Fists Across the Sea: Wing Chun and Buah Pukul Lian
6 min read
IT IS COMMON knowledge that there are overlaps between various martial arts systems. By design, we have two hands and…
The Art of Cindai: A Piece of Cloth that Can Save Your Life
5 min read
The roots of cindai can be traced back to the weft ikat technique introduced to the Malay world by Indian and Arab traders in the 14th or 15th century.
Bukit Kota & Bukit Indera Muda: A Former Socio-Political Centre
6 min read
Exploring Bukit Kota and Bukit Indera Muda reveals overlooked traces of Kedahan political power and Sumatran connections on Penang’s mainland—linking Tunku Sulaiman’s legacy, ancient trade routes, and a deeper history of Malay settlements in Seberang Perai.
Penang Malays: The Founders of Modern Sepak Takraw
7 min read
IN 2018, as I watched the Sepak Takraw League (STL) final between the Penang Black Panthers and the ATM Guardians…
Malay Houses in Penang: Circa 1900
3 min read
*Images from Marcus Langdon Collection.
MALAYS IN PENANG traditionally lived inland or along the coast, depending on their livelihoods. This…
Silat Pulut: An Essential Malay Martial Art and Performance
4 min read
Silat in the Malay language refers to martial arts, similar to how Wushu means martial techniques in Chinese.
Mapping Islamic Education in Penang
5 min read
THE ROOTS OF Islamic education in Malaysia date back to the 13th century, with the arrival of Islam through trade…