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Illustration by Lim Zhen Ping

On 20 September 2025, Taylor’s University became a place of joy, connection, and discovery as the Active Ageing Impact Lab, together with Shine Ambassadors and Hospital Selayang, proudly hosted the Active Ageing Festival 2025. With the theme “Wellness for Ageing” this collaboration brought seniors, students, caregivers, and medical professionals together for a day that blended celebration and knowledge.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

As Malaysia moves closer to becoming an aged nation, this festival carried a special meaning: it was not only about staying healthy, but also about staying connected, active, and inspired with ourselves and each other.

Photo by Chan Yi Huey

Games, Smiles, and a Fitness Boost

From the very first hour, excitement was in the air. Participants were welcomed at the registration counters before exploring the many activity booths outside The Grand Hall. There was something for everyone: bean bag toss, speed ball cups, colour match games, and even a Chinese calligraphy corner where seniors tried their hand at brush strokes. For those more health-focused, booths offered blood sugar checks, blood pressure tests, and grip strength assessments, giving useful insights into personal wellness.

Photo by Chan Yi Huey

At 9:00am, everyone gathered in The Grand Hall for a lively fitness session led by two energetic instructors. Using resistance bands, they demonstrated simple exercises that seniors could practice at home. Some brave participants even went up on stage, much to the delight of the cheering audience. The message was clear: staying fit can be fun at any age.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

Opening Ceremony and Cultural Delights

The Opening Ceremony began with a warm speech by Assoc Prof Dr. Yau Weng Keong, Director of the Active Ageing Impact Lab, followed by remarks from YB Tuan Wong Chen, who officiated the event. Both reminded us how important it is to prepare for an ageing society while celebrating the strengths and wisdom that come with growing older.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

The performances that followed brought colour and culture to the stage. From the elegant Malay dance by Tari Mas and Inang Saari dancers, to the lively Chinese dance by Mr. Oon’s Subang Jaya group, the hall was filled with rhythm and applause.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

Then came a surprise flash mob, where everyone was invited to join in the fun. It was a truly unforgettable sight, with seniors and students dancing side by side.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

Workshops for Everyday Living

The festival also offered practical workshops designed to help seniors and families manage real-life challenges. Topics included:

Advance Care Planning: understanding how to prepare for future healthcare needs,
Financial Literacy & Scam Protection: staying safe and smart with money,
Eat Well, Drink Up, Stay Sharp: tips for maintaining good nutrition and brain health,
Estate Planning: ensuring peace of mind for families,
Sharing Session by Seniors: heartfelt life stories that inspired everyone present.

Each session gave participants not just information, but also confidence to face the future with positivity.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

The Medical Symposium: Expert Insights

Running alongside the festival was a medical symposium for healthcare professionals, hosted in the lecture halls of Taylor’s University. Esteemed doctors and specialists shared their expertise on topics such as dementia detection, Parkinson’s disease, palliative care, frailty management, and even surgical challenges for elderly patients.

While more technical in nature, the symposium added great value to the festival by ensuring that the spirit of active ageing is supported by the latest research and medical practices. Many participants felt reassured knowing that the country’s best experts are working hard to improve healthcare for older adults.

Photo by Chan Yi Huey

Closing with Heart

After a hearty lunch at Arcadia and more workshops in the afternoon, the festival concluded with the much-anticipated lucky draw. Smiles lit up the room as winners walked away with their prizes, and the day officially closed with a sense of warmth and accomplishment.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

A Festival to Remember

The Active Ageing Festival 2025 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of life. It showed that ageing is not something to fear, but something to embrace with energy, wisdom, and support from the community.

Photo by Debarti Pratim Das

From games and dancing to heartfelt stories and medical insights, every moment reflected the festival’s promise: where passion for healthy ageing meets expert care. Participants left not only with knowledge, but also with memories of laughter, friendship, and a renewed belief that the golden years can truly be golden.

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by @zenigiri

Music is more than just a sound; it's a silent best friend that walks with us through every step of our journey. If there was ever a song you’d name at any time, what would it be? Would it be a song that replayed over and over in your mind after hearing it multiple times on the radio? Or would it be a tune that carried the fond memories you'd never forget?

There is always that one song that got you through the good and the bad, serving as a reminder of something or someone. Without you realising, our music has been one of those that has been a “best friend” to us all in the ups and downs of our journey as we walk this earth.

Music is a universal language that everyone around the world could connect to, and it has the ability to make us happy, sad, or experience a whole rollercoaster ride as we ride through our playlist. It transports us to a whole other universe in that very moment as we slowly immerse ourselves into its melody that is built by its composition of sounds layered from a once-empty track into a soulful mix of melodies and voices to form its masterpiece.

At any point in time, music has always been there. In your favourite films, at that restaurant you’re dining in, at the supermarket or even just within your reach — your device. It’s the music that got you on your feet to dance, the lyrics that hit the spot, and accurately express your thoughts and feelings. There were nights that went on, crying our hearts out while our playlist just went on and on, and nights that you blasted the loudest music you had in your playlist because you were frustrated.

It is a melody that remembers it all, connecting us back to that time. Do you remember a time when that song held and comforted you through those unbearable moments? Surely that one song popped up in your mind! The ambience that the music itself brought up, bringing life into your day, be it an upbeat pop song, an orchestra at a formal event, a romantic song to express your love or even an emotional song that got you through that unbearable night.

“It’s better to be held than holdin’ on”

— “She’s in the Rain” by The Rose

Despite having never experienced an imagination-like scenario, the combination of each lyric and melody brings you into a first-hand experience of it, feeling its emotion as if you are living in the shoes of the character in the song.

“후회하지 않도록 지금 이 순간 최선을 다해 널 사랑하는 것”

Translation: “With no regrets, I will love you with my best at this very moment”

— “Mortal” by ENHYPEN

With music being present at every point in our lives, it carries our memories. It is a carrier, a journey, a best friend, who holds us in both the good and bad moments.

“Yes, they’re sharing a drink called loneliness but it's better than drinkin’ alone”

— “Piano Man” by Billy Joel

If you were to pick a song you’d hear for one last time in this life, what is your tune?

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by @zp0904

Disclaimer: This review looks at The Summer I Turned Pretty through a uni student’s lens. While the series now has three full seasons, most of the examples here come from season one, not because the later seasons aren’t worth watching, but because, personally, I think season one works almost as a standalone story with its own open-ended resolution. Don’t worry: there are no major spoilers ahead, just themes, vibes, and why it may (or may not) resonate with university life.

The Skeptic’s Eye Roll
Let’s be honest, not many of us opened Netflix this week thinking, “What I really need right now is a pastel-filter teen romance.” At the same time, you might have probably scrolled past it a dozen times already—the beach scenes, the love triangle memes, the Taylor Swift soundtrack. And yet, maybe it’s worth a second look.

Opening title from The Summer I Turned Pretty

It’s a fair question. With essays piling up, deadlines haunting our dreams, and club activities demanding our attention, who has time for a teen summer romance? But here’s the twist: maybe this show isn’t just for high school nostalgia junkies. Maybe it hits closer to home for uni students than we’d expect.

So, is it actually “uni-student worthy”? Let’s put it through the test.

The Uni-Student Test

Time Investment

One of the biggest questions uni students ask before committing to a show: “Can I actually fit this into my life without tanking my GPA?”

Pass: The Summer I Turned Pretty isn’t a monster franchise with eight seasons and spin-offs. Season one is a breezy seven episodes, each under an hour. If you’re the type who likes to binge over a weekend (or during “study breaks”), this is absolutely doable. Perfect for low-commitment viewing. Easy to finish in a week (or even in one dangerously addictive night) without feeling like you’ve signed your soul away.

Fail: To me, the pacing for some of the episodes drags a little, and you might be tempted to give up before the story actually takes off. It’s one of those shows where you need to push through the slow burn before it pays off emotionally.

Relatability Factor

This is where the show punches above its weight. It includes themes like:

Growing Pains: Belly doesn’t magically “turn pretty” overnight; her transformation is a metaphor for the awkward in-between of adolescence and adulthood. That’s something uni students know intimately, trying to outgrow old versions of yourself while fumbling into new ones. One character even says, “Give yourself the chance to discover all the possible versions of you.” Isn’t that exactly what uni feels like switching majors, testing identities, stumbling into adulthood?

Scene from The Summer I Turned Pretty
Messy Relationships: It’s not just about romance. The show dives into messy, overlapping dynamics between friends, family, and lovers. Each character is carrying their own baggage, from insecurities to the pressure to live up to expectations, and those struggles spill into their relationships in ways that feel painfully real. For instance, Conrad’s panic attacks, and Laurel, Belly’s mother, reassuring him, “You don’t have to hold everything in all the time. You don’t always have to be strong,” capture how young adults struggle with vulnerability. Nicole delivers one of the most brutal truths: “Oh please, you didn’t hurt me. You wasted my time. There’s a difference.” Anyone who’s ever had a toxic friendship, a situationship, or even a flaky groupmate knows the sting of wasted time.

Scenes from The Summer I Turned Pretty
Identity Struggles: Steven, Belly’s brother, dates Shayla, who comes from a wealthier background. He clearly cares about her, but he also wrestles with insecurity: is he “enough” for her when their worlds look so different? That tension mirrors what many uni students feel when navigating relationships across social, financial, or cultural lines. It’s not just about love. It’s about the fear of being seen as less than. Identity struggles aren’t just “teen angst.” They’re the same dilemmas uni students face when choosing majors that satisfy parents vs. passions, juggling multiple “selves” in friend groups, or questioning whether they belong in certain spaces.

Scene from The Summer I Turned Pretty

Relatable? More than you’d expect from a pastel-filter YA drama.

Romance Appeal

At first glance, The Summer I Turned Pretty seems like just another love triangle—Team Conrad vs Team Jeremiah. But if you look closer, it’s not simply about picking between two boys. It’s about the choices we face in love, in identity, and even in the direction of our lives.

Take Cam, for example, a love interest in season one. He’s the cozy campfire: steady, kind, the sort of warmth that feels safe on a cold night. But as Belly realizes, sometimes a campfire isn’t enough. The same way Laurel, her mother, didn’t feel much for John, her ex-husband (despite him being a perfectly good man), Belly doesn’t feel much for Cam.

Scene from The Summer I Turned Pretty

That tension between safety and intensity is something uni students know well. Do you stick with the safe path: a predictable career, a stable relationship, a comfortable routine? Or do you take the riskier choice: the passion project, the intimidating new connection, the uncertain leap?

Laurel herself frames it best when Belly asks how you know if it’s the right person: “You’ll know when you want to be with that person no matter what. Too hot, too safe—you won’t care. You’ll just feel right.” It’s not about checking boxes, but about finding the kind of love (or path) that feels worth it. Messy flaws, risks, and all. And that’s a lesson that transcends teen drama.

Vibes / Aesthetic

Pass: If there’s one thing this series nailed, it’s the atmosphere. Think: golden-hour sunsets, beach bonfires, wistful summer nights, and a soundtrack that feels like someone raided your “late-night feels” playlist. Taylor Swift is basically the emotional backbone of the series, but it also sprinkles in Olivia Rodrigo and indie tracks that could double as background music for your next study session. It’s pure escapism. The soft lighting, coastal visuals, and curated soundtrack create the perfect mood board for when uni life feels like endless fluorescent-lit classrooms.

Fail: Of course, it is a fantasy. The beach houses are borderline mansion-level, the characters are impossibly photogenic, and the summer looks nothing like a semester stuck in Subang traffic. For some, that disconnect makes it feel too polished, like scrolling through an influencer’s Instagram feed instead of living in reality.

Scene from The Summer I Turned Pretty

Final Verdict

Time Investment: 6/10

Relatability: 7/10

Romance Appeal: 7/10

Vibes: 7/10

Academic Productivity: 2/10 (do not binge this before deadlines)

Overall: 7/10

So, yes. The Summer I Turned Pretty is uni-student worthy. Not because it mirrors our exact lives (it doesn’t), but because it captures the universal turbulence of growing up: the yearning, the heartbreak, the identity shifts, the choices between safe and risky.

If you only watch season one, it works as a neat standalone with an open ending. But if you dive into seasons two and three, the emotional depth sharpens. Either way, it’s comfort viewing with enough substance to resonate long after the credits roll.

Behind the scenes from The Summer I Turned Pretty

If You Liked These, You Might Like The Summer I Turned Pretty

K-Dramas: Twenty-Five Twenty-One (youth, yearning, heartbreak) or Start-Up (safe vs risky love triangle).

Coming-of-age films: Lady Bird or Booksmart (messy but honest takes on identity).

YA series: Never Have I Ever (awkward growing pains) or Heartstopper (gentle exploration of love and identity).

Vibe-driven dramas: Normal People (intimate, bittersweet) or Euphoria (aesthetic-heavy, if you want angstier vibes).

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by @zp0904

We all love stories, don’t we? That’s precisely why we enjoy watching movies, listening to music, or getting lost in books. Stories carry us to different worlds. It makes us laugh, cry, or see life through someone’s eyes. But there is something special in reading. A quiet magic in turning pages, feeling the story unfold slowly under your fingertips. Think about the last book you picked up. How often do we reach for the novels written by authors right here at home? Why do they sometimes go unnoticed? What makes these stories special? Perhaps, this Malaysia Day, it’s time for us to find out.

Lost in the clouds
Even though Malaysia is home to many talented writers, their stories often don’t get the popularity and recognition they deserve. We are so used to reaching for international bestsellers, as most of us get recommendations by scrolling through BookTok, Bookstagram, or listening to what other famous Booktubers are reading on YouTube. Additionally, bookstores are dominated by international books, drawing our attention with the familiar names and trending titles, only sometimes dedicating a small section to our homegrown works, ultimately making it easier to overlook the equally thrilling tales. Or maybe we just don’t hear about them enough, or assume the best English novels come from somewhere far, far away. Yet, tucked among those shelves are Malaysian novels full of voices and settings that are close to home, that capture the little things we recognise in our own lives. Funny how the things closest to us can be the easiest to overlook, right?

Why we should see beyond the clouds
There’s always something special about stories that come from home. They carry the little details we recognise: the food we’ve grown up with, the way our streets sound on a rainy evening, the unspoken habits that feel so familiar. Reading them can feel like sitting down with an old friend who understands us in ways others don’t. At the same time, these books also open our eyes to perspectives we might never have thought about, because every writer adds their own shade, their own voice, to the picture of what it means to live here. Supporting these stories means supporting a growing literary community—one that deserves to be seen and celebrated just as much as the international names we admire. And if we don’t uplift them, who will? By picking up even one of these books, by talking about them, by sharing them, we make space for more stories to bloom, and more voices to shine through the clouds.

Our own sky
So, if you’re wondering where to even start with local reads, let me spill a few titles that I’ve been obsessed with from my own little stack! These are the books that clung to me for lots of reasons. One made me laugh at 12 a.m., another painted Malaysia so vividly I swore I lived in that timeline in my mind, and a few just refused to leave my head, no matter how many other stories I read after.

Duet Me Not by Lilian Li — A sweet, chaotic, and tender story that reminded me how funny and heart-thumping local romance can be. It felt like a K-drama, but with characters who felt so close to home.

912 Batu Road by Viji Krishnamoorthy — A historical tale that doesn’t just tell you about the past, but makes you feel it, with all the fear, hope, and resilience of wartime Malaya.

Bane of Widuri by Nadiah Zakaria — Atmospheric and haunting, this one swept me into a world of myth, mystery, and the kind of eerie beauty you can only find in Southeast Asian storytelling.

If Only You Remember by Norhafsah Hamid — Gentle, heartfelt, and reflective. A book that whispers rather than shouts, reminding us about memory, faith, and the quiet weight of relationships.

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf — Whimsical and magical, yet bittersweet. It’s the kind of story that makes you look at childhood myths and local folktales with new wonder.

So, maybe the next time you come across the bookshelf with our local novels in the bookstore, pause for a second. Pick one, flip through the pages, and see if the voice feels familiar. Sometimes you’ll find stories that surprise you, and sometimes they’ll feel like home. Supporting these books doesn’t have to be grand. It could be as simple as sharing a title with a friend, carrying it with you on the bus, or reading it while commuting. Who knows? The story that stays with you the longest might just be the one written closest to home, and perhaps, this Malaysia Day is the perfect time to begin!

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by @charlottelkaix

Friday evening.

The victim was alive and well, full of bright plans, promises of café runs, gaming marathons, maybe even a quick getaway back home. Students everywhere toasted the weekend with bubble tea and relief.

But by Sunday night, the weekends were gone. Murdered.

The case was baffling, but the suspects? All too familiar.

The Crime Scene

The victim: Two short days of freedom, cut down in their prime.

The witnesses: Students, bleary-eyed, clutching coffee on Monday morning, swearing they’d only blinked.

The detective: You, dear reader, are summoned to uncover the culprits and solve the mystery before the next weekend vanishes too.

Case File #1: Assignments (AKA The Silent Assassin)

They don’t storm in dramatically. No, assignments prefer subtlety. A lurking presence in your To-Do List. They whisper: “It’s just 200 words each section. Only a few pages.”

One moment, you’re starting a simple draft. Next, you’re knee-deep in references, adjusting margins, and googling “Harvard referencing style” for the twentieth time.

By the time you look up, the whole Saturday has vanished.

Motive: To rob you of free time in the name of productivity.

Alibi: “I’m literally your future job prospect.”

Case File #2: Club Meetings (AKA The Social Charmer)

They smile and wave, inviting you into the warmth of a community. “It’ll only be an hour,” they promise.

Except that hour turns into a brainstorming session, rehearsal, and spontaneous mamak dinner run. Before you know it, your day has been swallowed whole.

But unlike the cold-blooded Assignments, Club Meetings steal your time with laughter, new ideas, and inside jokes you didn’t know you needed.

Motive: To consume your schedule under the guise of friendship.

Alibi: “At least you got free food and a new friend’s Instagram handle.”

Case File #3: Part-Time Jobs (AKA The Necessary Evil)

Not the most cunning, but perhaps the most relentless. The Saturday shift that eats away your golden hours also keeps your wallet alive. It’s not glamorous, but it’s survival.

Motive: To trade your weekend freedom for rent, food, and that overpriced oat milk and matcha latte habit.

Alibi: “Would you rather starve and live under a bridge?”

Case File #4: Netflix Binges (AKA The Siren)

The most suspicious of all. Netflix doesn’t hide its intent. It lures you in openly: “Next episode plays in 5…4…3…”

You surrender, thinking, “Just one more.” But “just one more” becomes the entire season. Suddenly, you’ve gained encyclopedic knowledge of fictional characters’ love triangles but lost an entire Sunday.

Motive: To entertain, distract, and comfort.

Alibi: “You deserved a break. Besides, now you’re culturally relevant.”

Case File #5: Sleep (AKA The Double Agent)

Ah, sleep. A curious suspect. At once saviour and thief. It promises restoration, but sometimes it swallows your Saturday and Sunday mornings whole, leaving you groggy and guilty at noon.

Motive: To heal your overworked brain.

Alibi: “Don’t you dare accuse me. You literally need me.”

The Interrogation

Assignments insist they’re innocent: “If you managed your time, I’d never get the chance!”

Clubs swear they mean well: “We’re not stealing time, we’re building and strengthening relationship bonds!”

Jobs shrug unapologetically: “You signed the contract.”

Netflix refuses to speak, still buffering.

Sleep smirks: “Without me, you’d collapse.”

Each suspect has a motive. Each suspect had access. Each one left evidence behind: Google Docs, meeting minutes, payslips, snack wrappers, and the eternal comfort of a pillow.

The Twist Ending

You gather everyone for the dramatic reveal.

And the truth emerges: it wasn’t one suspect. It was all of them. Together.

Assignments chipped away hours. Clubs spirited away afternoons. Jobs claimed entire days. Netflix and Sleep did the “rest”. Piece by piece, they carved away at the weekend until it was gone.

But like any good Christie tale, the story isn’t quite so simple.

Because here’s the twist you didn’t see coming: maybe the weekend wasn’t murdered at all.

Assignments nudged us closer to our future.

Clubs gave us community and belonging.

Jobs gave us independence.

Netflix gave us comfort when we needed it.

Sleep gave us sanity to keep going.

The weekend didn’t vanish, but transformed. From a block of “free time” into a messy patchwork of things that, in their own ways, keep us alive, connected, and growing.

Case Closed — Or Maybe Not

Sure, the weekend still feels too short. It always will. But perhaps that’s only because we’re cramming so much life into it.

Final Verdict: The weekend wasn’t killed. It just changed its identity.

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by @yougogirlslayy

For as long as I can remember, bookstores and libraries have been my favourite places to visit whenever I explore new areas, especially in cities I’ve never been to before. Browsing the shelves for new titles, spotting familiar books I already own or have read, or checking out the quirky stationery and gift sections in bookstores — it’s one of the best ways to spend downtime without burning a hole in my wallet.

Books have been such an important part of my life that it’s hard to imagine living without them. But my experience seems to be the exception rather than the norm. Malaysians aren’t exactly known as bookworms — the average Malaysian reportedly reads about 20 books a year. Yet reading is more important than ever in our fragmented digital age. With constant bombardment from multimedia and short-form content, our attention spans are steadily eroding, and we’re losing the ability to focus deeply.

Reading isn’t just about dull history lessons or the dusty classics you were forced to read in school (though, personally, I enjoyed those too!). Beyond gaining knowledge, reading is also about fun, discovery, and even community. The right book can completely change someone’s perception — transforming reading from a school obligation into an enjoyable, lifelong hobby. And in today’s world, there are countless ways to read: from chunky hardcovers to sleek e-readers to audiobooks. With genres spanning everything from crime to romance to sci-fi, there’s truly a book for everyone. The trick is finding the one that speaks to you — something made a lot easier with online recommendations and communities.

A common misconception is that bookstores and libraries are strictly for “bookworms” or academics. In reality, these spaces are cultural hubs that many people overlook. Libraries, often described as the last true free “third space,” are more than just repositories for books. They offer multimedia collections, events, and welcoming spaces to simply hang out. In an era where so many activities come with a price tag, their importance can’t be overstated. Meanwhile, bookstores increasingly host author talks, book signings, workshops, and even live music — showing how book spaces have evolved into vibrant cultural gathering spots.

In our phone-centric world, the communal experience of reading together has only grown in value. Book clubs and group reading sessions don’t just promote enjoyment; they signal a society yearning for genuine connection.

Take Kuala Lumpur, for example. Every Saturday morning at Taman Botani Perdana, groups gather for Kuala Lumpur Reads, a community-driven movement that encourages Malaysians to read. Participants sprawl out on the grass, books in hand, united by a shared love of reading. What’s special is that this initiative isn’t tied to any organisation or company. It began with one person — Victoria Navina — and has since blossomed into a movement that highlights how reading can be both personal and communal. By slowing down to enjoy something simple, strangers create meaningful connections, which ripple into stronger, healthier communities.

To conclude, while reading is often imagined as a solitary hobby, a well-read community is anything but solitary. It thrives on connection, empathy, and shared experiences. Book-centric spaces are more vital than many realise, bringing together people who might otherwise never cross paths. Preserving these spaces and cultivating a culture of reading isn’t just about personal growth — it’s about shaping a more connected, thoughtful society.

Happy reading!

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by @qiinn_1217 & @0xaphi

What Is the Hungry Ghost Festival?

The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhong Yuan Jie (中元节), falls on the 15th day of the 7th month in the lunar calendar. It’s believed that during this month — known as Ghost Month — the gates of the afterlife open, allowing spirits to roam freely in the human world.

While it might sound spooky at first, this festival isn’t about horror or fear. At its heart, it’s about respect, remembrance, and taking care of those who came before us — including those who may no longer have anyone to remember them.

Why Is It Observed in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, where there’s a strong Chinese cultural presence, the Hungry Ghost Festival is still widely practiced across generations. You’ll see roadside altars, public prayer ceremonies, and stage performances (getai) dedicated to entertaining both the living and the dead.

The month is treated with spiritual caution, but also with reverence. It’s a time when communities come together to honor ancestors, feed the forgotten, and ensure peace between the seen and unseen worlds.

Key Customs and Offerings

One of the most recognisable practices is burning joss paper — symbolic money and items like clothes or houses, meant for spirits to use in the afterlife. Food offerings are also prepared and left out for wandering souls.

Some families prepare entire meals and set a place at the table for the spirits. Public ceremonies are often held in temples, while some communities organize large-scale offerings for the homeless spirits — those without descendants to care for them.

Another common sight is the getai — live performances with loud music, dancing, and comedy. The first row of seats is always left empty, reserved for the spirits.

What Should You Avoid During Ghost Month?

There are many taboos associated with Ghost Month, based on the belief that the spirit world is more active and unpredictable. These include:

Avoid staying out late at night (especially near water or forests)

Don’t whistle, sing, or call someone’s name after dark

Skip late-night swims — water is believed to attract spirits

Don’t touch or kick offerings on the street

Don’t hang clothes outside overnight

Refrain from moving house or starting big projects during this period

Whether or not you believe in these taboos, following them is often seen as a sign of cultural respect — especially for older generations who take them seriously.

The Meaning Behind the Rituals

Beneath the surface, the Hungry Ghost Festival is about more than avoiding bad luck. It reflects deeply rooted values: filial piety, generosity, gratitude, and humility.

Even offerings to anonymous spirits show a willingness to care for others — even those we’ve never met. It’s a reminder that respect doesn’t stop at life’s edge. And that the living have a role in remembering, honoring, and making peace with the past.

What It Means for the Younger Generation

For young Malaysians today, the Hungry Ghost Festival may feel like something distant, or even “superstitious.” But beneath the rituals is a reminder that we’re part of a longer story — one that goes beyond us.

You don’t have to follow every taboo or tradition to appreciate the meaning behind them. At the core, this month is about compassion: for our ancestors, our culture, and the unseen threads that connect us all.

And in a world that often moves too fast, pausing to remember and respect — even for just one month — might be more powerful than it seems.

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What Is the Hungry Ghost Festival?

Why Is It Observed in Malaysia?

Key Customs and Offerings

What Should You Avoid During Ghost Month?

The Meaning Behind the Rituals

What It Means for the Younger Generation

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