What’s All The Buzz About Bees?

What comes to mind when you picture a bee? You’re probably thinking of a fuzzy, winged insect with black and yellow stripes. But bumblebees only make up a small fraction of known bee species. In fact, recent estimates show that there could be over 26,000 species of bees, of which thousands remain u…

What is Tekat?

Tekat embroidery has been part of Malay cultural heritage for centuries, traditionally associated with royal courts, ceremonial textiles, and generations of artisans who have carefully passed the craft down through matrilineal knowledge and practice. But how does a traditional art form like this co…

Strait of Hormuz: Why This Narrow Waterway Matters to the World

Over the past couple of months, the Strait of Hormuz has been in the news every single day because of escalating tensions in the region due to the US and Israel’s illegal military attack on Iran. In response, Iran chose to close the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil shipments passing…

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…