Loving Art - it's MIE MAMBO !

10.30 am, 3 Nov - I was to meet Nur Azmi Mokhtar aka MIE MAMBO, at Taman Melati Station, on the Putra Line . So the train wend its way to reach the station. It's been 3 years since I last saw him though we've spoken and he had invited me to his wedding.

MIE MAMBO was there, waiting to take me to his home. He looked 'cool' with his tapir motif t- shirt and woollen skull cap. Oh, where has his punky look gone? I guess family life has made a few changes as he's now the doting dad of little Kasih, all of 2 months old.

'I'm not famous. Why me?' MIE MAMBO sort of protested over the phone. 'Hey ! you'll be. Besides who knows you better as an artist ? ', referring to me having sought his skills for one of the 2 books I wanted publishing to create awareness on disabilities among school children . That project which I embarked on took off pretty well, thanks to the capable MIE MAMBO.

Sitting in his living room, we settled down to an 'interview'.' So, how did you venture into writing and drawing graphic novels?'


Amazingly, he had an early start, aged 10. He loved caricatures and befriended Dino, of 'Dino Portrait Corner' fame in the Central Market.That young 'un used to earn as much as RM200 per day, sketching caricatures of clients. Each artwork was charged a mere RM5 per piece! What a hard working fella! So much so he bought his own school shirts, shoes and bag. That was a real lesson in thrift.

It was Rejabhad , the well-known cartoonist who took him under his wings as an apprentice in 1990 when he saw young MIE MAMBO's skill. 'You don't know where to go with your talent', said his mentor. Thus he honed his skills with Rejabhad and is grateful the latter gave ' me space'. Isn't that what creative outlets need ?

Young MIE MAMBO found himself interviewed on RTM at Angkasapuri in 1991. Dino and his friends didn't let him into that but he performed admirably and was the pride of his parents when they heard him on air. Few months later, he created waves again when Utusan Malaysia wanted to find out more about this young raw talent.

It was at UiTM ( University Institute Technologi Mara ) that MIE MAMBO learned more about art and after 4 years, he graduated with a Bachelor of Art and Design Degree. Time was valuable to him and he dabbled in journalism with DBP (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka), turned illustrator for government agencies and worked with the graphic novel publication 'GILA -GILA'.

'Tell me, when did you look at graphic novel seriously as a career?' I probed. The year was 2003 and to this day, he works with different publications to promote his art . As luck would fall on him, a publisher got to know him at an exhibition and the good news is that a close collaboration is underway to publish 'Tapir Ke Kuala Lumpur. True to MIE MAMBO's style, there is a certain naivety about his engaging illustrations as I leafed through the 3 mock copies he so keenly showed me.

Why the tapir? That shy, omniverous, quaint animal which has that distinct band of white in the middle part of its body? 'Coz the celebrity status of the orang utan, hornbill is overdone. We must let the world know about our Malayan tapir - it is so unique!'. He's right and does not the MNS( Malaysian Nature Soc) have the tapir as its beloved logo?

( photo credits : by special permission of MIE MMAMBO and Malaysian Publisher, Oyez!Books)

The good news is that there is interest from abroad when his books went to Bologna, Spain and Frankfurt,Germany. Publishers are talking about his books of which he is the script writer and illustrator for translation. Well done, MIE MAMBO!

Soon turning 30 years old, MIE MAMBO is a prolific artist and has illustrated 40 children's books and graphic novels. To his fellow artists and relatives, he might seem to be working by fits and starts. Only he knows himself how to tackle the workload. Quite often a furious pace steps in to meet deadline publications. From the sound of it, MIE MAMBO is coping marvellously and still finds time to keep time aside with his family.

'What sells in the graphic novel market' was my next pertinent question. After all, bills have to be paid and a family to raise. It's dicey as to what the publishers think can sell - super heroes? aliens? Maybe, maybe not. But he knows, something with local flavour and definitely one has to be productive in a Malaysian market that is small. It is not all rosy for some fellow artists who are trying to find their niche.

'Ideas are everywhere,' he enthused. ' I don't have to travel far for ideas - just absorb the surroundings .' As he said that, he pointed to his pair of flip flops parked at the doorway, ' Ideas are there too!'. Hmm... I have to have my feelers out like him.

It is not surprising to find music in an artist's life. For MIE MAMBO, he jams with 3 other close friends as Nouras ,of which he is the second guitarist. His genre is modern rock and roll and they are ready to cut an album in Dec too.

Well, his life seems to rock with steady sweet success though he'd be the first to say it needs hard work, discipline and faith in whatever he does.

I gushed with delight as he wanted to do a caricature of me. We adjourned to the playground to have my picture drawn. That's a 'cool' ending to a visit with a old friend who's multitalented and loving his art. Ciao! MIE MAMBO. Good luck!

Grow with TOASTMASTERS!

To illustrate my fruitful Toastmasters journey, I'd like to a leaf from my garden. It never ceases to amaze me.

Now and again, my keen eye spots lovely new buds, a fresh tender shoot or a bunga kantan in all its pink glory. Growth is evident. I admire the ardesia eleptica. Already it has good foliage and berries for the birds to enjoy. What was a sapling in a tree-planting ceremony on my son's 8th birthday, the erythrina glauca now exhibits red colourful bracts. As my own gardener, I know what I nurture, will grow.

Likewise, in Toastmasters, I consider myself the taproot. I send myriads of branching roots into the fertile soil to reach the nutrients. I'm nourished in the conducive environment of Toastmasters.

I'm a TAPROOT!

I remember my first table topic session. I was highly' charged'. Let me describe. My legs crossed into an 'X' like a vine entwining; my eyes scanned skyward like the sunflower, my guts developed instant 'knots' like the bulbous nodes along a stem. Gosh ! was I unintelligible ! Months and months later, with nurturing and support from my fellow Toastmasters, I naturally blossomed. I noticed those members who took the patience to grow, grew like me.

Where have all the fears gone to? No more trepidation in the legs and other body parts, including the brain that used to freeze! If it's still there, it's under control. You have slayed the dragon!!

If there's a place where you can try new things and not be afraid to fall flat on your face, it's in TOASTMASTERS. Your friends will see to it that you develop into a better speaker. In time, you ripen and blossom. So, friends, fear need not stultify your life. Toastmasters offers you growth. The spurt depends on you.

Remember, do not wait for spring to blossom. Opportunities abound everywhere. Ask to help or better still, serve as an officer in the club, area or district. Arm yourself with the knowledge and create the right conditions for yourselves in Toastmasters.


Our Past International President, Alfred Herzing says,' The product of Toastmasters is an improved human being.' Well spoken. Toastmasters is about the growth in us. Nurture yourself. Show off your talents !

With International Past President, DTM Alfred Herzing, some of the members of the Organising Committee of KL 2002 Toastmasters International Dstrict 51 9th Annual Convention , Palace of The Golden Horses, MINES.

Glad to say, my plants are 'happy' and I'm a happy Toastmaster. So, go on, be a Toastmaster! GROW WIH US!

Toastmasters International District 51 , 9th Annual Convention

I 'grew' up in MII ( Malaysian Insurance Institute) Toastmasters club . The members are a wonderful bunch of people. No one is too small, weak, unimportant or undervalued to be a Toastmaster. Remember, YOU matter to Toastmasters. Come on, give us a call!

Installation ceremony of me as president ( MII Toastmasters Club - 2001) oath taking - did someone say something funny?? ( Mohamed , in patterned shirt)

I'd like to dedicate this blog to all Toastmasters, past and present and to my club founder, DTM ( Distinguished Toastmaster), Mohamed Abdullah. To me, Mohamed , veteran of 30 years, he's the 'Tokoh' Toastmaster - always lending a helping hand because he espouses our founder, Ralph C. Smedley, Founder Toastmasters International's belief: 'Ours is the only organization I know that is dedicated to the individual. We work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply our sklls to help others.'

Thank you, Mohamed, DTM . Yours truly, PP. Keats, ATMB ( Advanced Toastmaster Bronze).

http://www.toastmasters.org/
http://toastmii.blogspot.com/

MII Toastmasters Club
Level 2, Malaysia Insurance Institute (MII) Building
Jalan Sri Semantan Satu
Damansara Heights
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Meeting time : 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 6.45 pm

Connecting with the world - - Expats in KL

Expats living in KL breathe the same air, share the same landscape that we KL -ites live in. For them, life carries on as they absorb the flavours of KL , some even opting for the MM2H ( Malaysia My Second Home ) programme . KL has approximately 180,000 expats living and working in the city.

I've lost count of the times I've enjoyed their friendship coupled with spiritedness and generosity. On Sunday, 1 November, my family and I were at the ABWM fair ( Assoc of British Women in Malaysia). Like before, we felt their fervour and commitment at the wonderful fair in Nikko Hotel, KL. There's more fairs to follow as the other expat communities - Japanese, American, Swiss- Austrian shift into higher gear in readiness to celebrate Christmas with their hearts full of goodness. All proceeds go to Malaysian charities.

The ABWM fair is one fine example of how an organisation, made up of expats can unite among themselves to help the poor, the orphaned, the disabled, the homeless etc to improve lives by their well meaning voluntary work. The ABWM team of members visit various charities to learn what they are doing and to assess their needs with a view to distributing funds raised . They welcome unwanted clothes, books, toys which are sent to charities or resold for funds for the charities. It is ABWM's way of saying thank you to their host country. The early Christmas fair was well -organised and the convivial mood was just right.

When I visited the National Museum last year the MVM ( Museum Volunteers Malaysia) guides comprising expats,and locals were doing a fine job of guiding the tourists around the Museum. History was at their fingertips and it came alive in their talks. Boy, did I learn more of my own country!

I have had the good fortune to have made some lasting friendships among expats. There's Wanphen ( Thailand), Margaret andGraham ( Australia), Janneke and Eduard ( Holland),Cynthia and Geoff (UK), Seif and Shemila ( Canada), Shawne Kaeser ( USA), Miranda (NZ), Rose Marie ( Greece).Their sojourns in KL have enriched my life . Our paths crossed in our voluntary work . And the ties that bind us still remain strong.

My friend, Janneke and her dear husband, Eduard from the Netherlands have spent more than 5 years in KL. 'No place is perfect but we love KL. Luckily KL loves us too!' When we're on holiday back home, we miss Malaysia.' Yes, I miss her too, my sensible, forthright, and kind friend. She's a familiar songstress in the local arts scene hitting the right pitch with her lovely alto voice. In the Netherlands, she worked with disabled children and so it is not surprising how she utilizes her skills to care for the friends she has made at Selangor Cheshire Home for the disabled. Do not be surprised to see her stepping out in a cheong sam, baju kebaya or a saree. She loves the diverse cultures we possess . That includes loving the satay, roti canai and polishing up the dhall on the stainless steel plates at the Indian shops !

How do I swim ? - Janneke teaches friends at her home in Kl.

For any one of us, relocation can be a upheaval in itself. But I've realized that once settled into a new life, the expats are up and running and eager to taste and enjoy the local life as much as they can. I have heard comments like 'KL is so cosmopolitan and the people make us feel so much at home here ' and ' It's easy to communicate as English is widely spoken here.'

The expats add so much colour to our lives - they touch many hearts without us knowing about their committed work , bridging cultures and improving the lives of the underpriviledged. They are friends in our midst. In their free time, they tap into their diverse skills and good networking to give back to the Malaysians the benefits they enjoy while abroad.

For them, there comes a time to uproot and move on - to a new destination or homeward bound. Let's connect with them and be their friend too.

'Selamat datang, kawan! (in Malay,'Welcome my friend!' ) May your stay in Malaysia be full of wonderful memories.

http://www.abwm.com.my/
http://museumvolunteersmalaysia.wordpress.com/

Get Crafty - Kids LUV it!

Wild horses couldn't keep me away or, to be exact, the Walk/ Jog/ Wheel-a-thon earlier in the morning at the Dataran Merdeka ( see previous post).

I had to be at the British Council to conduct 2 sessions in the afternoon in conjunction with Parents' Day. There was a request for storytelling and craft .

I am like a child in so many ways though my children will attest that it isn't true!! You're an adult!! Ok, I admit. I love to be with children, engage them in craft and let them explore their interest and be creative. So, I am more than overjoyed when parents stay with their kids and enjoy the sessions together.

I always keep my craft simple - never trying to put too many ideas in or make it' first class' art!! LOL! The idea is to let kids know and believe they too can make it. So, no ego trip here :) In the initial thought process, I always put myself in the shoes of the kids and should I find it difficult, what more them? The idea is to allow them to add or do their thing with just some guidance and words of praise.

It helps when parents join in to create or just be there. Even kids who are initially shy, they are soon enticed into the world of making things .It's then the parents' turn to say, Hey! we have to go home!!'

My reward? - the kids want to show me their craft , each one of them , proudly holding their very own craft! You should see the beam in their faces when some sincere words of praise are given . I can sense their elation, for with a skip and a hop, they are off!

For a start, store some 'junk'( my own kids know I thrive on them). Grab some quiet moments to make something . Bet ya, you'll enjoy it just as much as your kid's!!

I wanted the kids to 'feel' the icy presence of the North Wind in the story 'The North Wind's Presents.' Right down here at the Equator, I suddenly had a 'brainwave' when I looked around I found it among my clothes. There's a cap, when turned inside out - is WHITE ! Great stuff! The creative juices started flowing - shredded office paper for beard and thick , furrowed eye brows, an old nose from a broken mask, silvery paper for the eyes and the North Wind's cold, frosty mouth!!

He's really one of my faves. And the kids always love the 'whoo.. whooosh' From the story, they take a lesson home about not telling lies.

Yes, parents , let's celebrate our kids! Glad to say kids still love dressing up dolls, paper at that. I dressed many when I was young and had a whole family of people living in shoe box houses. Parents and kids had scraps of colourful material, laces, ribbons, rattan, wool and the 2 doll templates to dress up - all in celebration of Children's Day which I conducted at Times the Book Shop, Pavilion. What an eco -friendly activity too!! In Malaysia , Children's Day falls on the last Saturday in October.


No, I can't make wooden blocks like the lovely one I bought on holiday in the UK. But I can make it enjoyable for the kids on paper with a piece of twine for the mouse's tail. This craft got the the kids squeaking with delight . Ater all, who doesn't jump up in fright when a mouse suddenly scurries by!! The story told to accompany this craft was the timeless, The Lion and the Mouse.


It's time to monkey around! The kids enjoyed putting the paper fasteners through the manila card templates on the different parts of the monkey. 10, all in! - gosh that's why they are so nimble. Hey! try and catch me !!


There is much to learn from this simple craft - life in a pond, amphibians, frog etc. In the Australian Aboriginal myth from the dreamtime, TIDDALIK the frog has drunk all the water in Australia. The animals are very worried. How will they get their water back ? Catch me leaping froggy -like and sweating it out!


Be a Bird of Paradise, kids! Flaunt it and make a mask and party - they just dived into making it. It followed a story from the Panchatantra, 'The Bharunda Bird'. It is a myth about a bird with 2 heads and 1 stomach and how it fell to its death when a quarrel broke out through non -co-operation. I think the kids appreciated the ending though not a happy one as there were some lessons to take home.

The Stego lives! With the kids it was a winner. Once the pieces were put together, their interest in dinos was fired. Some of them could just rattle off names ( a mouthful, if I may so). It followed the story, 'Saturday Night at the Dinosaur Stomp' by Carol Diggory Shield. When we left the story, the dinos were till asleep in the marsh... till the next time . Adios!

Ready to try? Get crafty 'coz kids just luv it!

' ... Walk beside me and Just Be My Friend'

You're my friend

At the Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, a sunny morning on 8 Nov, 09 the 16th Annual Charity Walk/Jog/Wheel-a-thon organised by The Spastics Children's Assoc of Selangor and Federal Territory (SCAS&FT) was a celebration of sorts - disabilities and awareness of disabilities, public and family togetherness and more.

If you had been part of this mammoth event, you cannot help but feel the oneness that speaks out for disabilities. 30 NGOs ( Non- Governmental Organisations ) and sponsors came out in full force to participate in the walk with the public joining hands to make it a success. It was held in conjunction with SCAS&FT's golden jubilee celebrations.

President of SCAS& FT, Datuk Dr Lam Peng Chong was pleased that RM 350,000.00 was raised for this event. Part of the funds will go to the association's redevelopment programme. Women,Family and Community development Minister Senator Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil pledged RM 50,000 in aid after launching the event.

Together, we walk life's journey

A family that plays together

Count me in!

I was up before the crack of dawn to be with my friends to keep a date with this event , marked in my diary 3 months ago. Several of my friends opted to push our friends in their wheelchairs for a 1 km , non- competitive walk round the Selangor Padang. I wanted to walk with the rest.

Has the cock crowed?

The more we get together...

'Bang!',went the starter gun in the hand of the President, Datuk Lam Peng Chong. Me, No. 1257, was off! What a rush of energy! The walk was not an ordinary walk, besides saying something about my fitness level!

As I passed walkers/joggers, the spirit of the walk was evident. Helping hands were plenty guiding the spastics, blind in this walk. A young lady was guiding an older blind man to walk. The latter was striding so confidently with his stick as he was being led. For sure, it was not about winning the race. His attitude told me whatever comes my way, I'm ready to conquer! Seeing that, I pushed myself harder with the steps.

Guiding hand, gentle and kind

... here goes my left foot

At one point of the walk, a voice called out from behind me, 'Seng Kit, keep going, keep going!'. 2 lads were in front of me. One of them turned round to acknowledge the call. It was Seng Kit alright and I guess it was his mother doing the bidding. I recognised his smile and he even said a soft 'good morning, aunty!', to me as he continued walking. Of course I know Seng Kit. I have one of his reprints of his drawings to treasure. He's our savant autistic. Bless his heart to be there for his fellow autistics and everyone.

The time taken to finish the 4km walk/jog did not matter. Parents, siblings, friends were all there to support and be part of this huge heartwarming event. We stood for a while at the FINISH line to cheer those who came through, one by one. How sweet the victory and sweeter still to give that last sprint to the finishing line.

Somehow, when I saw some Vintage cars passing us by in the 4k m walk, a fleeting thought crossed my mind. "Hey! old is gold! Just keep going, be you a car or human!' Sounds silly ? No, keep the wheels ( legs) rolling. Everything will be alright!

The day belonged to the people with different disabilities. How they strutted their stuff on the stage to entertain everyone. The crowds cheered with enthusiasm, warmed in their hearts with their abilities. It was one great show we cannot deny ourselves.

Music makes the world go round!

Let's boogie , boys!

Thanks for the FUN, everyone! You rocked with love and and through that embraced the awareness for disabilities . Perhaps the cry is not 'Who Cares?' but ' We Care!'. How the adversities can lift the human spirits!

What a walk! Till the next post, I leave you with a quote by Albert Camus, Algerian author, journalist and philosopher, ' Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow; don't walk behind me, I may not lead; walk beside me and just be my friend.'

SCAS (The Spastics Children's Assoc. of Selangor & Federal Territory)

http://www.scasft-my.com/

Hearts and Souls for 4 charities - it's CARNIVAL time!

The poster says ' Bukit Damansara House Owners' Association/ Grand Carnival/ Support Community Friendship'. Organised by Persatuan Pemilik Rumah Bukit Damansara, KL, Supported by DBKL ( City Hall), and CIMB Foundation.

This big event took place on 4 Oct 09, 10 am - 6 pm. It was a brave, first time ever attempt by the 10 year old Residents Assoc. to foster COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP. It did that and more - the proceeds went to 4 charities :
1. Pet Positive
2.The National Autism Soc of Malaysia
3. Mercy Malaysia
4. Pusat Dialisis Good Health - NKF - a new centre to be set up in Kampong Pandan, a lower income area of KL.

We prayed for all good things , including the weather . It had been a wet landscape every day. Our prayers were answered. The sun shone and the people came, young and old, including our Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the FT Minister, YB Senator Raja Nong Chik. Even celebrities like Sheila Majid, our singing diva, and affable emcee, Yasmin Yusoff, folks from neighbouring suburbs too joined in the fun - all for 4 good causes.

Bukit Damansara, a quiet enclave of KL woke up to a hive of activity at the new Community Hall, tucked along Jalan Setiabudi. By 11 am, the crowds had already streamed in. Soon momentum gathered and the music by the DJ gave the upbeat.

The White Elephant stall was a treasure trove for many - books, bric-a-brac. Volunteer, James and his family held the fort solely. As they sold, people wore beaming faces with their lucky buys. Gosh, for only RM 3 , you could walk away with a big ceramic food server!

The home cooked food stall where my friends and I stationed ourselves did well. Bless the hearts of so many families that donated cakes, nasi lemak, and nasi kandar.

Visitors applauded and cheered generously the youths who entertained us with jazz , line dancing and ballet, There were also tai chi demo, real estate talks , blood donation drive and free health checks and talk by Sunway Medical and wealth management by CIMB.

Parents kept watchful eyes as the children played on on the huge inflatable slides. The boys had good time getting physical at the human foozball game.

Fostering community spirit and togetherness may seem a big leap of faith when people can be alienated even within their communities. But community spirit prevailed on that Sunday, thanks to the commendable efforts of the Bukit Damansara Residents' Assoc.

A community that binds for the common good can cherish calling it home. The folks came . There was FUN and I believe through fun, we all share and can pitch in for causes that need our helping hands. It was heartening to see ordinary citizens coming together to bring joy and touch the lives of less fortunate Malaysians by their participation in this Carnival.

Everyone can make a difference. Till the next event, here's to COMMUNITY FRIENDSHIP . May it continue to flourish !

Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman,President of the Bukit Damansara House Owners' Assoc welcoming everyone. He stressed the importance of neighbourliness and helping the less fortunate. Thank you for your leadership.

Hugs always welcome! Give us a smile!

Our deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin visited all the stalls and participated in the 'silent' art auction too.

Time for a rest and a read by one of the hard working volunteers.

The 'silent' art auction - 12 paintings by 7 local artists.It goes to show art speaks with a heart too ! Thank you for the donations.

Who can resist beautiful, colourful flowers?

It's a swinging time! Youth sharing their talents.

The clown had many fans as he walked around

Paint me beautiful !!

Resident volunteer, James had a hectic time at the White Elephant stall.

Hats off to every one for making it a successful event! Everyone can make a difference.

Pet Positive
email : petpositive@yahoo.com

NASOM (The National Autism Soc. of Malaysia)
4 Jalan Chan Chin Mooi
Off Jalan Pahang, 53200 Kuala Lumpur
tel: + 6 0 3 4022 3744

http://www.nasom.com.my/

Mercy Malaysia

http://www.mercy.org.my/

Pusat Dialisis Good health - NKF
c/0 SVP Conference of Sacred Heart
52, Jalan Peel , 55100 Kuala Lumpur
tel: + 6 0 3 9281 9973

The Nyonya kebaya

Our artisans are the treasures of our Malaysian heritage. Seeing them at work, keeping the traditions alive, makes us proud of them. After all, one's heritage is too precious to be lost .

I chanced upon Kim, a Nyonya kebaya expert at work at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur. The Centre is located in the 'golden triangle' of KL business district. It is one of my favourite places to visit when there are gifts to buy, especially for friends overseas

Kim was taking part in a bridal exhibition. I saw her engrossed at her sewing machine moving the hoop around to embroider some flowers. She hails from Penang and is keeping the tradition of embroidering the Nyonya kebaya alive.

She started as early as age 12 and the business still continues there. 'Dedication is part of the discipline in this job. Of course, loving the craft too'. I couldn't agree more with her. Seeing the wonderful, intricate art before me.

I couldn't take my eyes off the lovely blouses. The colours were so stunning and the work so intricate that mastery of one's art says it all. Mind you, the price tag is hefty but think of the hours spent. Beauty has a price !

The Nyonya kebaya is a glamorous, eye-catching , translucent, figure - hugging embroidered blouse. It is worn with a batik sarong by Peranakan ladies. You can even wear it for formal occasions . The Nyonya kebaya lady completes the look with the cucuk sanggul (hair pin), the kerosang (3 pin brooches) to fasten the kebaya, the silver belt and the beaded shoes.

cucuk sanggul

kerongsang

silver belt

Beaded shoes
(photo credits: cucuk sanggul , kerosang, silver belt , beaded shoe to 'The nyonya kebaya' book by Datin Seri Endon Mahmood)

Exquisite kebaya on a model.

The usual floral motifs are on the collar edges, lapik( 2 triangular front panels that fall over the hips of the wearer) and back. Flowers such as daisies, tulips, roses, chrysanthemums, jasmines and orchids are common motifs besides animal designs like phoenixes and dragons.

Kim is a master embroiderer herself , an art which she has at the tip of her fingers to sew the intricate patterns I saw on the models and hanging on the rack. An apprentice can learn how to sew within 2-3 years but mastery of the skill takes a lifetime!

For some, the Nyonya kebaya form their owner's precious heritage, so they are kept within the family and not loaned to others.

The fabric for the Nyonya kebaya is voile, sheer light weight material which comes in an astounding array of colours. Nowadays, the cost is kept down by using organdie/organza or sheer polyester. High quality cotton , silk threads from Japan, France and Germany are used .

When the patterns are sewn, it is truly a harmony of riotious colours. Colour is very important in determining occasions. The wearer can never fail to get a string of compliments as the Nyonya kebaya accentuates a woman's feminity :)

The finer the cut-work , the more expensive the Nyonya kebaya. Thread scissors do the cut -work process whereby a piece of material is cut out of the fabric after the material has been embrioidered thus creating 'holes'. This helps to emphasize design and translucency of cloth.

I had to go through piles of photos taken years back when I took part ( small !) in a musical play , 'Reunion', staged at the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre in 1994. Those were the heady days when anything was possible!! Here I am with my friends, part of the Peranakan clan.

Me as Jee Chim ( Second Aunt)
Chan Nyim as Mak (Mother)
Wilson as one of the teenage sons of the various members of the Khoo family

A very brief background of the Nyonyas. It is always in the same breath one hears Babas (men) and Nyonyas (women) , when there is mention of this special group of people known as Peranakans.

'Peranakan Cina (Peranakan is a Malay term meaning that a person is native by birth, usually of mixed blood)are a sub- ethnic group of the Chinese community whose culture and lifestyle is a fusion of Chinese and Malay influences.'

Many traders came from China to Malacca, one of the 3 Straits Settlements, former British trading posts. It's hard to know for sure how the Chinese adopted the ways of the Malays to give us a heritage culture of which we know as Baba Nyonya. In the mid 19th till early 20th century ,the Babas and Nyonyas enjoyed the high life and dressing well was required to maintain the status in society . To this day, the culture of the Babas and Nyonyas is very much alive in Malacca, Penang and Singapore.


Reference: the nyonya kebaya
Showcase of nyonya kebayas from the collection
of Datin Seri Endon Mahmood

Kim fashion and trading
Nyonya Kebaya Embroidery
170 -4-77 Gurney Plaza
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 012 490 5900

Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex
Sect. 63 , Jalan Conlay ,50450 Kuala Lumpur

tel: + 6 03 2162 7459
http://www.kraftangan.gov.my