Sunday, 7 December 2025

Author: Julie Ngadan

The hands behind the ‘ngepan’

IN the world of Iban cultural pageantry, where tradition walks the stage and identity is worn with pride, Harryson Unchau is the quiet force behind the scenes. He does not just do makeup – he dresses stories. “For 11 years, I’ve been a makeup artist. But in this world, I

Weaving the soul of ‘bejawang’

At ‘Pekit Kumang Gawai Dayak Stutong 2025’, Sharmin Dara breathed new life into the ancient Iban ritual of ‘bejawang’, stirring the soul of Gawai with her heartfelt performance and deep connection to tradition. The spirit of Gawai, spoken in verse EVERY Gawai season, we talk about tradition. But some traditions

World Football Day: Born to be ultras

Long after the final whistle, the heartbeat of GB13 still echoes — in old videos, faded chants, and the fierce belief of two small boys who never knew its glory days, but carry the dream forward. The legacy lives on On World Football Day, the world doesn’t just honour the

Two hands that shape young lives

Behind the cheerful songs and laughter of preschool children lies a world built on patience, care and dedication — a little world lovingly shaped by two key people: the teacher and the assistant. At Kelas Tabika Perpaduan Taman Matang Jaya, these two hands work in unison, forming one heart. They

Teacher’s Day: Educators by heart, generations apart

This Teachers’ Day, we honour not just those who teach, but those who pass the torch. In two Malaysian families, the calling to educate spans generations – evolving with the times, yet grounded in the same passion, purpose, and heart. Lessons Passed Down, Passions Carried Forward “If you think of

What my students taught me

No two days are ever the same in a teacher’s life. Behind every whiteboard and lesson plan lies a world full of surprises – quiet moments of growth, sudden bursts of emotion, and funny little comments that leave lasting impressions. In honour of Teachers’ Day, we asked several educators to

Mother’s Day: One roof, different faiths, endless love

In a household where faiths differ but love unites, Nur Ervy Deborah Ronnifred Sabin’s journey as a single mother stands as a quiet testament to strength, resilience, and devotion – this Mother’s Day, her story speaks volumes. A journey through faith, family and motherhood EVERY second Sunday in May, the

A Mother’s Day of freedom, self-care

THIS Mother’s Day, imagine having the chance to take a break from your usual responsibilities – no chores, no errands, just a full day to yourself and RM300 to spend however you wish. I asked a few mothers what they would do with this kind of freedom – and their

International Firefighters’ Day: Beyond the flames

They’re called ‘wira merah’ – red heroes who answer when no one else can. On this International Firefighters’ Day, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, reflects on duty, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be ‘Sedia Menyelamat’. Sebuyau: The mission that defined a fire chief EVERY May 4, the world pauses

Labour Day: Mother, maker, manager

This Labour Day, we turn the spotlight on the unpaid, often unseen work that keeps homes – and societies – running. Through the story of Nurismi Ismaili, a mother, entrepreneur and household manager, we explore the true meaning of labour in all its unrecognised forms. Recognising the Labour of Love