Floating on a Malayan Breeze–Malaysia Book Launch, Nov 10th in KL

Dear friends, I will be launching my book, Floating on a Malayan Breeze, in KL on November 10th. We’ve already had two events each in Hong Kong and Singapore, but this one could be the most interesting and exciting, as it’s my first Malaysia event. Over the past few years, whenever I’ve been up to Malaysia to speak about the region, some in the audience … Continue reading Floating on a Malayan Breeze–Malaysia Book Launch, Nov 10th in KL

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 28, 2012Leave a comment

Identity

Diamonds, Gold and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa

I’ve just finished this excellent book by Martin Meredith, and thought I might record some choice quotes and passages. For future reference. “It often strikes a man to inquire what is the chief good in life; to one the thought comes that it is a happy marriage, to another great wealth, and as each seizes on his idea, for that he more or less works … Continue reading Diamonds, Gold and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 22, 2012October 23, 2012Leave a comment

Democracy, Malaysia, Singapore

Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka (Ten years before independence)

A wonderful short documentary looking at post-war independence movements in Malaya. The good old days of a nascent democracy. Chinese/Indians/Malays coming together to kick out the British colonialists. The part around 19:50 is particularly relevant in terms of contemporary race relations. Very exciting to see more and more perspectives on our countries’ histories. Click here to watch it. Here’s the official description: October 20th, 1947 … Continue reading Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka (Ten years before independence)

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 22, 2012October 22, 2012Leave a comment

FOMB Book Blog, Malaysia, Singapore

Singapore Business Times’ review of Floating on a Malayan Breeze

Sharon Cheah Ui-Hoon wrote this review. Alongside the review, I got a grade of “B+” for the book. Which made me feel like I’m in school again, receiving my report card from the teacher. Except Sharon’s a fellow author. Check out her book, Malaysia Bagus!. Continue reading Singapore Business Times’ review of Floating on a Malayan Breeze

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 19, 2012October 28, 20122 Comments

FOMB Book Blog, Malaysia, Singapore

Interview with RTHK about Floating on a Malayan Breeze

Dear friends, when I was in HK, a radio show interviewed me on my book. Specifically, looking at and comparing the different socio-economic systems that Malaysia and Singapore have pursued: equality of outcomes in the former; equality of opportunities in the latter. You can listen to the interview here. (scroll down slightly on the page) Continue reading Interview with RTHK about Floating on a Malayan Breeze

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 18, 2012October 18, 2012Leave a comment

Cycling, FOMB Book Blog, Identity, Indian, Malaysia, Singapore

Extract from Floating on a Malayan Breeze: The Straits Times, Oct 13th 2012

Dear friends, for those who missed the extract in The Straits Times this past weekend, click on the image below. Or, if you’d rather just read the extract right here, here it is. From pages 173-76 of the book: Your first instinct, when approaching the back of a truck while riding downhill, is to slam on the brakes, ratchet down the speed, and play it … Continue reading Extract from Floating on a Malayan Breeze: The Straits Times, Oct 13th 2012

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 16, 2012October 16, 20121 Comment

FOMB Book Blog, Malaysia, Singapore

The Online Citizen’s review of Floating on a Malayan Breeze

A friend wrote this. Concise, well-written and balanced–mentioning both the good and the bad. Look forward to more reviews! Please click here to read it. Continue reading The Online Citizen’s review of Floating on a Malayan Breeze

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 7, 2012October 28, 2012Leave a comment

FOMB Book Blog, Malaysia, Singapore

Floating on a Malayan Breeze at the HK Literary Festival

Dear friends, I will be talking about my book, Floating on a Malayan Breeze, at two events this week in Hong Kong. Quite exciting, really, the first time I’m going abroad to talk about the book. If you happen to be in Hong Kong, or if you know any “Malayans” living there who might be keen to attend, do share this page with them. Details … Continue reading Floating on a Malayan Breeze at the HK Literary Festival

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 7, 2012October 28, 20123 Comments

FOMB Book Blog, Malaysia, Singapore

Book reading: 5pm, Oct 6th, Fost Gallery, Gillman Barracks

Dear friends, for those who missed the launch of my book, Floating on a Malayan Breeze, I would like to invite you to a book reading on Saturday, Oct 6th. The venue is wonderful: Fost Gallery, in the revamped Gillman Barracks area, displays pieces from local artists–very “Malayan”. Moreover, there will be fabulous free drinks!: Su Lynn, a mixologist from Big Easy Lifestyle, will be mixing … Continue reading Book reading: 5pm, Oct 6th, Fost Gallery, Gillman Barracks

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 2, 2012October 28, 2012Leave a comment

Art, Creativity, Cycling, FOMB Book Blog, Malaysia, Singapore

My first ever book launch: The Ups and Downs

Dear friends, thanks for all the support and encouragement. It’s still a bit surreal holding my very first book in my hands. In some ways, it seems like just yesterday that Sumana Rajarethnam, my best friend, and I were telling people that we wanted to cycle around Malaysia on RM10/day, and most responded that we’re nuts. But the anguish and self-doubt we went through then … Continue reading My first ever book launch: The Ups and Downs

Sudhir Thomas VadakethOctober 1, 2012October 2, 2012Leave a comment