunteered as drivers and mechanics to send war supplies from Burma to Yunnan along the perilous Burma Road.
This lecture highlights the events and importance of this neglected episode during WWII and answers a number of questions: Why did so many people answer the call to help? How far did their contributions help the Chinese war effort? What was the fate of the volunteers? Why is this important episode of the war neglected in the history books?
More info here.
Art Fazil is set to introduce his Nusantara-inspired poetry book to the local masses at Studio Ramli Hassan in Kuala Lumpur from Jan 26-28. Photo: Moro Books
POETRY-MUSIC: 'SELFIE DARI JENDELA KERETAPI'
Venue: Studio Ramli Hassan in Taman Tunku, Kuala Lumpur
Date: Jan 26-28, 8.30pm
Singaporean singer-songwriter Art Fazil brings his poetry book Selfie Dari Jendela Keretapi to life at this special performance in KL to introduce it to the Malaysian public. This performance is a special treat for those who enjoy poetry, performing arts, the Nusantara identity and Art's special blend of storytelling.
The 56-year old artiste originally released this book of poetry last year, with a sold-out live showcase in Singapore. The book details his travels around Indonesia in the hopes of better understanding his unique kinship within the region and to connect with his Nusantara identity.
This hour-long solo performance - in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Bahasa Indonesia - is presented under Masakini Theatre Company's "The Tingkap Series".
Art, who has an over 30-year career spanning music (rock to folk), poetry and writing, currently splits his time between Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
More info here.
Attendees will be able to purchase signed softcover copies of 'Nationalism And Decolonisation In Singapore' by Dr PJ Thum exclusively at this Saturday's event in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout
PUBLIC LECTURE: WHEN SINGAPOREANS WERE MALAYAN: MALAYAN NATIONALISM AND THE CREATION OF MALAYSIA
Venue: KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, KL
Date: Jan 27, 3pm
Here's a free admission event in conjunction with the launch of “Nationalism And Decolonisation In Singapore” by Dr PJ Thum. What does the name “Malaya” suggest?
Rather than just thinking about it as a historic polity that later merged with Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah) to form Malaysia in 1963, we can unpack the layers of meaning within this term even further. It can suggest the socialist aspirations of the 1940s–60s, with its ideas of progress and justice.
But the eventual formation of Malaysia was also intertwined with developments in the colony of Singapore, namely four fundamental schisms that continue to resonate across both countries together: race, class, language/culture, and the meaning of self-determination. In this comparative analysis, Thum argues how these schisms shaped decolonisation in Singapore, before playing out further in Malaysia. Drawing on numerous declassified official documents, among others, this study seeks to understand where we stand today, 60 years post-merger.
More info here.
A line-up of local newcomers and published names will be participating in the first Readings event of the year this Saturday. It is also the community's 19th birthday. Photo: 123rf.com
BOOK MONTHLY: READINGS KL'S 19th BIRTHDAY
Venue: Readings@Seksan, 67, Jalan Tempinis 1, Lucky Garden, Bangsar, KL
Date: Jan 27, 3.30pm
In a cozy corner of Bangsar, a vibrant community of book lovers will be gathering this Saturday to celebrate the 19th anniversary of their beloved book club Readings. It's an event to mark a remarkable milestone, with longstanding organiser Sharon Bakar ready to welcome regulars for the first Readings event of 2024, and also to greet curious newcomers to the series.
The upcoming Readings, featuring newcomers and published writers, will see Chloe Hor (a writer/poet), Elizabeth Marshall (an English/creative writing teacher), Paul Gnanaselvam (a writer/poet), Paula Tan (a writer-editor), Ratu Yousei (a writer/poet) and Xiuwei Wong (a researcher/copywriter) taking the spotlight.
What started as a small group of avid readers with a shared passion for literature has blossomed into a tight-knit community that celebrates the magic of storytelling. As a book club, the Readings "family" has weathered the changes of time (and the pandemic!), transforming into a cherished institution where friendships have deepened and discussions have flourished.
A walk-in, free admission event.
More info here.
Participants will be asked to read selected chapters in 'Out Of The Shadows: Women In Malay Court Narratives' at this weekend's event at the Malaysian Design Archive in KL. Photo: Handout
READING SESSION: 'PRINCESSES, CONCUBINES AND SLAVES: FEMALE VOICES AND THE MALAY COURT NARRATIVES'
Venue: Malaysia Design Archive, the Zhongshan Buiding, KL
Date: Jan 27, 3pm
Building on Professor Ruzy Suliza Hashim's groundbreaking work, the Malaysian Design Archive is set to explore diverse women's stories – filled with joy, heartbreak, and betrayal – in classical Malay literature from Sulalatus Salatin to Hikayat Seri Kelantan. How are women’s voices conveyed? Can they express themselves authentically through narratives primarily written by men? Using analytical tools merging Western and non-Western approaches, the research uncovers fractures within patriarchal texts, challenging preconceived beliefs about women and traditional Malay society.
Women’s presence was pivotal in the monarchical system, contributing to male prestige, power generation, political hierarchy, social identity shaping, and legitimacy. This exploration invites you to reassess the multifaceted roles they played, broadening our understanding of their impact on traditional Malay society.
In this this reading session, moderated by Ruby Jusoh, participants will be asked to read selected chapters in Ruzy's Out Of The Shadows: Women In Malay Court Narratives.
More info here.
Kam Raslan's 'Confessions Of An Old Boy' (originally released in 2008) is now back in print. Photo: Handout
BOOK EVENT: 'CONFESSIONS OF AN OLD BOY'
Venue: Lit Books, Petaling Jaya
Date: Jan 27, 8pm
You have to try your luck with this event, which is currently booked out. There is a waiting list option.
Lit Books is presenting an evening of witty banter with writer and broadcaster Kam Raslan, who will be speaking with the bookshop's co-owner Fong Min Hun about his book Confessions Of An Old Boy, which was recently reissued and redesigned. It is now ready to meet a new audience since making its debut in 2008.
Book description: "Dato’ Hamid, ‘Old Boy’ and retired civil servant, burst into public prominence in 2007 when his rib-tickling confessional memoirs quickly sold out. Fifteen years on, this revamped edition is back to tickle the funny bone of readers afresh and introduce a new generation to just how cosmopolitan yet curmudgeonly, suave yet self-serving, poised-for-anything yet prepared-to-shirk-everything, and ultimately unwittingly hilarious an Empire-educated Malaysian can be."
If you can't get through the door for this weekend's book event, don't worry. You can always visit Lit Books on other days to get a copy of Confessions Of An Old Boy.
More info here.
Sabahan artist and musician Eleanor Goroh (left) and Jesse Joy of Bundusan Books will be presenting the 'Trees, Reeds, Seeds And Roots' session at Sunda Shelves in Petaling Jaya this Sunday. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal Hishan
BOOKSHOP EVENT: 'TREES, REEDS, SEEDS AND ROOTS'
Venue: Sunda Shelves, Petaling Jaya
Date: Jan 28, 2pm-7pm
Have you always wanted to try your hand at making your own jewellery? Come for the beading workshop by Bornean artist and musician Eleanor Goroh and Jesse Joy of Bundusan Books on Sunday, where you can learn how to make Bornean bead earrings, bracelets and necklaces to take home with you. Register here for the workshop.
Eleanor, who is a Dusun from Sabah’s Kota Belud district, will also present a talk and musical performance on Borneo beads, tattoos and music at 4pm, sharing the stories behind their origins and significance to Borneo’s diverse indigenous culture. For this weekend's "Sunda Talks" session, you can register here.
“Beads are not just a fashion accessory – it is our culture, imbued with deeper meaning,” she says.
Entry is free for the talk, but seats are limited, so registration is required. For the workshop, those interested should register to secure seats for their preferred time slot. You only need to pay according to the size and beads you use, ranging from RM20 to RM90.
If you’re short on time, there are also finished pieces on display that you can purchase to support Malaysian artisans, made by Eleanor and the Murut community she works with at Orou Sapulot, Nabawan in Sabah.
More info here.
