Singapore’s population policies: Book extract in the New Straits Times, Nov 5th 2012
Ahead of my book launch in KL this Saturday, Malaysia’s New Straits Times (NST) has published an excerpt from my book, Floating on a Malayan Breeze, today. Over the past few weeks, NUS Press, one of my co-publishers, and I had been lobbying the Malaysian media channels, trying to get them to feature us. Last week, NST confirmed the passage they would like to run. … Continue reading Singapore’s population policies: Book extract in the New Straits Times, Nov 5th 2012
Op-ed in Malaysiakini today: Peaceful revolutions in Malaysia and Singapore
Below is an Op-ed I published in Malaysiakini today. 
Steven Gan, one of the founders of Malaysiakini, has become a friend over the years. He is one of the interviewees in my book, Floating on a Malayan Breeze, in the section where I discuss Malaya’s changing media landscape (pp. 98-102).
For Malaysiakini subscribers, do access the Op-ed directly on their site here.
For others, you can read it here:
The peaceful revolutions in Malaysia and Singapore Continue reading “Op-ed in Malaysiakini today: Peaceful revolutions in Malaysia and Singapore”
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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