- Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States

An important lesson that must be learned for the betterment of our lives, is that health and happiness transcend all material wealth. Even happiness cannot pertain without the pre-existence of good health, if not a great one. When American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "The first wealth is health,” in his 1860 archives, the essence of that claim needs to be dissected clearly to understand its applications in conventional living. Emerson's century-old quote, cited by Harvard economist and health expert David E. Bloom in Finance and Development's lead article, reminds us that good health is the foundation of building—a life, a community and an economy (Hayden, 2014). 

The Active Ageing Lab is dedicated to promoting a fulfilling and meaningful life for senior citizens in their golden years. Striving to research and implement innovative approaches that empower older adults to lead active, engaged, and meaningful lives.

A thoughtful initiative by the Taylor’s Impact Labs Community, in collaboration with notable companies in their respective fields, namely Aham Capital, Assunta Hospital, KPJ Hospital and Allianz Bank, was held recently at Taylor’s Lakeside campus. The event aimed to effectively spread awareness of the importance of being active throughout our lives, with a special emphasis on maintaining activity during later years. Attendees were warmly welcomed by a bustling and lively atmosphere featuring game booths and complimentary medical check-up stations. A more befitting description of the event would be “your typical neighbourhood community gathering” where everybody spent their time mingling, sharing insights and discovering helpful resources. One of the event’s highlights would undoubtedly be the olden-days camera, sponsored by Allianz Bank for the photo booth, which added a fun and memorable twist to the experience.  

Dr. Lee Chung Wah has been working in the field of psychiatry for over 10 years and has served in many regions around Klang Valley & Sabah. Centering his talk about dementia, Dr Lee expanded the discussion into deciphering Alzheimer's disease, the intricacies of dementia and also a personal struggle concerning his mother’s battle with the condition. A notable takeaway from his speech was about meditation as a preventative measure. A study led by a researcher from the University College London in 2022, finds that an 18-month meditation routine improves attention and socio-emotional regulation capacities in people aged 65 (Chételat, Lutz, Klimecki, 2022). 

Assunta Hospital, one of the oldest medical facilities in Malaysia, had been present at the event to offer their complimentary yet, top quality medical check-ups for attendees. At the booth, an array of medical equipment was arranged to facilitate easy and efficient health screenings, including BMI checks and BP checks. To get a deeper insight, I had the opportunity to interview the hospital’s head of marketing, Ms Theresa Yu who shared that one of the key highlights at their booth was the ASSISS charity fund, a program designed to make medical aid accessible to those in need. Ms Yu also stressed on taking a self-initiative approach to health, urging seniors to "step out of their comfort zones" and avoid being constricted to their mundane lifestyles. "Don't put yourself in a cube," she said, highlighting the need for individuals to embrace new experiences and prioritise their health before problems arise. 

I was also fortunate to meet with the Public Relations Executive at KPJ Hospital, Ms Syarifah Aini, who expressed her heartfelt enthusiasm for the Active Ageing Fest. Apart from the usual BP and BMI screenings, Ms Aini and her team also offered pancreatic assessments, glucose and cholesterol checks and dietetic consultations. Ms Aini found the event to be refreshing and interactive and effectively fostered a sense of community, bridging the generational gap and encouraging younger individuals to connect with older adults in meaningful ways. 

One of the attendees, Ms Santa, a 70-year-old woman, expressed her excitement to be a part of the event. Being a homemaker for almost 50 years, Ms Santa claimed that her routine lifestyle has sort of etched itself into a habitual path, which she finds difficult to grow out of—a challenge for many Asian women unfortunately. It is individuals like this, that events such as the Active Ageing Fest work best for.

The student volunteers brought vibrant energy and fresh perspectives to the table, which is essential in the developmental stages of the event’s preparation. Israa Tahir, currently studying interior architecture dedicated her time to this event because she believes that age shouldn’t limit one’s willingness to try new things, and the notion that it has the power to define one’s interest was greatly challenged. She shared stories about her enjoyment of being a part of the event, from preparing 200 goodie bags to working on the interactive canvas mural and the yoga session. Mandy, who was also assisting the same booth, said that her participation in the event gave her valuable experience that is not typically offered in her digital marketing course. 

Rutba, a Biomedical Science student, gave her insightful thoughts on the modern practices of age control or age reversal which she found problematic and unnatural. She added that people should seek more natural, genuine techniques for mitigating health problems and signs of ageing, as it is not necessarily inevitable. I personally resonated with her sentiments, as we live in a world where such superficial practices are at arm’s reach, especially to the vulnerable divisions of our community like teenagers and young adults. 

As the Active Ageing Fest came to a close, it left an indelible mark on the attendees and volunteers, including myself. The beauty of the event was how it implicitly and explicitly illustrates the concept of ageing as something more than just a fleeting phase of life, but rather an opportunity that opens new doors for growth, joy and tranquillity. This was brilliantly achieved, as attendees left with more than just goodie bags and gift vouchers. They left the event space with a renewed sense of purpose, a reminder that everyone possesses the potential to lead vibrant and fulfilling lives, and it's a matter of whether we choose to embrace it or not.

Illustration by Emelyne (@youth_of_november)

 “3… 2… 1… Blast off!” went through my mind when I saw this year’s Club and Societies (CnS) Festival’s theme. This year’s festival was held on the grounds of the Taylor’s Amphitheatre or as I’d like to call it, the heart of campus. Rows and rows of club and societies’ booths as well as external vendors selling jewelry, food, and all kinds of other things filled the SLC walkway. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and I could not help but feel thrilled.  

 

I didn’t know where to begin. Should I dive into the bustling crowd, searching for the perfect club to join? Or should I cool off with a cup of iced coffee worth only three Ringgit Malaysia (RM)? Yes, you read that right—only three Ringgit Malaysia. Best deal ever!  

 

Even after being in Taylor’s for over a year, I will never miss a chance to visit the CnS Fest as it captivates me every time. I try to join a new club or society at each festival to stay involved in a lot of activities. When you leave the CnS Festival, you’ll likely feel torn between all the clubs and societies you want to be a part of. If you’re anything like me, with an interest in a little bit of everything, be prepared to feel overwhelmed by all the cool sports clubs like the Golf Club or niche gems like the Barista Club for the coffee lovers—there’s something for everyone!  

 

I got the chance to catch a performance by our very own cheerleading team, the Python’s! The name fits them perfectly as they are fierce yet beautiful. The routine was so cool, leaving me in total awe. If you are into K-Pop like I am, I hope you caught the K-Gen dance team performing their own K-Pop dance cover. ‘Amazing!’ was the only word running through my mind.  

 

Walking through the festival felt like I was navigating a lively, crowded desert. There were students at every booth eager to explore clubs they were interested in. Cheers erupted as prizes were won at booths, while laughter and chatter filled the air. Even though the crowd was packed like sardines, I enjoyed seeing everyone smiling.  

 

In the end, the CnS Festival was, as always, a highlight of my time at Taylor’s. It's not just about the clubs you join or the performances you watch—it’s about the experience of being part of a vibrant, dynamic community. Whether you’re signing up for a new club or simply soaking in the energy of the event, there's something to pique everyone’s interest For me, it’s an annual opportunity to explore, connect, and be inspired. I can't wait to see what the next festival brings! 

While bustling cities often take the spotlight, it's the stories of rural women, their unwavering determination, and their contributions that deserve our attention.

The 15th of October is also known as the International Day of Rural Women. This day was first celebrated in 2008, a day to acknowledge the contributions of rural women to their communities and the global economy, and to celebrate the critical role that rural women play in agriculture, food production and rural development.  

Rural women make up around 43% of the global agricultural workforce. They contribute to agriculture enterprises, whether it be as farmers or entrepreneurs, while being responsible for their households. This includes taking care of the children and the elderly. 

Women from indigenous communities are often also custodians of traditional knowledge, which is essential for their communities’ livelihood and culture. From the production of crops, to distributing foods, rural women’s labour—paid or unpaid—feeds their families, communities, and the world. Yet, somehow, they do not wield equal power to men.

Despite their crucial role in the economy and society, women and girls in rural areas continue to face the many gender-based discriminatory challenges they encounter. Here are two of the many obstacles they go through on a daily basis:

What is period poverty? Period poverty describes the inaccessibility of menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities. This also includes the lack of awareness or education about menstruation.

In rural areas, a lot of young girls do not have access to reliable and correct information regarding their reproductive health and rights, thus giving way to myths and misconceptions. Many adolescent girls believed they were dying or ill during their first period. And due to the cultural shame and shortage of resources, it has led to a lot of girls in rural areas to stop going to school as they don’t have sanitary pads, thus the blood stains their uniform and they can’t bear the shame.

Social taboo also leads to rural women cleaning reusable menstrual products under unsanitary conditions, which could increase their risk of infection, or even cervical cancer. The stigma associated with menstruation has led to poor hygiene among a large section of rural women who use leaves, newspaper and other such materials instead of sanitary pads when on their periods.

For generations, conversations about menstrual health have been obscured by a culture of silence. A first step to overcome period poverty is by breaking the silence so that young girls are able to access reliable information on menstruation in a safe manner, without feeling ashamed of it.

There exists an unsettling truth: the stark gender pay gap persists. Rural women continue to earn significantly less than their male counterparts, not because they work less, but because the work they do is not valued accordingly. 

Discriminatory norms and expectations, limited access to education and training opportunities, and lack of representation in decision-making processes all contribute to this disparity. This inequality not only deprives rural women of fair compensation for their tireless efforts, but also perpetuates a cycle of gender-based economic vulnerability. 

So, why does gender equality in rural areas matter? Well, it is well proven that educating and providing women with opportunities to take part in skilled paid employment provides benefits to their families and communities in the form of lowered fertility rates, decreased child mortality, improved child health and nutrition, and improved levels of education for children.

Empowering women as producers and entrepreneurs also enables them to safeguard the environment and natural resources while supporting sustainable growth for rural development. For example, since the successful prototyping of a solar dryer, women are processing agricultural produce into higher-value products with longer shelf life.

Rural women in Malaysia are associated with a low level of education and low participation in the workforce, and the traditional role of rural women as housewives is still pretty much apparent. However, times are changing.

The Penans, one of Borneo’s indigenous tribes, are one of the last remaining nomadic communities in Malaysia and still inhabit the rainforest. The Miri Women Weaving Association, established in 2016, takes a leading role in training Penan women in modern economic practices, and advocating for formal education for their children.

We also cannot deny the significance of entrepreneurial activity fuelled by the hard work of rural women in Malaysia, as it acts as a catalyst for economic growth while promoting gender empowerment. However, to this day, they face numerous barriers and challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and market access despite their immense potential. 

In the heart of our rural communities, the strength and resilience of women shine like beacons. These women are not only the backbone of rural economies, but also the custodians of invaluable knowledge and traditions. Therefore, as we celebrate the role of rural women, it is imperative that we continue to advocate for their rights. 

By empowering and uplifting rural women through education and access to resources, we not only strengthen the backbone of our country but also ensure a better future for all Malaysians. 

Hi, it's me again, 

can you believe it's 23? I'm 23, 

I remember I fell in love in my glorious 20,

I'm still in love 

I try not to see his photographs

And when I don't, 

I love him even more.

I'm still in love 

I'm still there 

In 20 and a 20,

August, really slipped away like sipping wine, 

September, what will it bring to me?

I had clutched to the hope, 

desperate, adamant, that the other half of it will be different

here I am, as slow as a snail, slithering away, 

dragging my water, dragging my bag of bones, 

dragging my head with it 

oh so heavy, 

that head of hers,

dense and a ball of yarn and 

words written on scratched words, 

the paper underneath tearing away 

beneath all that weight of ink,

Will winter be kind to me?

No, I don't want to go in,

to 24,

24 hours is way too short,

for her neuroses, for the older daughter, 

for a girl about to cry.

God, oh god, I waste your name in vain, 

but are you even there?

I'm, after all, only a speck of dust, 

See me, value me, love me?

Begging all the way through, 

My spirit withering away like the burnt brick leaves, 

Paint me a picture, will you?

She's in a dress in maroon, a beret for the season, 

a scarf? Maybe, only for a statement, 

sweater weather still some miles away, 

an Auburn walkway, 

rusty, crusty, cracking leaves, 

the scent of fall? Can you sniff it? 

And she's falling away, 

not apart, 

in love, dipping marshmallows in hot chocolate,

and her mind? It's quiet, not uncomfortable, just quiet.

In my memories you are always autumn–

golden like when the sun goes down

winds like an airplane sweeping near in noon

leaves scattering like snowflakes in fall.

My first taste of you was autumn,

what a season, I’d thought,

when it’d been too warm for hot tea,

yet too cold for iced. 

When we’d walk the park pathways

watch the squirrels play tag,

look for large piles of swept leaves

to undo one’s futile work. 

Time flew in autumn’s way;

like a plane in the sky–

a crawl and yet a sprint. 

I look at the suitcases by my feet

years of my life packed up in a box

where’d the time go? 

Like autumn you come too late

and like it, I’m gone too soon

but like autumn I know;

that inevitably you will return to me

and I to you.

Orange is the colour of fallen leaves.

The colour of the sky as the sun dips across the horizon blue.

The colour of his scarf. You breathe.

Bright orange, he stands out as he reads over Sunset Avenue.

The seasons change. A leaf brushes across his face.

“Have we met?” The stranger across the avenue says.

“I’m sure we’ve not.”

They fall in line as they talk.

 

“Orange is just a phase,” he says. “Eventually, the skies turn blue, and the leaves become gold.”

“They say they change for the better,” yYou mention. “Or so I’m told.”

“Well,” he quips, “Nothing gold lasts forever.”

Pieces fall into place, in his mind. There’ is nothing that doesn’t make sense with him.

You laugh. “You’re sure?”

(In hindsight, a lot could have been said on a whim.)

 

The days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer.

He wants to become a lawyer.

Each fall, the exams pile in, and he struggles to keep up. “It’s hell.”

You want to be nothing at all. There’ is so much to be done, and so little time to do it, you say.

“Maybe so,” he mentions, picking at an orange leaf from the ground, fraying brown at the edges. “But we might as well.”

“The time will pass anyway.”

 

The leaves wither, and the grass fades into a shade of gold.

Even the strongest branches give way in time.

I don’t mind if you’re not by my side.

If I never see you again, maybe you’ll forget me, after all.

She pulled me into La Petite Maison 

Pouted and begged, "Let's please eat first!"

Her legs skipped steps and made mine jump

the spark in her eyes

the swing in my hands 

carrot cake - my very first time, 

I died and went to heaven,

The salt at the bottom of my caramel coffee 

like the salt in the ocean air,

frolicked all around me

on a cool dawn at the beach to watch the sunrise, 

the way I can feel the fresh coldness yet to be wintry 

on a school morning in October,

like I can smell the winter coming

Cinnamon eyes, liquid, translucent, with a bit of burnt orange in them

I never got to greet them again

but that day, my eyes met his thrice

in a tangerine dream

under a sky that was humming crisp little notes 

from the birds coming home

I wanted to dip my scarlet scarf in a cup of pumpkin spice latte and stain my dress 

and yell, "Look! I think I'm in love"

I let my hands twirl

let my mind dance

asked myself, 

if I really were a mirrorball in a rollerblading club

sad! Don't think of those wild melancholies!

But it reminds me of the orange juice box

bittersweet, 

like falling in love

like leaving school

like saying goodbye to your folks

I'm about to fly

and I feel this sickening sweetness at the bottom of my heart 

bittersweet.

I went back there again

they asked, "Where's your friend today?"

I said, "It's only me today"

and on the train back home  

I wondered if people could tell,

the silent cry in my eyes

the screeching screams in my cheeks

the rock stuck in my throat, 

how the misery comes undone on my face 

when I see people in love.

The sun dips below the horizon of summer

and gives way to leaves of burnt sienna,

the dread of returning to school

seeps through skin like autumn’s chill.

The autumn sun is dimmer, cooler,

it slacks on its oath to mother nature.

The dread of being played as a fool

chills the air before snow brings cool.

The air bubbles with children’s laughter

and streets are swarmed in wrappers,

discarded like summer’s joy and warmth

but contrary to belief, never fully gone.

The hanging tree and lovers’ bridge

are spared not a look despite the itch -

hotlines begin to look understaffed

but you won’t ring if you can still laugh.

Call your brother, tell mama you love her.

They’ll give thanks for you as you do for others.

The lonely chill must rise before falling,

just as you must crawl before walking.

Illustration by Kayden (@kckayden0828) & Kai Xuan (@charlottelkaix)

Do you know any sign languages? Did you know there’s a special day dedicated to celebrating sign languages? With the International Day of Sign Languages on 23 September, let’s dive into the world of sign language and gain a deeper understanding of deaf cultures! 

Sign language, also known as signed languages, is a language in which meaning is conveyed visually rather than audibly. The history of sign languages can be traced back to prehistoric times when gestures were essential for interaction. However, the earliest recorded reference to sign languages comes from the fifth century BC, in Plato's dialogue Cratylus, where Socrates discusses the use of gestures by those who are mute. In 1620, Juan Pablo Bonet published the first manual alphabet system for teaching deaf individuals, which marked a significant step in the development of sign language. In the 18th century, French priest Charles Michel de l'Épée founded the first public school for the deaf in Paris, creating a standardised system known as Old French Sign Language. He combined a manual alphabet with home signs used by children, resulting in a more methodical approach to deaf instruction. Today, there are over 300 different sign languages worldwide, each with its own unique grammar and vocabulary, which will be discussed later. 

Five basic sign language elements make up each sign. These elements are hand shape (the specific configuration of the hand and fingers), movement (the motion of the hands and arms), location (the position of the hands and arms), palm orientation (the direction that the palm is facing), and facial expression. Different elements represent different meanings of the sign. For example, the sign for ‘you’ uses a palm-up orientation, while the sign for ‘me’ uses a palm-down orientation. 

As we mentioned above, there are numerous types of sign languages used worldwide—the most common one being the American Sign Language (ASL). Besides North America, it is widely used in West Africa and parts of Southeast Asia including Malaysia. Different from English, ASL is a whole, natural language with its own grammar and syntax. It is a fully formed language with its own set of norms, not a handwritten transcription of spoken English. Besides ASL, we have British Sign Language (BSL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan), Canadian Sign Language (CSL) and so on. 

Now, let’s introduce some basic ASL signs that can be used in daily life, starting with the sign for ‘hello’ which is simple and easy to learn. Begin by raising your dominant hand in a flat ‘5’ handshape (fingers extended and together) to the side of your forehead, similar to a salute. Then, move your hand outward, away from your face. That’s how you sign ‘hello’! 

Besides that, we have a sign for ‘goodbye’. Start with your dominant hand in a flat ‘5’ handshape again, bend your fingers down, and then straighten them up again, similar to the motion of waving. 

In conclusion, sign languages are complex, living languages that play a vital role in the lives of deaf people globally. It is a powerful tool for communication, inclusion, and cultural preservation. By learning sign language, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Moreover, promoting the importance of learning sign language can break down prejudice and discrimination. Together, we can make a better world!   

Illustration by Kayley (@deanchora) and Lee Enn (@zenigiri)

A full moon is often a wondrous sight to behold; and on Day 15 of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar, it is cause for celebration. Every year, on this day, Chinese people celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. During this time, it is believed that the moon is at its fullest and shines most brightly. Mooncakes (月饼 yue bing) are eaten as they represent a symbol of unity and togetherness among family members. These days, mooncakes come in a wide range of flavours, from classics such as the famous Lotus Paste to modern iterations like jelly versions. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching soon, it is the perfect time to try out the delectable mooncake flavours listed below!

This flavour is an oldie but a goodie. As an enduring classic, there is nothing quite like its smooth silky texture with a hint of sweetness. Lotus seeds in the filling provide a satisfying crunch to the whole thing. For some variety, go for the types that have an egg yolk - or two.

Photo by CiCi Li

Similar to the Lotus Paste mooncake, this is a well-loved classic flavour. Its sweet taste is a bit like a red bean bao, but even better, since it is complemented by the rich flavour and smoothness of the mooncake skin.

Whether you are a durian lover or hater, no one can deny that the King of Fruits reigns supreme in Malaysia. Any treat or dessert out there has a durian-flavoured counterpart, and the same applies to mooncakes too! For those who truly love this iconic fruit, snowskin durian mooncake is a must-try flavour while it's still available.

Originating from Hong Kong, this style of mooncake is unique since it doesn't have to be baked. Perfect for those who want to try their hand at making mooncakes, but don’t have an oven! Made with sweet glutinous rice, it has a unique texture compared to traditional mooncakes.

Red dates are naturally sweet, so they make the perfect natural substitute for sugar in this mooncake. With a rich, sticky texture, those who enjoy filling and satisfying treats will definitely enjoy this flavour. Don't worry if you are health conscious, as low sugar varieties are becoming increasingly common.

Maybe you’re hesitant to try out mooncakes for the first time - so how about testing the waters with something more familiar? This flavour really puts the cake in mooncake: a fusion of Asian and Western flavours, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This one is for the adventurous and probably not for the faint of heart! This mooncake includes satay peanut sauce within the paste for a crunchy texture and savoury flavour. One of the stranger offerings out there, this is a must-try for those looking for something unusual to satisfy their gastronomic curiosity.

You will most likely encounter this mooncake on social media; after all, these are probably the prettiest of all  mooncakes and can be made in a wide variety of flavours. With a light and refreshing taste, it is a world apart from traditional-style mooncakes. A standout in terms of both looks and taste, you can bet that it is worth a try!

Even if you are trying mooncakes for the first time this year, or preparing for your annual celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival with your family, there is truly a flavour for everyone. Nowadays, mooncakes are more accessible than ever, appearing everywhere from speciality shops to supermarkets to online vendors. And for those looking to try their hand at making their own, recipes and ingredients are readily available, allowing you to create your own perfectly customised mooncakes.

Whether it’s a modern spin featuring exotic flavours or an ever-popular classic, there is a whole world of flavours out there to explore, so you’re bound to find something you love. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!