Category: Passionate Livings

More than a year passed since the outbreak of Covid-19 and implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO), a life-changing roller coaster ride for everyone. From worrying about getting infected, lack of income, to gradually returning to work, and getting used to the new normal standard operating procedures (SOP), our dear 10 uncles and aunties remain optimistic. Regardless of the situation, life goes on, they put on a brave face and take strong strides forward.

During the first phase of MCO, most economic sectors ceased operations temporarily. Uncles and aunties took this opportunity to have a good rest, bonding with family members while staying at home. Leisure time can also be spent in a productive way, such as trying out new things and learning new skills. They work on keeping the mind active in order to avoid laziness and procrastination.

As the numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases are reined in, and MCO rules eased, certain economic sectors are allowed to reopen with SOP compliance. Despite footfall decline due to various travel restrictions, as well as difficulty in forecasting consumer spending habits, this decision sparked hopes as they could escape from boredom and income dilemma. Even as uncles and aunties return to work with anticipation and anxiety, suffering from revenue losses, they intend to work as long as they could, and to improve gradually.

The spike in cases nearing Chinese New Year resulted in tightened MCO restrictions, wanderers were unable to return home for family reunion. Fighting the Covid-19 pandemic remains the top priority, therefore uncles and aunties had to suppress their familial longings. Each celebrate Chinese New Year at their current place of residence, gathering via videocalls. Even though they were unable to visit each other, social distancing does not cut off family relationships. An occasional phone call, a greeting, brings along warm wishes.

The Covid-19 pandemic brought upon changes in our daily lives, a constant battle is still being waged. Our ten dear uncles and aunties shift their life perspectives, accept responsibility in preventing the spread of Covid-19, and carry on with their various labours. Their perseverance in uncertain times is much admirable, patiently march towards the future with unwavering steps.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang / Michael Lerk
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
Music : 《Romantic Piano》 / 《Beautiful Inspiring Piano With Strings》

COPYRIGHTS 2021 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

“I’m grateful for the continual support, otherwise my 40-year family legacy will end.”

Before successfully halting the spread of Covid-19 infections, Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) is continually being extended, albeit at different levels. It is unlikely the MCO will be fully lifted anytime soon, having a negative socioeconomic impact on the population. Over the past year, people struggled to make a living. Being involved in traditional trades, our 10 interviewees are disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

Be it decades-old family trades or entrepreneurship, our dear uncles and aunties formed strong social connections within their community. Some of them set up shop on the main street of their respective towns, their regular customers being familiar faces; some of them became time-honoured shops, attracting both local and foreign tourists. During MCO, formerly bustling streets emptied, footfall and traffic decreased. As restrictions eased, reopened businesses suffered huge decline in revenue; those still under extended temporary closure had no income at all.

The previously implemented vehicle passenger limit and interdistrict travel ban, alongside with roadblocks on major roads and highways, causing local residents to spend extra resources and time in commuting to work. Though effective in containing virus transmission across regions, the current interstate travel ban exerts substantial harm to various livelihoods of the populace. The lack of outstation tourists weakened economic activities of attraction towns, particularly local specialty foods and traditional handcrafts. In conjunction with festivals, those who work or study in other regions could not return to their hometown for family gatherings. Senior citizens who still dwell in rural places could only express their longing for family through phone calls.

The prevalence of smartphone use, as well as social media networks, has changed the way of human interaction and businesses. Products could be sold online without the necessity of a physical store. However, technological advancement has its shortcomings. There are a number of people who are technologically illiterate, online commerce is beyond their capabilities. Struggling to meet the dispatch time set by online selling platforms, and worrying about potential customers making enquiries in foreign languages, are challenges faced by one-person businesses. Moreover, most of the elderly are in semi-retirement, only working to pass time. They intend to work as long as they could, without expecting to make great profit.

Each community has a shared future, only by mutual help and care can we get rid of the dilemma caused by the pandemic. Dear uncles and aunties face setbacks with optimism, steadily march ahead while keeping hopes alive for a better tomorrow.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang / Michael Lerk
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
Music : 《Emotional Epic Movie 2》 / 《Simple Inspiring Piano》 / 《Piano》

COPYRIGHTS 2021 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

“Since the implementation of MCO a year ago, times were somewhat hard. The most crucial thing now is being able to earn a living, and stay healthy.”

One year ago, the government declared a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, it aroused anxiety among common folks, as their daily toil either face strict restraints or temporary closure. Over the past year, the government tighten or loosen restrictions according to the rising or flattening of the infection curve. As the epidemic situations vary across all states, some people headed back to work under the new normal, while others are yet to resume their work.

10 interviewees, hailing from northern, central, and southern regions, each facing different challenges which we compiled into three short films. They work in different sectors, namely services, light manufacturing, and eateries, all being traditional trades severely affected by the pandemic. For instance, the ferry service between Negeri Sembilan and Selangor was suspended due to interstate travel ban, the ferryman felt helpless; others such as moisturising powder manufacturing, wooden clogs making, shoes repairing service, and eateries have a choice whether to operate or not, depending on the current regulations; whereas pineapple plantation, considered as basic needs, was least affected and operations were as usual.

This time around, even though lacking the warmth of face-to-face communication, they are still keen on sharing. We reunite with dear uncles and aunties via video chat, and listen to their past year’s journey, of which they had a lot on their minds. Their routine of life being disrupted, boredom at home proved to be tough. Even after resuming business in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP), the reduced crowd caused a drastic drop in business volume.

The Covid-19 virus poses an invisible threat to public health, especially the elderly and people with weak immune system are at higher risk. Our dear uncles and aunties are aware that good personal hygiene habit is innegligible, hence taking actions to prevent the spread of the virus: wear face masks, wash hands regularly, practice social distancing. It is important to fulfill civic responsibility, for the sakes of families and neighbourhoods, although adapting to the new normal SOP is troublesome, they try to minimise outings and gatherings.

Social distancing may limit human interactions, however solicitude is always present. The transition from face-to-face communication to video chat may sometimes be interrupted by technical problems such as network connection error, lagging image, phone battery low etc., adding a fun touch to their adjustment to a different communication style. Getting in touch with them again after a long period of separation, enquiring about each other’s well-being, reminiscing fond memories, and enjoying tender affections.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang / Michael Lerk
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Copywriter : Pua Hui Wen
Music : 《Sentimental》 / 《Romantic Wedding》 / 《Emotional Cinematic Trailer》

COPYRIGHTS 2021 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

“Uncle, aunty, please do a brief introduction.” The usual warm-up question starts the conversation, bringing us closer, ready for a narrative. There are also a series of impromptu incidents which caught us off-guard.

The personae worked hard for the better part of their lives, adept in their daily job routines. They hardly appear on camera, therefore inevitably become anxious or shy. Some of them may usually be talkative but suddenly tongue-tied, some of them may be inarticulate but dauntless, some of them are eloquent whether on or off camera, some of them are impatient and always hasten, some of them simply take it easy and nonchalant. 

In the process of filming, unexpected interventions often occur, however these are the most genuine aspects in life. Some blunders may be hilarious, some interruptions may be humorous. The way of life itself is most probably the only script. They are amiable and welcome us with smiles. Seeing a group of youths busying themselves with all sorts of equipment, they even became curious. These fresh encounters may be new for them, nevertheless their valuable life experiences are worth learning from.

With consent, they gladly share their stories while we listen attentively. Take a walk in their shoes, documenting events and things around them. Conversing with the personae in narrow shoplots, squatting along streetside business to carry out interviews, persisting to film despite heavy smoke which brought tears to the eyes, following them into forests or sailing out to sea, entering a community to build friendships.

A short self introduction accommodates different local customs. The personae acquire skills throughout their journey in life, leading a stable and modest lifestyle, facing challenges with optimism, generously sharing their stories with us.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Whistle & Clap from YouTube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Food does not only satisfy biological needs by curbing hunger, but also brings along social connection, forging bonds between people through having meals together. Food habits reflect regional cultures, where diverse living environments nurture particular tastes and cooking methods. From simple daily meals, to seasonal fine dishes, or commonplace delicacies, each type of food plays a crucial role within a family or society. 

Food is a necessity, yet food acquisition depends on the locality of its origin. Regional food culture is formed around food availability, for instance seaside inhabitants fish in the ocean, make belacan, or involve in clam aquaculture; whereas inland folks cultivate land or gather edible food in the wilderness. Food and beverages entrepreneuring is the most ordinary practice, from operating home-based workshops to hawker stalls, or managing retail outlets, they insist on using genuine ingredients, focusing on food quality, and working hard to make ends meet. 

The food we grow up eating is associated with warm personal feelings, each bite we taste contains fond memories. Chinese forefathers who emigrated overseas in the early days preserved their native food culture and its context. For instance when Hainanese rice dumplings are consumed during fortunate times, it locks in good luck; when consumed in misfortune, it wards away bad luck. Chinese New Year rice cakes symbolize good prospects; FuZhou Peace Eggs bear hopes for the safety of the entire family; traditional Hokkien bridal cookies——Mua Lao and Lao Huei, all being familiar relishes and collective memories, passing on the legacy of food culture.

As lifestyles change over time, prevailing tastes also alter, moreover some ingredients were hard to source or barely tolerated by the general public, with onerous and complex procedures, these factors caused several authentic traditional dishes to become eliminated. Manchuria Lard Cake is one of them. Being health-conscious and tend to consume low-sugar and low-fat food, the younger generation could not accept its rich and velvety authentic taste, only the older generation FuZhou folks appreciate it. Due to having left their native land or being separated with their beloved family, upon tasting the familiar delicacies, they are filled with nostalgia. 

On the other hand, there are people who stood firmly by traditional food, utilizing ancient wisdom, retaining basic procedures to preserve the authentic taste. They improve from performing the same tasks repeatedly, striving for perfection from the tedious procedures. For instance the kiln roasted pork and charcoal roasted coffee, working with flames and fumes, years of experience is crucial in quality control; soft and smooth tofu is strenuously produced under high temperature and humidity. 

Food and society, the dishes laid on the table are full of flavours, yet indescribable.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Calm Wind from AShamaluevMusic – YouTube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

“Work until I’m unable to.”

Often uttered by many, this is one of the most common answers. It may sound carefree, yet containing traces of desolation. Our heroes worked hard for the better part of their lives, their lifelong careers integrated with their everyday doings, blurring the lines between. From taking their own initiatives to being under another’s influence, from reluctance to inheritance, each tells their own stories about the vicissitudes of an era, and of transitioning into a new era. Before being phased out, they stayed to their duties steadfastly, working until they no longer could. 

Their spirit and attitude towards life makes it no longer clear whether work is a way to sustain life, or life is just an extension of work. Leaving behind marks in ordinary life, mastering a trade for their entire lives, the warmth and coldness of humanity a testimony to their wisdom. Always keeping in mind the merits of forefathers, without expectations for the younger generations to inherit, they understand that times change. Rather than being dejected, it would be better to say that they have undergone an era trudging in mud. They are passionate about their work and expertise at it, yet discreetly blending in with the surroundings of a simple life. 

“Work until I’m unable to.” A seemingly casual statement, however with far deeper meanings attached. It sustains life by promoting motivation, providing an outlet for yearnings, and affirming capabilities. They chose resilience over “work” and “inability”, regardless of tough times and advancing age. They are happy to be working, whenever they receive commendations, their faces are lit with satisfaction. Although traditional industries may face elimination and become a thing of the past, they remain in the same old place, working with professional familiarity, until the day they no longer could. 

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Documentary

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

We are born unto the embrace of Mother Nature, accepting her gracious blessings. We thrive upon her benevolence, hydrating the earth, providing us with food; boundless oceans, rich with resources. Meanwhile, a group of people live close with Nature, they form intimate bonds with the earth and the sea. Mother Nature blessed them with harvests and revenue. They plant crops in agricultural lands, gather edible plants in the wilderness, involve in coastal aquaculture, fishing in the deep sea, adhering to natural life patterns. 

They worked tirelessly, pursuing a single career path, sticking to their duties for the better part of their lives, bustling around farms and forests, taking a plunge among tides and oceans. They rely upon Mother Nature to make a living, yet at times grapple with Mother Nature. They are skilled in steering, coping with unpredictable weather and environmental changes. They bend with respect, accepting daily challenges to coexist with Nature. 

Despite exhaustion and setbacks, they do not hesitate to make the best out of it. With environmental virtue and reverence for the ocean, they look upon each harvest as a blessing. They humbly describe themselves as insignificant, often overlooking their great contributions. At times they take risks regardless of their own safety, grasping each opportunity no matter at what expense. They led simple and contented lives, caring tenderly for seeds sown to plant vigorous crops albeit shortchanging themselves.

Mother Nature is the source of all lives and nutrients, in each land and plantation, each valley and forest, each river and ocean, there are farmers and fishermen who toiled ceaselessly to supply us with fruits and vegetables, fish and meat, and food for our tables. They may appear inconspicuous, or drowned in commotion, disregarding their age spots and dark marks, they discreetly compose a story of co-existence with Mother Nature

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Copywriter : Daniel Lim
Voice Over : Andrew Kee
Music : Romantic Piano & Strings from AShamaluevMusic – YouTube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Touching the hearts of listeners without melodious tunes, reticent amid chaos, living a peaceful life. Be it in forests and fields, on rivers and oceans, or in the streets and lanes, they could be found addressing various needs of the people with their expertise; selflessly contributing to the living environment, family, and society. These diligent tradespeople, through quality products or exceptional service full of human touch, pass on the legacy of cultural heritage. 

Forefathers who emigrated to Malaysia in the early days experienced a long period of scarce resources and poor standards of living, most of them making a living by land cultivation or handicraft. Despite harsh conditions, they trudged on without slacking instead of retreating in fear. Some of them developed a passion for the industry under constant influence, and continue to carry forward the spirit; some of them inherited expertise from the previous generation, preserving the quality and passing on the skills; some of them adapt to times transformation, thinking out of the box to pursue innovative ways.

In the ever-changing present lifestyle, most people value speed and convenience, subsequently some industries are facing a dilemma, especially tedious work performed under difficult situations. Younger generations are less interested in traditional handiwork, unwilling to take on dull work or skills that are less profitable, causing some traditions and culture to be nearly extinct after centuries of inheritance. Tradespeople who dedicated the better part of their lives to their work inevitably feel worried about the probable loss of heritage.

Trickling streams merge into rivers and oceans, each drop of laborious sweat may seem insignificant, yet full of vigour. Relentlessly abiding by their duties, they undertake the responsibility of cultural transmission. Together we listen and stand witness to these arduous trails.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Copywriter : Daniel Lim
Music : Jamesvmusic

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD