Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is widely recognised as a period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection among Muslims worldwide. From dawn until sunset, we abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, purifying the soul, fostering self-discipline, and deepening our respective connections with Allah. This month is also traditionally associated with self-reflection, heightened devotion, and acts of charity, which align closely with core Islamic values. In recent years though, observers have noted a shift in how Ramadhan is practiced with greater commercialisation, particularly over-consumption […]

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It isn’t easy to imagine modern life without smartphones. For many of us, particularly young people, these devices are almost always within arm’s reach, with messages and updates that seem impossible to ignore. They have changed how we talk to friends, learn, and even spend idle moments like waiting in queue for coffee.   In many ways, smartphones behave like a “hedonic treadmill” for the digital age. Each ping provides a brief jolt of novelty or validation, yet that feeling fades swiftly and leaves us wanting the next notification. Jonathan Haidt, […]

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In the Malay Peninsula, fabrics hold the essence of a people’s identity, linking the present to a rich past. Batik, songket, and Peranakan embroidery carry stories of culture, tradition, and the endurance of communities. These materials serve as vessels of cultural memory, preserving and conveying the identity, power, and resistance that have shaped the region.   Culture and Identity  Fabrics reflect the deep connection to nature and the unique cultural heritage of the Malay peninsula.

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