

What is a Recession, Really?
As global markets swing between uncertainty and recovery, the word “recession” is once again creeping into everyday conversation. But what does it really mean, beyond technical jargon? And how does it affect everyday Malaysians? We unpack this with economist Dr Nungsari A. Radhi. Image Credits: Sh…

How to Prepare for Doomsday (and Other Emergencies)
Most Malaysians are one bad flood, one long blackout, or one supply disruption away from realising that they're completely unprepared. And if the Klang Valley floods and pandemic-era emergencies have taught us anything, it's that these things happen, and they happen fast. Tonight, we unpack what yo…

Why is Philosophy Important?
For some, philosophy conjures images of ancient bearded Greeks, dense books and strings of big words that just don’t make sense. They might even think that philosophy is an elite discipline that never escapes the walls of academia. But for others, philosophy can be something far more ordinary and a…

The Disposable Agents of Moscow
In recent years, European governments have uncovered plots involving so‑called “disposable agents” who are operatives sent on one‑off missions and then discarded. They’re expendable, deniable, and replaceable. How are they recruited? What missions do they undertake? And what larger strategy is Mosc…

Ballet in The Modern Age
Actor Timothée Chalamet’s recent remarks dismissing ballet and opera have reignited debate on the relevance of classical art forms in modern society. Does ballet still resonate and connect with today’s audiences? Has it endured as a dance form and method of storytelling? We explore. Image Credits…

Why Malaysians Love Adibah Amin
Most Malaysians will recognise the 90-year-old Adibah Amin as the author of the twice-weekly New Straits Times column in the 1970s and 1980s, “As I Was Passing” (originally published under a pen name, Sri Delima). Recipient of the 1991 Southeast Asian Writers Award, she is also a celebrated novelis…

Why Are Women-Only Spaces Still Important?
Women-only spaces have a long and complex history. From grassroots support groups and domestic violence shelters to professional networks, gyms, book clubs, and online communities. In conjunction with International Women’s Day, we sit down with Zara Riza, owner of the first gentlewomen’s club in KL…

What Stories Lie in The Forgotten Valley of Wang Kelian?
Wang Kelian, located in the north western corner of Perlis and bordering Thailand, is a valley where limestone hills, rare plants, wildlife and stories are waiting to be told. In 2024, a team of conservationists and storytellers embarked on a journey to document its hidden beauty through a project.…

A Skeptic’s Take on the Epstein Files
Early this year, the US Department of Justice released 3.5 million files related to financier, human trafficker and sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, drawing more of us into the Wild West of conspiracy theories. The files confirm what we already know about his crimes, and much of it references high‑pr…

Who Will Win the Cyberwar?
Cyberwarfare is in the spotlight after the US attack on Venezuela. We explore this with Benjamin Ang, comparing it to earlier cases like Stuxnet, and examining what cyber conflict means for both superpowers and small states. Image Credit: Shutterstock