Eugene Quah

is an independent researcher and writer who is working on a book tentatively called “Illustrated Guide to the North Coast of Penang”. He rediscovered the joys of writing after moving back to Penang.

40 posts

From Bukit Meriam to Bukit Penjara: Retracing the Landscape of Ancient Kedah

10 min read

When the island of Srai (ไทร)—meaning “banyan tree” in Siamese—had just become attached to the mainland, forming what we now know as Mount Jerai, the king of this ancient land of Kedah embarked on a coastal expedition.

by Eugene Quah & Rexy Prakash Chacko

The Bougainvillea’s Odyssey: A Tale of Science and Romance Across the Seas

7 min read

The bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) is a common ornamental shrub found throughout Malaysia. Though native to the Americas, it has taken root across the tropics, including in every state in Malaysia, thanks to its hardy nature.

by Eugene Quah

From Fortress to Frolic: The Tragic Fable of Fort Batu Maung

11 min read

With the fort’s history now tangled in commercial entertainment, its actual story has become increasingly unclear. Using declassified top-secret British and Australian military reports, this article reconstructs what really happened.

by Eugene Quah

Keeping Penang’s Story Real in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

11 min read

This article discusses the ethical implications of using AI-enhanced and AI-generated imagery in historical storytelling, particularly on social media.

by Eugene Quah