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Preserving Heritage Against All Odds: Hidayah Amin's Journey

In this episode of the Truly Expat Podcast, hosts Rachel and Paula talk with Hidayah Amin, also known as CheekyDa. Hidayah, an award-winning author born in the historic Gedung Kuning in Singapore's Kampong Gelam area, shares insights into her life story and her work to preserve Malay culture. Despite early challenges like acquiring her family home from the government and initial publishing rejections, Hidayah founded her publishing house, Helang Books. The conversation delves into her motivations, the emotional drive behind her books, including documenting her family's stories, and her award-winning works such as 'Gedung Kuning: Memories of a Malay Childhood’ and children's literature. Hidayah reflects on turning adversity into creative expression and pride in documenting Malay history and culture.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Meet Hidayah Amin: Author and Cultural Preserver

01:38 The Story of Gedung Kuning

04:41 The Impact of Losing Gedung Kuning

05:54 From Personal Loss to Writing

09:46 Hidayah's Books and Their Inspirations

19:31 The Mango Tree Story

26:24 Journey into Publishing

28:26 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Get in touch with Hidayah or visit the museum:

• Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/@HidayahAmin 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hida.amin 

Museum

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haji_yusoff_memorial_museum/
• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hajiyusoffmemorialmuseum/

Buy her books:

• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/helangbooks/
• Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/HelangBooks/

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