I Love KL

Over the past four years, the Borneo Laboratory has woven together artists of diverse backgrounds and practices through their art. Aiming to bridge divisions and rekindle our shared roots through the ancestral wisdom drawn from Borneo's craft practices, Malayan communities, and global communities, the Lain Lain Project unveils these narratives through an evocative, thought-provoking exhibition, The Lain Lain Project. This trilogical exhibition features "Serumpun", which explores the endeavours of 12 Bornean-based craft communities and their commitment to preserving ancestral wisdom in the face of eroding traditions due to extraction economies, "Big Trip", which looks at how ancestral wisdom and rooted practices cultivate broader global connections, and "Lain-lain in Kuala Lumpur" that initiates an ongoing dialogue to unravel the intricacies of lain-lain within the Malayan landscape.On the show to tell us about the stories and experiences from which the exhibition grew, contextualising the Lain-lain narrative for a KL audience, and what we can expect at the exhibition is curator Wendy Teo, Director of the Borneo Laboratory.The Lain Lain Exhibition is open to the public now until 20th October 2024 at GMBB. Image credit: Borneo Laboratory | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We might be tempted to believe that to set off some of the city's best pyrotechnic nighttime spectaculars, you just gotta ignite the light and let it shine.But what happens before the fuses are lit?This week on I Love KL, we're joined by fireworks programmer Jeffry Bahary, the man behind the 2017 SEA Games fireworks and countless more firework spectacles around the world. From inspiration to ignition, Jeffry enlightens us on what it takes to put together a firework show, getting into the industry, the not-too-worrying growing popularity of drone shows filling our night skies of late, and some tricks of the trade.Photo credit: khairi ahmad / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part of the tradition of commemorating Hari Raya Aidilfitri is to get fresh attire in the form of Baju Raya. Traditionally, Baju Melayu is the go-to outfit for men, but these days, people look for other options too as alternatives. Then, there are also those that modernise the Baju Melayu in various different ways. Sometimes, to mass approval, and other times, to deafening criticism. In this episode of I Love KL, we go back to basics and break down the traditional Baju Melayu attire, from top to toe, as well as explore the evolution of this long-worn attire and ponder whether it’s always necessary to modernise them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our conversations on heritage buildings have always had a mix of everything and is pretty even in its distribution, but for some people out there, their notion of heritage might tend to skew towards focusing on British colonial buildings, rather than vernacular or rural architecture. So, in this episode, to play a bit of a devil’s advocate, we decided to explore that question - do we focus too much on British colonial architecture?Photo credit: gumbao / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Somewhere In The Kuala is an illustrated children's book that follows two kids, Han and Mina, on their whimsical, curious, sometimes even treacherous, adventure as they run around KL. The book, written and illustrated by Lisa Goh and William Chew, features no words or dialogue, but paints a wondrous picture of our city, its iconic buildings and areas, and the people that make up the city's unique vibrancy - all seen through the eyes of kids. Lisa and William join us in the studio to talk about how exploring cities themselves inspired the book, why they chose not to shy away from portraying the harsher realities of the city, their hopes for the book to advocate for a KL that is better connected and easier to navigate, and the endless eye-opening interpretations the book can inspire across ages and language barriers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pertubuhan Cahaya Hawwa, or Percaya, is an NGO dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in need. Despite still being in its infancy, the three women behind the organisation are no strangers to community work, having organised the Sebalang Kasih initiative annually since 2016, which aims to ensure the poor and the less fortunate have kuih raya during the festive Raya period.As we look to "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress" this International Women's Day, we listen to the stories of Percaya's co-founders on their mission to make a difference. We explore the importance of helping communities in need, no matter how small, working with and supporting single mothers in KL, and their upcoming Cherita Kasih Kita fundraising event that will look to purchase 1000 balang of kuih raya from single mothers to distribute to underprivileged kids around Klang Valley.Photo credit: Jed RT / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re looking to learn more about the many architectural gems in KL, consider dropping by Singgah KL 2024! This third edition of guided tours organised by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) will explore 20 built environments in Kuala Lumpur, from high rise condominiums to contemporary office buildings, event spaces and even a mall! We speak to its convener, Almaz Rahim, to learn more about the curation process, as well as why it’s important to connect architects to the public, in order to make architecture more accessible and engaging for all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recently completed Merdeka 118 and The Exchange 106 continue Kuala Lumpur’s trend of developing buildings that are meant to be the tallest in the country, region and the world. It’s interesting to note that once upon a time, Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad was the tallest building in KL. It’s inevitable that progress and development have to happen a certain way, but that does not stop us from reflecting on the scale of iconic and monumental buildings, then and now. Tune in to hear more.Photo credit: Mila Larson / Shutterstock.comPhoto credit: Jasni / Shutterstock.comPhoto credit: Donald Yip / Shutterstock.comPhoto credit: muhamad mizan bin ngateni / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on I Love KL, we immerse ourselves in the fantastical world of "Piying Dream", a brand-new immersive art exhibition at REXPERIENCE KL. The immersive exhibition, created by China-based immersive digital art exhibitor Temple of Light, is a digitally animated showcase of Chinese shadow puppetry that weaves together over 3,000 shadow puppet artefacts to create an audio-visual experience audiences can interact with and fully immerse themselves in.We speak to Jean Borie de Varine, co-founder of Temple of Light, to find out what it takes to create immersive art experiences around the world, translating the traditional Chinese shadow puppet art form into a 4D 360-degree experience together with traditional folk art practitioners and artists from around the world, and what audiences can expect at the exhibition.Piying Dream is open now till 6th September 2024 at REXPERIENCE KL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the outside, the world of bodybuilding might look very masculine, intimidating and vain, focusing on only aesthetics. But the truth is far from that as it’s a world filled with determined individuals that are very consistent, disciplined and meticulous in their routine. Joining us in this episode to dispel myths and misconceptions about bodybuilding and strength training is Kumareswarren Ramasamy, bodybuilder and winner of Mr. Malaysia 2023. He reveals what it’s like to be a bodybuilder, looking at it from the perspective of nutrition, training, lifestyle and many more.Photo credit: Citizens JournalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a move that’s considered pretty regressive, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Land Executive Committee is planning to degazette the land around Sungai Bunus flood retention pond, less than 4 years after gazetting it as an impounding reservoir. Despite claiming that the degazettement will be done purely to amend the land status to “Flood Retention Pond and Open Area” from solely “Flood Retention Pond”, the revision might open up the risk of potential development taking place around the area in the future. President of Pereka Bandar, Shuhana Shamsuddin joins us to highlight the importance of flood retention ponds, and why they must be protected, alongside taking other measures to ensure that the city is able to cope and mitigate flash floods.image credit: Auniuzair / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the fascinating history and complex narratives of Malaysia's new villages on this week's episode of "I Love KL." Join us as we ponder and navigate their origins, evolution, complexities and larger relationships with our society, then and now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five-foot ways, known as 'kaki-lima', refer to five-foot-wide covered walkways extending along the fronts of shop houses or buildings. They serve as pathways for pedestrians and spaces for various transit activities. This week on I Love KL, we engage in a discussion with Camelia Kusumo and Lee Sze-ee, the authors of 'Kaki Lima Stories - Life In The Five Foot Ways of Downtown Kuala Lumpur', exploring the uniqueness of these walkways, their role in fostering 'sticky' businesses, and the ongoing debate regarding whether this area should be private or public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When our Tugu Negara was bombed by the Communist in 1975, the government enlisted the help of an Australian sculptor, Christopher Carney to help restore it back to its original state. Christopher was a lecturer at UiTM then, and he decided to get three of his students - Abdul Mansoor Ibrahim, Abdul Mufti Jantan and Zolkeply Maulana - to help him out. They worked on the project for a year and managed to restore the monument successfully. Soon after that, they parted ways. 46 years later, they decided to finally reunite to reflect on the scale of their achievements, as well as reminisce about their contributions to Malaysia’s iconic monument. They dropped by our studio to share their stories, as well as their role in preserving a treasured national symbol.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To some, twirling pens comes subconsciously and more of a way to kill time or to just fool around. For Marcus Ling, it became more than that, as his competitive edge of wanting to be better than his friend led him down the path of becoming very skillful at it. Joining us in his capacity as a moderator of Malaysia Pen Spinning Community (MYPSC), he shares the journey of getting into the hobby, what the community is like and what it takes to be good at it.Image credit: YouTube @WorldXMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumah Tangsi, nestled at Lot 10 on Jalan Tangsi in Kuala Lumpur, stands as a heritage building steeped in history. Once the residence of Loke Chow Kit, a prominent entrepreneurial figure in early 20th-century Kuala Lumpur, this mansion boasts a bright yellow exterior and embodies European architectural styles. Its name, "Rumah Tangsi," reflects its location on Jalan Tangsi, previously known as Barrack Road, hinting at its past connection to police barracks. Over time, it underwent various transformations, serving as a pioneering modern hotel and later becoming the esteemed PAM Centre. Today, under DBKL's ownership, Rumah Tangsi stands as a thriving community hub and heritage event space, ideal for hosting a diverse range of events. We spoke with the director of Rumah Tangsi, Ar Ridha Razak, and senior architect of DBKL, Ar Noor Fazlina Rosley, about its history, restoration and conservation efforts, as well as its current use as one of KL's premier event spaces.Image: Rumah Tangsi's InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of I Love KL, we ruminate about Bukit Jalil and its status as KL’s sporting hub and whether they’re able to outgrow that identity moving forward. According to Elizabeth, it might be difficult as a lot of us vividly remember the Commonwealth Games back in 1998 and its close association with the National Stadium Bukit Jalil and the area. Tune in to hear more of our thoughts!image credit: Bartosz Sakwerda @ WikipediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into the whimsical realm of tufting as we sit down with the founder of Toui Studio, Jenna Loo Xin Xuan in this week's episode of I Love KL. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this mesmerising textile art form, exploring the local tufting scene and inspiration behind Jenna's studio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of I Love KL, we check out Urban Museum (or Ur-Mu), Bukit Bintang’s hidden museum that’s contemporary, eclectic and thought-provoking. Join us as its manager, Munira Huda leads us through the museum's history, its captivating collections, and its vision, offering a deeper insight into the cultural significance of this unique museum in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hazazi Hamzah, one third of E9A Architecture, which I Love KL has featured before, joins us for an introspective look at the local architecture scene and the conversations that are happening (or not) over here. How do architects here look at design, and are we collectively doing a good job in conveying its supposed meaning to the public? We explore these themes and more in this episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.