Editor’s Pick: Malaysians we most admire

“I was introduced to Tan Twan Eng’s work with his second novel, The Garden of the Evening Mists when I heard there’d be a film adaptation starring Malaysian actress Lee Sinje. I was immediately captivated by his lyrical prose and storytelling style. I’m not usually interested in historical fiction but the characters and the world Tan painted were so rich and compelling. The Garden of the Evening Mists would be awarded the Man Asian Literary Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. After finishing this book, I immediately picked up his debut novel The Gift of Rain, which I loved even more. His works not only highlight the depth and diversity of Malaysian literature but also bring global recognition to our creative and cultural heritage, making him a source of national pride.”

- Brian Cheong, regional managing editor, Tatler GMT

“We often highlight chefs and restaurateurs, but forget about those behind the scenes that champion local produce. Melisa Lim, Lilian Chen, and Chan Zi Xiang of Langit Collective were building water systems for the community in Long Semadoh, Sarawak, when they fell in love with the heirloom rice the village grew. The three went on to found Langit Collective, empowering the community behind the produce. Now, Langit Collective supplies heirloom rice to some of Malaysia's best restaurants, where the incredible homegrown product is available for all to try.”

- Katelyn Tan, Editor, Tatler Dining Malaysia 

See also: Notes on Kristang cuisine with chef Melba Nunis

“Valentine's Day or not, couple stories always bring a smile to my face, and this feature on actress Cheryl Samad and hotelier Ng Ping Ho was so special. I loved the down-to-earth input that both shared about maintaining a loving relationship and being parents. Stories like theirs are a testament to the cultural unity and diversity that Malaysia is (or at least, should be) known for.”

- Tania Jayatilaka, Front & Female editor

“Underneath the hard leather jacket and silver hardware jewellery exterior of Jiman Casablancas lies a beautiful soul with a heart of gold that beats for the young creatives of Malaysia. His influence knows no bounds in the local scene, and has pushed many, like myself, to grab opportunities and go through life with the tenacity of a small town kid striving to make their mark on this world. He utilised his vantage point to mentor and uplift youths, vouching for them to achieve all that he had in his illustrious career—which demolishes the ugly notion of putting down young and curious minds to maintain the status quo that is still normalised in many industries today. In his words, ‘I’m too punk rock for that.’ Rest in power.”

- Quinny Tan, senior social media executive

“My favourite Malaysian (and one of my favourite architects) is Bee Eu Tan, the founder of her own firm, BETA. A proud Penangite, Tan has completed several award-winning adaptive reuse projects in Penang and Kedah. Her work consistently honours the context and embraces the genius loci, imbuing each project with a unique soul. It’s often said that editing is more challenging than starting from scratch, and Tan approaches this task with remarkable intuition and grace.”

- Jennifer Choo, regional managing editor, Tatler Homes 

Don’t miss: Meet the award-winning Malaysian architect intuitively repurposing heritage buildings

“When I think of the words’ creativity’, ‘talent,’ and ‘genius,’ few people come to mind, and one of them is definitely Raja Malek, or Chelek as I know him. I was fortunate to cross paths with Chelek early in my career, and he has always been an invaluable source of knowledge and taste. His detailed accounts of his time in London, coupled with his reflections on art, film, and fashion, are nothing short of revelatory.

One of the most impressive things about Chelek is his creative process, which is a hands-on approach to building mock sets for the commercials and productions that he oversees. His dedication to crafting these sets from scratch—eschewing digital tools in favour of a more tactile method—reflects his commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship. This is also seen in his upcycle craft where he would turn otherwise mundane denim into beautiful bags or suits, plastic bottles into regal and amazing works of art. I really think there is nothing this man cannot do. 

In addition to his creative prowess, those who know him will also say that he is, above all, an exceptional cook. From fried rice to dendeng, it is not just delicious restaurant-quality food (better than some, I would argue) but a reflection of his abundant love for crafting and creating something from his hands. I will always learn something new when I meet him or talk to him, and very few people can do that—leave an impression on you every time you talk to them.”

- Sim Wie Boon, digital editor

“Am so proud to know to discover an award-winning luthier in our midst. Tan Chin Seng, has been making bespoke violins, violas and cellos from his shop in Bandar Sri Damansara and caters to renowned musicians and established collectors around the world. What resonates is how he he places immense pride in the painstaking process of carving out the instrument, making sure it performs to the highest degree of accuracy. And it takes an average of 300 hours to make a violin. I love hearing about a person living his ikigai—that elusive Japanese concept for finding a reason for waking up in the morning.”

- Elizabeth Soong, print managing editor

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