“Despite coming from various backgrounds, people here use their gardens in similar ways to express gratitude, generosity and devotion. It’s something truly special that I haven’t seen much written in other cities.”-Melody Lynch, a Canadian researcher and a geographer from McGill University, Montreal, Canada DEAR friends, I am glad that
“Men are like wine. Some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” – Pope John XXIII MY friends, I had bento for lunch at my second grandson’s birthday party yesterday. Yes, Kenji turned one on January 24, 2026, and my son, Tzen, and his wife, Amelia, threw a party
“She’s a king, a queen, a warrior, a woman, a leader, a rebel; my mother, my teacher, my bestie, my partner, my Inspiration, my mommy … thank you is too weak of a word! I celebrate you every day!” – American singer and songwriter, Alicia Keys on her mother MY
When I was young and growing up in Sibu, dabai, often called ‘Sarawak olive’ or ‘Borneo olive’ was part of my diet. Dabai, known as ‘Canarium odontophyllum’ botanically, is a unique, seasonal tropical fruit from Borneo. It has a dark skin, cream yellow flesh and nutty flavour. Whenever the fruits
Happy and prosperous 2026 to all friends who are reading my column today. How time flies! A while ago, we were looking forward to December 31, 2025. Now January 4, 2026 is already here. Oh, how was January 1, 2026 for you? Personally, I always look forward to the first
“Men are like wine. Some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.” – Pope John XXIII I had a memorable Christmas Day this year because I attended the double birthday celebration of Terisa Jose, the wife of my nephew, Ah Kiong, and her mother, Mary Mungam. Imagine being
HAPPY Dongzhi (Winter Solstice) Festival to all my Chinese friends and Merry Christmas to all my Christian friends. Today, Chinese all over the world are celebrating the Dongzhi Festival with family feasts, ancestor worship and eating ‘tangyuan’ (glutinous rice balls) for togetherness. It is also a time to reflect on
“Pure water is the world’s first and foremost medicine.” – British actress, Audrey Hepburn LAST Thursday night (Dec. 11), I was happy to be home early after a long day in the office. “Okay, let me wash the dogs’ bowls and the unwashed crockery and cutlery in the sink first,”
‘When we are generous in welcoming people and sharing something with them …not only do we no longer remain poor: we are enriched.’ – Pope Francis I received a bag of rambutans from a neighbour who lived opposite my house a few days ago and was deeply touched and surprised
“From our experiences in Sabah and previously in Sarawak, such as the incident in Baram, Sarawak, we’ve learned the importance of continuous preparedness training.” – Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. LAST Thursday afternoon, I was checking grocery items in a supermarket after a good