It is a small world after all!

Miss Jee from Badan Warisan Malaysia (The Heritage of Malaysia Trust) informed me yesterday that there was a gentleman in town who was interested to buy my book and told me to contact him. I did and we made an appointment to meet this morning at Traders Hotel where I could pass the book to him personally.

This gentleman turned out to be Mr. Firoz (Junior), the owner of 188 Hugh Low Street! His father Mr. Firoz (Senior) was the first owner who leased out the shoplot to my father back in those days and today, Mr. Firoz (Junior) is the current owner. Never in my wildest dream did I expect to hear from the owner of my childhood home and it happened this morning. Mr. Firoz (Junior) is interested to find out how it was like to grow up at 188 Hugh Low Street.

His lovely wife Margaret came along too and we chatted and have coffee. The couple will be returning back to England tonight where they resides.

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We are 50! MGS Class 81 Reunion Lunch @ Cititel, Kuala Lumpur.

You have a choice each and every single day.
I choose to feel blessed.
I choose to feel grateful.
I choose to be excited.
I choose to be thankful.
I choose to be happy.

— T. Harv Eker

Thanks to the hard work and efforts of the organizing team of MGS Class 1981, some one hundred girls from Methodist Girls’ School (Ipoh) Class 1981 came together to celebrate our 50th birthday during a luncheon at Cititel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday afternoon. Three former teachers were there to help us celebrate this milestone. They were Mr. Victor Chew, Mr. Clement and Mrs. Chin.

It is good to get together again after leaving school for 33 years.. most of us looks the same, albeit more matured and settled.

We had food, games, lucky draw and a talk on breast cancer by Wah Cheong. All in, it was a memorable get together.

I was able to share my book with the girls too and they were very supportive of me.

Thank you, everyone, for the great time. See you all again soon.

MGS Ipoh 81, reunion group photo @ Cititel Mid Valley Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

More photos at my facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/188HughLowStreetOnlineBookshop?hc_location=timeline

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188 Hugh Low Street ~ Readers from all walks of life!

Guess who I met ?

 

June is an interesting month for me. I got to meet readers from all walks of life buying my book at D7, The Refinery, when they went there for a cooking demonstration, art jam or simply to have a cup of coffee.

At a nyonya cooking demonstration in mid June, among the interesting personalities I met was Judy Lam whose family used to own Hotel Lok Ann in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. We all knew this famous hotel had been sealed off to make way for the MRT project. Her family is still fighting to keep this piece of heritage. Let’s hope in the end, common sense will prevail.

Another interesting reader I met that morning was Lee Mun Woh who resembled one of my former school teacher. He was a very friendly and humorous person and yes, very generous too – he gave me a big note and said smilingly, keep the change!

The following week, I met Chan Sook Mun from Ipoh. She was in Kuala Lumpur to attend a seminar and was at D7 to have coffee. How glad she was to meet another person from Ipoh and writing about her hometown too, so Sook Mun grabbed a copy of my book without hesitation.  My next reader is also from Ipoh. Hoe Yeegn Lougn’s grandfather owes the famous and familiar Nam Fong Piano along Brewster Road and he got a copy for his beloved grandfather who is still in Ipoh.

Esther Siew is a friendly and supportive lady. A mother with three beautiful daughters, she was from Petaling Jaya and was very glad she came to D7 and saw my book. It didn’t take much persuasion to have this delightful lady purchased a copy to read together with her equally enthusiastic daughters.

Omar Zaini is an architect who came with his elderly mother to draw and paint. She used to be an art teacher and she could still paint very well despite her advanced aged and failing eyesight. Zaini bought a copy for his mother as a gift.

I caught Abigail who was on the way to have her coffee and guess what, she instantly picked up a copy. She told me she loves reading English books, especially those by local writers. From her face, I could see she was very happy with the book in her hand.

Today, I met another lady who loves to read. Rachel is a mother from Johore and she was very much into reading English books too. She read mostly books by writers from India and told me, “Wow, I love your book! I must have a copy straight away. Please don’t forget to let me know when your second book is out. Give me a call or notify me.”

Then the  most dramatic moment came. Zung Heng, the international award-winning Malaysian photographer and his friend, Angelld Quah, walked past on their way to have their coffee. They were very interested in my book and yes, they bought a copy too!

I guess coming out to meet my readers personally is most rewarding and satisfying….. I got to meet interesting people from all walks of life besides telling them more about my book.

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Reunion and more reunions….!

A reunion dinner for former students of ACS (Class 1969) was held at Soon Fatt Restaurant along Jalan Seenivasagasam on 19th April 2014.

Thanks to Mr. Wong and Mr. David Yoong, the organizers for allowing me to promote my book.

Marcus and I were back in Ipoh over the week-end to attend their memorable event.

Really “Reunion and more reunions….!”……. (:

When we arrived in Ipoh and before the event started, Marcus and I rushed over to Hugh Low Street to see what were the latest additions to the wall mural and we were greeted by some new ones.  You can see them here. Aren’t they beautiful?

 

My books were being displayed prominently for all attendees to browse through and purchase.

 

 

 

The most memorable moment for me was meeting up with Mr. Chin Yoong Kim, the first teacher who taught me something in ACS during my form six there in 1982 and 1983. That was more than 30 years ago. Mr. Chin was very excited when I told him I mentioned him in my book. He bought a copy and we read it together because he can’t wait to find out what I wrote about him.

Many who came that night also bought my book and some even asked me when my second book will be out. Thanks for your support,  the book is coming soon…. so thanks again for your patient.

 

Look at some of the food served that night – they were so delicious and I absolutely loved the sea cucumber and abalones!

When the dinner was over, my brother took me over to 188 Hugh Low Street, the home I once knew. I felt very emotional standing outside our childhood home.

The next morning, we had brunch at Sin Hup Kee Restaurant on Jalan Leong Sin Nam with our beloved third aunt who was 86 this year. She reminded me so much of my late father. Their faces and their voices were very similar.

Here is the lin toong from my favorite flower, the lotus! My childhood snack which I used to share with Dad outside Rex Cinema near Hume Street.

Next, we dropped by at Sin Eng Heong for more snacks – biscuits and kaya puffs hot from the oven.

I was so happy that we could jump queue because third aunt could not stand in the row for long.

What a memorable weekend for Marcus and I!

A video showing our beloved music teacher, Mr. Chin Yoong Kim leading the boys and girls of ACS singing the school song!

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Heritage talk @ D7 by Victor Chin

Last Saturday (29th March), Victor Chin, an accomplished Malaysian artist and heritage enthusiast, held a talk on heritage buildings found in Penang, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore at D7 to a group of heritage buffs.

Also on sale were printed copies from his original collection of water-color drawings of these buildings done many decades ago when they were still around. Victor’s drawings were so beautiful and nostalgic. It was truly a one man’s labor of love for these architectural wonders. Sadly, many such buildings were either torn down or were abandoned. After years and years of exposure to the elements, they were stripped of their former glory. Thanks to Victor, today, we could still marvel at these heritage buildings through his art.

I was also allowed to sell my book at this event and I managed to meet many interesting people. Among them were Hissein from Sudan and Tobias Petersen from Germany. Also present were Debbie Teoh, the celebrity Peranakan chef from Malacca who graciously treated us to a few dishes of Nyonya kuih. It was an interesting evening.

Thanks everyone!

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Bookalicious is the sixth leg for ‘The Scissor Sharpener’s Daughter’

“Why don’t you approach Leon of Bookalicious?” one of my reader, Lilian Yap, suggested last year after she had bought my book and read it.

Finally it was done, Lilian!

Today, I approached Leon, one of the youngest and energetic entrepreneur  I have ever met. He was very receptive of my book and agreed to give me a space at his book-store which is located at the ground floor of Summit USJ in Subang Jaya.

Check with Leon if you are around Subang Jaya and is keen to find out more about my book. 🙂

Also available at the following friendly bookstores

Ipoh Old Town (Ipoh)
No.6 Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel : 012-5673522.
Encik Othman or his wife, Puan Laila

Gopeng Museum Management Society (Gopeng)
28, Eu Kong Street, Gopeng.
H/p: 016-5421287.
Mr. Phang See Kong

Badan Warisan Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang & Melaka)
Outlets at:-
> No.2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
> Suffolk House at No.250 Jalan Air Itam, 10460 Georgetown, Penang
> No.8 Herren Street at No.8 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka.

Silverfish Books (Bangsar)
Address: 28 Jalan Telawi,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Bangsar Baru,
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone:03-2284 4837

Nutmeg Publishing  (Online)
http://www.nutmegpublishing.com/books.html

My online bookstore (“The Scissor Sharpener’s Daughter”)

188 Hugh Low Street Online Bookshop (Facebook)

188 Hugh Low Street  (Blog)

> Book Price (paperback) : RM 32.90 per copy (excluding postage or delivery charges)

ISBN 978-967-12269-1-9 (printed book)

> E-Book (in PDF version) : You can view it only with PC(desktop) or laptop which is running Microsoft Windows O/S

such as Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows Xp, but NOT other than these.

> E-book price (PDF copy) : RM 22.90 per copy

e – ISBN 978-967-12269-0-2 (e Book)

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What an awesome start for 2014!

On January 17th 2014, two events were being held at D7 Sentul which provided me the opportunity to sell my book there. First, there was an Art Jam where art enthusiasts came together to learn art and craft from those who are expert in their respective fields. Later in the evening, there was an opening ceremony by Delicious Detox Delivery who specialize in organic foods. Many people came not only to paint and taste nutritious food but they also stopped by to buy my book. Their response was good and I feel blessed to have a good start to the year.

A big thank you to Ben Toh and Carina Lipold for giving me the chance to shine!

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At the Contemporary Art VI group exhibition, D6 Sentul East

Last night, I was invited by my artist friends, Ben Toh and Gary Lim to sell my book at their event, the Contemporary Art VI Group Exhibition. The event features 6 local artists – Alice Yee, Gary Lim, Ellie Ng, Ben Toh, Maxine Xie and also my friend from Magick River, Melissa Lin.

It was well attended by many art enthusiasts who came despite the traffic jam in Sentul. They were there to look at beautiful artistic pieces and many also took the opportunity to buy my book. All in, it was an awesome night.

Thank you once again, Ben and Gary!

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My book is now available at the following bookstores

My online bookstore

> 188 Hugh Low Street Online Bookshop (Facebook)

> 188 Hugh Low Street Online Bookshop (Blog)

Book Price (paperback) : RM 32.90 per copy (excluding postage or delivery charges)

ISBN 978-967-12269-1-9 (printed book)

 

E-Book (in e-flip version) :  You can view it only with PC(desktop) or laptop which is running Microsoft Windows O/S

such as Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows Xp, but NOT other than these.

This downloadable e-Book NOT supported with any iPhone, iPad or any smart phone or android tablet.

E-book price (soft copy) : RM 18.80 per copy

e – ISBN 978-967-12269-0-2 (e Book)

Also available at the following friendly bookstores

Badan Warisan Malaysia
Outlets at:-
> No.2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
> Suffolk House at No.250 Jalan Air Itam, 10460 Georgetown, Penang
> No.8 Herren Street at No.8 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka.

Silverfish Books
Address: 28 Jalan Telawi,
Bangsar Baru,
59100 Bangsar Baru,
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone:03-2284 4837

Nutmeg Publishing
http://www.nutmegpublishing.com/books.html

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“The Scissor Sharpener’s Daughter” now available @ Badan Warisan Malaysia

Life is so much better with a reason to get out of bed in the morning! Embrace your passion today!

Be fabulous today!!!

My book is now available @ Badan Warisan Malaysia.

188 Hugh Low Street, Ipoh

Thanks to a friend’s help, my book is now available at Badan Warisan Malaysia‘s gift shop along with other books about Malaysia’s heritage. I was so proud to find my book is now being displayed next to Dr. Ho Tak Ming’s “When Tin Is King.”

You can find Badan Warisan Malaysia‘s outlets at:-

> No.2 Jalan Stonor, 50450 Kuala Lumpur,
> Suffolk House at No.250 Jalan Air Itam, 10460 Georgetown, Penang
> No.8 Herren Street at No.8 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200 Melaka.

This is an apt move for 188 Hugh Low Street is a heritage building and my book is about growing up in this heritage building. Badan Warisan Malaysia is a non-profit organisation committed to the conservation, preservation and promotion of Malaysia’s built heritage.

Thanks, everyone, for your help and support in bringing my book to more people.

Click to view more :-

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