“Spread fame far and wide.” With a grand vision in mind, Yeo Kian Lam set up a book rental shop—Yang Trading and Books Company. Officially launched on 27th October 1978, after almost half a century, it is the last remaining traditional book rental shop in the town of Batu Pahat. Lining the walls are eight-foot-tall bookshelves, displaying a vast array of books, predominantly martial arts...
Original Stories from Across Malaysia
UNINESS documents Malaysia's traditional trades, food heritage, historic places, communities, religious practices, and cultural memories through original field interviews, photography, writing, and documentary video.
Lion Dance craft and culture in Ipoh
It’s 7PM in the city of limestone peaks — Ipoh, the air is still damp after rain. A bunch of eager youths gather at the space in front of the row of shophouses in which Zhong Shen Trading nestled. After bringing out various props, they start practicing basic martial arts and lion dance moves under the guidance of Master Teh Wing Liang, then proceeding to...
Kapok Pillow in Penang
Pillows, bolsters, baby cots et cetera are stuffed with kapok, whose natural fibres provide soft and breathable comfort for a good night’s sleep. The craft of making kapok-filled bedding goods is passed down from generation to generation, spreading from Bishop Street to Church Street in Georgetown, Penang. Two brothers, Teh Soon Seng and Teh Soon Teik, are the third generation to continue their family legacy,...