Gurmit Singh: Malaysia's first bicycle advocate

Environmentalist Gurmit Singh (pictured above) says the cycling culture has almost disappeared in Malaysia. He cites a lack of dedicated lanes as one of the reasons. Gurmit Singh was Malaysia's first bicycle advocate; he supported its use to combat traffic problems in the city. "If (people) use bicycles for transport, they will know the environmental problems cyclists face" (New Straits Times: June 7, 1988).

For more on cycling in Malaysia, click here.

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Rediscovering the traditional Malaysian Indian kitchen

I love this artwork (acrylic on canvas) by Jayashree Ramasamy @Jay, who has captured the mood of the traditional Malaysian Indian kitchen. Jay recalls her grandmother preparing meals for the family in a room which was equipped with ancestral cooking utensils and that was the inspiration for this painting. For more of Jay's creations head for the National Art Gallery where 'The Story Telling' exhibition is now being held (April 14 to May 15, 2011). 'The Story Telling' is a group exhibition showcasing the creations of four emerging artists including Jay from the Symbols Art Club . The other three artists are Kathiravan Subramaniam, Rohini Indran and Mohana Kumara Velu @ Mona Kv. Each work of art is a story that the artist tells about his or her personal experiences and observations of daily life. The launch this afternoon was in conjunction with the Tamil New Year today. 'Food is Served' by Kathiravan Subramaniam. The rationale: 'We may have diff

Plight of the homeless

Homeless men in Kuala Lumpur Pictures show homeless men sleeping in shop doorways along Pudu Road, Kuala Lumpur. This pavement is apparently the favourite sleeping space of these two homeless men. Government claims that there are no homeless people in Malaysia are belied by these images. Homelessness exists on Malaysian streets. Homeless people can also be found in Penang, Ipoh and Johor Baru, among other states. How do we help them especially young homeless people who become ensnared in a life of crime? The more important question is: do we want to help them? Everyone has a story. What's theirs?

The genius of Shunya Susuki

Japanese creativity teacher Shunya Susuki is a man of unusually great artistic ability. His wide-ranging creations which include solar electric cars, kites of unusual designs, sculpture of women and computer graphics animation reveal a highly-inventive mind. His recently completed Jang Geum Robot ( see picture ) is remarkable for its resemblance to Korean actress Lee Young Ae, who played historical figure Dae Jang Geum in the popular 2003 television series produced by South Korean television channel Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation. The robot will bow with a smile when it meets a person. Susuki's creative endeavours display a commitment of time, energy and resources which is very encouraging to those who wish to hone their artistic skills. Some would call him a creative genius and I think that description is apt. Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary ( Seventh Edition) defines a genius as a person of unusually great intelligence, skill or artistic ability.

a fleeting stay ...

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