Malaysia, Kami Cinta-ku (Malaysia, We Love You!)

Presented by The Arts House

We love Malaysia for their titillating food, picturesque travel spots, and of course stories about the country and her people! We have gathered three of Malaysia’s most noted writers – Dina Zaman, Lat and Yangsze Choo – to share about writing tips and what goes into Malaysian literature.

About Dina Zaman

Dina Zaman is an award-winning writer of non-fiction, fiction and poetry. She is most recognised for her bestseller, I Am Muslim, a book that explores the complexity and wonders of faith. With her strong international media presence as a columnist and commentator of current affairs, Dina has appeared on the BBC and been interviewed on Everywoman, a women’s programme on Al-Jazeera. She is currently a columnist with The Malay Mail Online, and is greatly interested in topics dealing with religion, culture and public policy.

About Lat

With 20 volumes of cartoons published since he was 13, Lat is Malaysia’s most revered cartoonist and favourite son. His work illustrates Malaysia’s social and political realities, portraying them in a comedic light without bias. His best-known work, The Kampung Boy has delighted many growing up reading his comics. In 1994, the Sultan of Perak bestowed Lat the honorific title of Datuk, in recognition for promoting social harmony and understanding through his cartoons. Today, Lat continues to sketch and lives in Ipoh with his family.

About Yangsze Choo

Yangsze Choo is a multi-lingual fourth generation Malaysian of Chinese descent. Her award-winning, spellbinding book, The Ghost Bride, marries taboos, ethnic folklores and romance. Before writing her debut novel, The Ghost Bride, Yangsze worked in various corporate jobs and had a briefcase. She now lives in California with her husband and children, and a potential rabbit. As a foodie and lover of the literary arts, Yangsze pairs these two different themes on her personal website.

This event is part of the World Lit: Malaysian Focus programme.