Author: Valentine Tawie Salok

Discover the flavors of India at Bombay Sedap

If you find yourself in the vibrant, bustling area of Metrocity Boulevard, Matang, Kuching, there’s one destination you simply cannot miss — Bombay Sedap, a northern Indian restaurant that’s making waves for its authentic flavours and heartwarming hospitality. Strategically located at No.1, Jalan Metrocity Boulevard, directly opposite the Metrocity Megamall,

Farewell to USM: A New Chapter

By early March 1979, I was focused on leaving Penang’s USM campus and heading home. It had been a wonderful four years with two years spent renting a unit at No. 25, Pantai Jerjak. In December 1978, I received a letter offering me a teaching position at SMK Three Rivers,

Fond memories of Year 4 at USM

AFTER two years of renting at No. 25, Pantai Jerjak, I finally moved back to the USM campus in Minden, Pulau Pinang, and was assigned to stay at Block 316, Desa A.  It was a fine abode, as I had stayed in a similar longhouse block during my first year.

A Journey of growth from observing to teaching

Teaching Practice, though at the bottom of the preference list, was a compulsory component of Education studies. After completing our first-year studies in Education, we were assigned to several selected schools in Penang to undergo Teaching Practice. I was posted to St. Xavier’s Institution, where several Primary Five classes eagerly

Artistic adventures and academic achievements

WHEN our first-year exam results were announced, I was quite surprised to find myself in the top ten for Humanities studies. I recall Zulwali Kifli Merawi, my friend and fellow Federal Scholarship holder, a trained teacher at Batu Lintang Teachers College with several years of teaching experience, came in third. 

Iban bards and their fine language skills

Since time immemorial, the Iban bards have been given kudos for their fine language skills. These skills are apparent when this group of elders perform chants and incantations during various rituals they are tasked to complete. In the incantations of ‘Timang Jalung’ (Bowl Appraisal or Praises done during Gawai Antu

Federal scholarship, a life-changing opportunity

On June 27, 1975, I signed the Federal Scholarship Agreement at the state’s Federal Office in Kuching, accompanied by Uncle Musa Giri (now Datuk), my surety and first guarantor. He was then the Principal Assistant Secretary of the Welfare Department. Tun Jugah, who was the Minister of Sarawak Affairs in

Choosing between Law and Education

BY early December of 1974, our group of Upper Six Arts students was ready to disband and part ways. I had to bid farewell to a few good friends among the boys and girls in my class.  The nearly two years of bonding we shared was something I could not

Academic achievements and memories of school friendships

IN 1972, after completing the Senior Cambridge School Examination, I resided at No. 16A, Tong Sang Road in Sibu with my brother Edward’s family. Following a brief stint as a coolie at Sarawak House in mid-December, I left the job after receiving two weeks’ pay just before Christmas. On Christmas

Makansari: Culinary delights and cultural unity

At Lot 14112, Section 65, KTLD, Jalan Matang, here in Metrocity, Kuching, you just can’t miss the popular Makansari Food Street. It is bustling during the day and even busier at night. Makansari offers a mix of Western and Eastern dishes. The main outlet, Charcoal & Grill, and stalls offer