Beneath the Surface: Exploring Malaysia’s Caves

From the karst hills of Perlis to the depths of Sarawak, Malaysia’s caves hold stories millions of years in the making. We speak to Zarris Kem — cave explorer, environmentalist, and mapper — about the wonders beneath our feet, and what they reveal about nature, culture, and the urgent need for cons…

Wild, Wild Orchids of Malaysia

Orchids may not be our national flower, but with over 3,000 species found across Malaysia - and some only found here - one wonders if there should be more attention and appreciation for these flowers. On this episode of Made in Malaysia, we speak to orchidologist Prof Dr Rusea Go from Universiti Pu…

The Pensol, Holding Culture in Sound

Played through a single nostril and carved from bamboo, the pensol carries sound, memory, and ceremony in the lives of the Semai and Orang Asli communities. So we dive into the pensol’s origins, the rituals it’s tied to, and how it continues to breathe life, into cultural preservation and expressio…

The Powerful Fruits of Indigenous Sarawak

Sarawak's rich biodiversity creates the perfect environment for indigenous fruits to flourish. From the tangy sweetness of dabai to the bold flavor of engkala and the countless breeds of wild durian, these fruits are more than just delicious—they’re packed with cultural significance and unique heal…

Designing Unique Malaysian Board Games

What sets Malaysian board games apart in the global tabletop scene? From initial concepts and theme development to mechanics and player experience, we sit down with board game designer Goh Choon Ean to learn about her process of bringing a unique idea to life from inception to gameplay. Image C…

How Malaysia’s Night Markets Fuel Micro Enterprises

Ahead of the United Nations World Micro SME day on the 27th of June, we wanted to spotlight Malaysia’s beloved night markets. Behind the colourful stalls and sizzling street food lies a powerful economic engine driven by micro and small entrepreneurs and we explore their real impact on our economy.…

The Story of Lt. Adnan, Pasir Panjang and the Malay Regiment

We go back to 1933, when the British formed the Malay Regiment – not as recognition of local strength, but as an experiment. Could Malay men, seen as unfit for modern warfare, serve the empire as soldiers? If you know your history, you’ll know they did. In 1942, they held the line at Pasir Panjang,…

The Layers of Malay Kuih

You’ve probably walked past a stall and seen trays of colourful, bite-sized kuih in all shapes and sizes. You might not know all their names or where they even come from, but you do know they taste good, and that they pair well with a hot cup of teh. But what exactly makes kuih, kuih? How do recipe…

Reviving Potehi: Penang’s Puppet Theatre Legacy

We take a closer look at one of Penang’s most unique and captivating art forms - Potehi, or Chinese glove puppet theatre. With its carved wooden puppets, rich storytelling, and musical flair, it's a tradition that has entertained communities for generations. But how did it get here, and what does i…

Marching Through Memory: Military History Tourism in Malaysia

When we think of tourism, most of us imagine beaches, food, or cultural landmarks — not battlefields. But Malaysia has a rich and often overlooked military past, from World War II to the Emergency and beyond. Major Jamaluddin Hassan, a veteran and Deputy President of the Malaysia Military History T…