Reviews
A cute, nifty, handbag-friendly new book has hit the market in time for our 51st Merdeka. Smartly called 50+1.Malaysia, the book is an ode to the nation.
Just when we thought the dust had settled after our lavish coming-of-age party last year commemorating a half-century of independence, the year 2008 brings a tiny but charming tome exalting our beloved land.
The size of a large wallet, the feel-good 50+1.Malaysia is the brainchild of Quachee, who at 26, was just one year old when Malaysia was a quarter-century old.
The sometimes model and self-described “dreamer entrepreneur” describes the book as an “entertainment-travel guidebook”. But it is less Time Out Malaysia and more of a condensed and instant dose of Malaysiana.
The book is perfect as a present for foreign friends or Malaysian students who have stayed away too long.
Of course, it includes the inevitable, like Food, Places to Visit, Things to Do and Festivals, etc. These are rather run-of-the-mill but the saving grace is in the first and last two chapters.
The chapter Truly Malaysian deals with Malaysian English and explains the nuances of such words from the vernacular as lah, one, aiyoh, chin chai, yam seng, syiok, ta pao, belanja and alamak. Quachee, like Kit Leee, calls it “Manglish”, which gives it the impression of being mangled English, which it is in a sense.
There is also a discourse on Malaysian fabrics and fashion. This is not surprising, considering the fact that Quachee’s first publication was the lavish coffee-table book Batik Inspirations.
The opening gambit succeeds in grabbing our attention as it delves on all things Malaysian, from the way we speak, to the Malaysian car, to hibiscus, MyKad, gamelan and a mishmash of familiar and little-heard-of stuff.
Every chapter features exactly 51 items (now why are we not surprised?), which makes the book easy to read and refer to. One suspect, though, that occasionally Quachee had to stretch or shorten each description to accommodate the holy grail of 51.
Invariably, some of these overlap, like cave exploration, which is found in both Places to Visit and Things to Do.
Most entries deal with the things that any free tourist brochure will include, from satay to laksa, yong tau fu to buah keluak, Jonker Street in Malacca to Suria KLCC, all the major state museums, cultural villages, temples, caves, islands, forest reserves, beaches and you get the drift.
More interesting is the line-up of notable Malaysians. Badminton silver medallist Lee Chong Wei’s triumph at the recent Olympics came too late for him to be included in the list, but Lee is described as “one of Malaysia’s most promising badminton players”.
This shows Quachee to have his pulse on the who’s who of the sporting and entertainment world. More examples: he lists Maya Karin and Rosyam Nor,both of whom recently won Best Actress and Best Actor nods at the 21st Malaysian Film Festival.
The drawback is the lack of photos in the book. Not all of those honoured in 50+1.Malaysia have their mugshots included.
Of the 51 Malaysians, only 30 come with their photos attached, and these tend to be among the most photographed personalities, like angkasawan Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Chef Wan, Erra Fazira, Mawi, Maya Karin, Jaclyn Victor, Fish Leong, Datuk Michelle Yeoh and Amber Chia.
Not that many know or have heard of Fasha Sandha, who limps in with a mere five sentences, Jazeman Jaafar, Penny Tai, Rynn Lim and Saiful Apek. Quachee also has a penchant for songwriters.
The last chapter, 50+1 Love Expressions, is postcard-perfect with tributes and pretty pictures by ordinary Malaysians showing, among other things, cascades of the Malaysian flags. The websites of contributors are listed should you get the urge to download what you see.
A few of the entries are deadly wishy-washy, like number 49 who croons “Malaysia is a sea of love ? a master of everything”. However, some have sent in gems worthy of your time.
At number 44, The Last Patriot is rather moving, focusing on a Proton crest held in the palm of a hand painted (or photo-shopped!) in the Malaysian flag colours.
Fazri Nuha writes: “We may have been hurt and have had misgivings but the future is in our hands. We can crush that little piece of plastic, drop it into a drain ? or hold on to it and do our best to keep it safe and secure for the sake of our future.”
The most irritating aspect that gets on my nerves?
The headings at the top of each page, which squeals “bookmarQC” with the QC highlighted to represent QuaChee. I should think readers would appreciate it more if one page actually lists the name of the chapter instead. As it is, there are 211 pages containing “bookmarQC”.
Well, this is Quachee’s party and he can do what he likes.
Still, the book is readable, fun and surprisingly enlightening. And it’s reasonably priced at RM19.90.
By Sin Chew, Malaysia’s Leading Chinese Daily
“50+1”
A gift dedicated to National Day
There’s many patriotic ways to celebrate National Day. Some people hang national flag, some people countdown and cheer in the plaza, some join various events or activities that featured with national day. And there’s a 26 year-old young man, who takes a unique action to celebrate the country 51st birthday by dedicating a tourism guidebook named “50+1.Malaysia”. His name is QuaChee.
“50+1.Malaysia” is the second publication of QuaChee. He has published a book with the theme of Malaysia Batik before this. It can be seen that he is passionate in exploring the local culture.
In this new book, which indicated with the theme of “Entertainment- Tourism Guide”, QuaChee has introduced Malaysia through 7 different segments and it shows a close relation of that we familiar with in our daily life. For example, he has introduced the unique Manglish of Malaysia in “Truly Malaysian” segment. He has shown those words that local Malaysians always use in a conversation such as “Lah”, “Alamak”, “Syiok”, “Kao Tim”, “Chin Chai” and “Boss”. And giving us a knowing smile by explaining these words further and show the “correct” way of using it in different scenarios.
Good food is a part that a tourism guidebook can’t neglect. From the cuisine of 3 major ethic groups, and the small community of East Malaysia to the stunning Nyonya food, the book shows each of them by attaching many pictures and explanations. This not only makes the foreigners understand about Malaysian food better, but also allow local Malaysians to recommend to their foreign friends about the local delicacies better by referring this book.
It is a ‘headache’ for QuaChee when talks about the places of attractions. He said it’s hard to make sure that there’s no attraction to be neglected, and he believed that it’s the most interesting part that Malaysians love the most. He said that we might think that we know our country well but indeed, there’s many places that are waiting for us to discover.
One day we would be very “cool”
The most unique part of this book may be the introduction of local celebrities. They beam their talents to let the world know us and it is rare to find it in a tourism guidebook. Those go upon QuaChee’s “ Celebrities List” are Malay singer Siti Nurhaliza, top model Amber Chia, astronaut Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, squash player Nicol David, and those who expands their career in Taiwan such as Gary Chaw and Michael Wong.
QuaChee has interviewed with the celebrities personally and he said it is a challenge for him to interview them and he’s glad that they came to an agreement that Malaysia has many talented people. He believed that we would be a very cool people & nation one day and our talents would be exposed and appreciated by foreigners and we ourselves then.
Lastly, QuaChee gave his wholehearted support to the country in “Love Expression” segment. In this segment, it shows how Malaysians express their love to the country through photography, writing and poetry.
It’s interesting that some people hand up their photos taken in Malaysia from far away and some even drew paintings dedicatedy for Malaysia. It’s really touching to see Malaysians express their love to the country in different ways!
By The Edge Daily
Msian Youthscapes – Dreamer Entrepreneur
Alvin Quah (right), calls himself a dreamer entrepreneur. “People don’t dream anymore,” the 26-years old Quah explains. “When we enter working life, many of us stop dreaming.”
He’s not a somnambulant businessman, nor a specialist who has mastered the four stages of deep sleep. Quah dreams to venture into the media and entertainment industry through his company., Quachee Enterprise, and eventually be a global media player. As with his first venture into publishing with Batik Inspiration, Quachee Enterprise’s second publication 50+1 Malaysia aims to promote Malaysia’s talents throughout the region and the world, something Quah feels very passionate about. The guidebook was recently launched to coincide with Malaysia’s 51 years of independence.
“My patriotism may have come from school,” he suggests. “But what Malaysia really lacks is branding. We have the talent, but we need to brand ourselves further. Not many people know Malaysia beyond Asian countries.” He uses economic and pop culture powerhouse Japan, South Korea and the US to illustrate his point. “Their pop culture and products have a reputation because they are of substance. We must have that substance too, and then we should brand it – just like our talents.”
In 50+1, Quah and his team put together interviews with Malaysian celebrities Siti Nurhaliza, Mawi, Amber Chia, M Nasir, as well as Taiwan-based artistes Michael Wong, Fish Leong, Nicholas Teo and Gary Cao Ge. That he managed to put together a series of interviews with household names is exceptional, but Quah’s take on local talent is not limited to just that. The book also featured content from average Malaysians, mostly gleaned from various online communities and from email submission. Quah counts up to 400 contributors for texts and photos, including many users from photo community site, Flickr.com.
“The aim is to present Malaysia not just from a publisher’s perspective, but form a variety of perspectives. 50+1 is the book by the people for people,” he explains, adding that he has received contributors from Australia, Japan, the UK and the US. “It’s interesting to see how foreigners see our country. It’s a very genuine combination of perspectives,” he adds.
The “entertainment-travel guidebook”, 50+1 Malaysia, is at best a potpourri of everything – food, events, festivals, places of interest, a dictionary of colloquial expressions, culture and traditions, and special segments by famous and everyday Malaysians. The pocket-sized guidebook is not comprehensive in this coverage, nor does it claim to be definitive guide on Malaysia, although the Ministry of Tourism provided some of its content.
The main attraction, one would say, is the different voices heard throughout the book, both in the text and photos. A personal description by a Magnus Caleb on roti canai, read: it is “angelic food that fell from heaven”. It is evident that this book makes no reservations about gushing enthusiastically about Malaysia, an energy and passion consistently expressed throughout the 216 pages. Quah says, “It’s personal, but it’s very genuine.”
That describes Quah’s own passion accurately as well. “Although the book is targeted at both foreigners and Malaysians, there are subjects which are alien even to Malaysians themselves. We want them to go, ‘Hey, I didn’t know that,’ and ‘Hey, our country is not too bad leh’ – we want Malaysians to be proud of our country too.”
50+1 Malaysia is available at major bookstores nationwide.
By Galaxie
Released with the conjunction of the recent Merdeka celebration, this pocket size book contains everything you wanted to know about Malaysia and then some. From food to famous people to cool places to visit around the country, 50+1 is an ode to Malaysia. Though the writing style of model, actor and entrepreneur isn’t that great, you have to give the team credit for the excellent presentation. Photos are glorious and there are even interviews with many local celebrities. 50+1 Malaysia makes a good gift for your visiting friends, but hurry, promotional price ends soon. Then you’ll have to fork out RM51 for it.
By Amir Fuad, Proud Malaysian
This handbook-sized guide on the 50+1 “best of” Malaysia sums up the best that Malaysia has to offer, not only to non-Malaysians but also Malaysians. It will help Malaysians appreciate their own country better. Reading this book, I realised that although I have been to many countries overseas, I have not even set foot on some of the states in Malaysia, a lot of places that I have not been to, a lot of food which I haven’t tried and also a lot of happening events which I didn’t even knew existed…
This book, however, should help Malaysians remind themselves that despite what is going on, there are still too many things that Malaysia can offer to its own people. For non-Malaysians, besides being a travel guide, it should give them a good insight into what makes Malaysia so dear to the hearts of its citizens.
(read full review…)
By Foong PC, Proud Malaysian
Since getting my hands on this book 50 + 1 Malaysia by QuaChee and his team, I had been reading it from the very first page. Now I have come to the last page. And what do I think of it?
There is one very obvious feeling from reading the book. I feel a great love for my country Malaysia. I have always loved Malaysia and with this book, my love grows even more!…
I thoroughly enjoyed myself reading it! I like the fact that terms and words that are eccentric to Malaysians are properly explained. Words like lah, syiok, alamak and so on. Foreigners reading this book will have a better understanding on how we talk. At least they would better appreciate Manglish, also known as Malaysian English… (read full review…)
By Levian, Proud Malaysian
Definitely a recommendation for those who are keen to explore the beauty of malaysia!!
(read full review…)
By KL Happy Surfer, Proud Malaysian
This 50+1 Malaysia book is a must-have if you plan to visit Malaysia or if you are already here and wish to know more about Malaysia in order to fully enjoy this beautiful country that she truly is. Malaysia, truly Asia.
For Malaysians, get a copy and get to know and appreciate the wonders and beauty we have around us. You would be surprised to find things and places you never knew of.
(read full review…)
By Kelly (Curry Egg), Proud Malaysian
I’ve read, browsed and scanned through every pages of this colourful book. Guess what is my first reaction?
Thumbs up.
I love this book! It’s like showing you from A-Z about Malaysia starting from Malaysian culture, language, food, tourist hot spot, way to explore Malaysia, festival and events, famous Malaysian and art.
A must-have-book!
(read full review…)
By Pikey, Proud Malaysian
I’ve learnt a lot from this book especially the food and cultures of the native people in the East Malaysia. I was very intrigued by the food they made and ate at the deep jungles of Borneo. And also the festival they celebrate every year. I was amazed by their rich lifestyle and their harmony with nature. On the West Malaysia side, I enjoyed the author introduction of food and culture in Penang and Melaka. I have not been to Jonker Street for a long time. And reading what he wrote, I was more determined to visit it again.
I also particularly like the part where the author interview the Malaysians who made it big around the world. My favourite singers, Fish Leong, is among one of them. And of cause Yasmin Ahmad, whom I adore for her excellent talent in story telling…
An excellent piece of word and definitely a good choice of gift for our overseas friends to learn more about Malaysia.
(read full review…)
By Allen
Simply Fabulous photography and well written editorials..by that i mean words that are “from the heart”.
It is also wonderfully compact and ideal for the travelers. However a larger version for the “coffee table” should be made available as well… at least for those of us who have lost our eyeball focusing capability.
The underlying message..look at the good around us and honestly,focus on our strengths, and our greatness shall be multiplied.
By ‘Babe In The City’, Proud Malaysian
…this palm sized booklet packed up a lot of punch. I loved the size, weight and quality of the booklet… not to mentioned it’s contents!!!
(read full review…)
By Ben Chin, Proud Malaysian
Truly, I think I really learn much more about my country that before after reading this little booklet! Thanks Quachee. His love for his country has inspired him to come out with such a great book, that should be read by all Malaysians as well as a great guide to tourists to know Malaysia better!
(read full review…)
By Meng Chwen, Proud Malaysian
The book does make a handy gift for visitors coming from afar, and it can be quite an eye opener even for Malaysians.
(read full review…)
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