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On This Day -- 15 February 1942

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On this day in 1942, Singapore fell. After just over two months of relentless advance down the peninsula, Japanese forces completed their occupation of Malaya with the Allied surrender in Singapore on 15 February 1942 . What began with landings in northern Malaya on 8 December 1941 ended in one of the most shocking defeats in British military history . Malaya, then under British administration, had fallen piece by piece. Towns in the north were overrun first. Defensive lines collapsed. The belief that the British Empire was invincible in the East was shattered. The surrender on 15 February was more than a military event. It marked the end of British rule — at least for a time — and the beginning of a harsh and uncertain new chapter under Japanese occupation. But history often turns in unexpected ways. The fall of Malaya and Singapore broke the aura of colonial superiority. It changed how people in this region saw power, authority and their own future. In the years that followed, th...

Memori Anak Gen-X #2

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The Legacy Of Tunku Abdul Rahman At Muzium Negara

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  Looking for something meaningful to do with friends and family? The “ Tunku Negarawan Ulung: Pengasas Negara Bangsa ” exhibition is now open at the National Museum until 29 March -- and it’s absolutely worth your time. This exhibition takes you on a powerful journey through our nation’s early days, highlighting the leadership, wisdom and unity championed by #Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj , the man who laid the foundations of an independent and harmonious #Malaysia . From rare archival materials to historical documents, it’s a chance to really understand how our nation was built -- on tolerance, justice and consensus. Open daily 9am–5pm, it’s educational, inspiring, and a great reminder of why unity still matters today. Perfect for the younger generation too. Bring your parents, your kids, your friends -- let’s reconnect with our #History and rekindle that patriotic spirit. Jumpa di #muziumnegara !

Remembering Sandiwara, Long Before Michelle Yeoh

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The internet is buzzing over the short film 'Sandiwara', written and directed by Sean Baker , starring Michelle Yeoh . The film is already being praised for its quiet intensity, elegant storytelling, and Yeoh’s magnetic presence. It’s set to premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February, 2026 -- a perfect showcase for a work that proves how powerful simplicity and subtlety can be on screen. But for me, the word sandiwara will always mean something else. Long before streaming platforms and viral shorts, 'Sandiwara' was the name of a beloved Malay drama series on Singapore television that ran from the 1970s through the ’90s. While Malaysia had 'Drama Minggu Ini', Singapore had 'Sandiwara'. For many of us growing up in that era, it was appointment viewing -- the kind of show the whole family quietly gathered around after dinner. One of the key figures behind the series was Bani Buang -- director, producer, and widely regarded as...

Ol' Skool Makan #19: Ikan Bakar Muara Sg Duyung, Melaka -- Where Fresh Seafood Meets Old Legends

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The last time we hit this legendary spot was way back in Ramadan 2011 -- our second consecutive year berbuka here, because once you get hooked, you’re hooked. But securing a seat? That’s a whole different adventure. Since they don’t take phone bookings, you literally have to show up by 5.30pm, claim your table, pick your seafood, and then only can you go “ jalan-jalan ” to kill time before Maghrib . Classic Melaka chaos, but worth it every time. And we didn’t hold back. Chili mussels , garlic butter prawns , pahat goreng cili padi , black pepper crabs , deep-fried squid , plus a couple of beautifully grilled fish -- the full battalion. Everything was fresh, flavour-packed, and cooked with confidence. They never skimp on spices, and the balance is always spot on. Best part? Instead of plain rice, they serve rich, fragrant nasi lemak . Trust me: two packets is the bare minimum. We also downed a couple of jugs of tebu ais , the perfect sweet, icy finisher after all that seafood glory. ...

Memori Anak Gen-X #1

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