Fictional Utopias
Posted inBooks Creative Hall Lifestyle

Fictional Utopias

The assuaging places that my mind loves to wander off to during these times of seclusion are the fictional worlds that present themselves as utopias. They manage to provide me with comfort and a momentary escape from the calamities that we are all focusing on. For a brief moment, I can visualise the magic of these worlds and somehow transfer them to my own reality, and our world suddenly appears fresh and new. Although it does not solve our adversities, it allows me to take a step back and have a more positive outlook on life, similar to that of a child’s perspective. We could all use a little imaginary adventure, so here are a few of my favourite fictional utopias.
League of Love
Posted inCreative Hall Love and Relationships Short Stories

League of Love

"Oh. My. God. Al, you will not believe where he is taking me tonight." There was a long-suffering sigh from the other end of the phone line. “Let me guess. The Eiffel Tower?” “Wh- no!” Lucy said indignantly, before pausing to consider the idea. “Although, now that I think about it, that would be the absolute dream-” “Just spill it already.”
The Importance of Intellectual Disagreements
Posted inCreative Hall Educational Lifestyle

The Importance of Intellectual Disagreements

“In order to be able to think, you have to risk being offensive”- Jordan B Peterson.  Living in a world where anything and everything is deemed offensive and can spark retaliation from the so called “social justice warriors” of Twitter and Instagram, it is hard for most people to express opposing thoughts without being subjected to a virtual walk of shame. It is evident that many people have lost the ability to properly dissect statements or arguments that oppose their views without immediately reacting with slanderous emotions, fueled with attacks, instead of civil discourse. This is incredibly foolish, as wanting to change the mind of others is virtually impossible when you resort to shaming instead of listening and having intellectual dialogue.
Echo Eats: Hari Raya Edition
Posted inFood

Echo Eats: Hari Raya Edition

Following the live announcement made on May 10th by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the conditional movement control order (CMCO) will be extended to June 9. That is to say, it’s still best to avoid mass movements or gatherings if possible. Even our health DG, Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, advises to avoid having visitors during Hari Raya celebrations. Therefore, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is obviously expected to be less exciting this time around as compared to previous years. However, looking on the bright side, some of us can find solace in the fact that we are still able to celebrate this occasion with our immediate family members. 
Of Korean Dramas and Intertwined Fates
Posted inLifestyle Movies & TV Style & Trends

Of Korean Dramas and Intertwined Fates

Malaysians have definitely not been strangers to the Kdrama Wave that has swept the globe with engaging storytelling and swoon-worthy romances. For most of us kdrama fans, binging on kdramas is a way of life; gritting your teeth at despicable villains who threaten our protagonists, sighing out loud at a lover’s passionate confession, clicking “next episode” at the speed of light when the episode ends on a cliffhanger and then going “I regret nothing” when it’s suddenly five in the morning…
Posted inEducational Health Lifestyle

Cultivating Spirituality: A Kung Fu Panda Guide

What is Spirituality? To each and every person, spirituality is a word that could carry many different meanings. Although closely associated and often intertwined, religious belief can be completely separate from spirituality. I believe that at its core, spirituality is centered around an innate peace that stems from yourself - it’s about discovering meaning, finding purpose, and embracing growth. 
Posted inLifestyle

Fictional Religions in Film and Television

From Robot heaven to Jedi based religions and a 7-faced God, popular films and television series have been incorporating their takes on religion by inventing some hilarious, mystical and peculiar religions of their own that often reference other existing religions. This article will explore 3 fictional religions and religious philosophies in popular films and television series.
Faith in the Time of COVID-19
Posted inCreative Hall Health Lifestyle

Faith in the Time of COVID-19

“Yet it would be your duty to bear it, if you could not avoid it: it is weak and silly to say you cannot bear what it is your fate to be required to bear.” -  Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre For 7 weeks now, we have been under the Movement Control Order. Some of us are stuck in residences crowded with housemates whom we barely know and managed to avoid for years before this. Some of us are stuck alone without a single soul to judge us as we waltz around the communal area in only a towel. Some of us are at home, either cooking and baking - having the time of our lives; or hiding away from toxic interactions, praying for escape. Some of us are taking the time to learn new things, while some of us are having trouble finding any meaning to waking up in the morning. The situation for every person is unique in its challenges and pleasures. There is one thing we all have in common, though. We’re all thinking about how things could’ve been. Whether it’s, “this time last year I was...” or “right now I’m supposed to be at...” or “now I will never get to...”,  the grief of our individual lost plans weighs upon us, on top of the concern we have for the COVID-19 victims and frontliners. After all, we’re only human, and it’s not something to be ashamed of.
Echo Eats: 5 Recipes You’ve Got to Try During Quarantine
Posted inFood Lifestyle

Echo Eats: 5 Recipes You’ve Got to Try During Quarantine

Even with the Movement Control Order (MCO) in place leaving us with limited food options, one of the most common complaints from the MCO is that people have been overeating, oversnacking, and generally just eating at all hours of the day (what even is the distinction between snacks and meals anymore?). Despite the fact that most eateries are now only open until 8:00p.m. at the latest (that is, if they’re operating at all), people have found plenty of ways to keep their mouths busy. What with the MCO being extended until May 12th, Echo Eats is here to add fuel to the fire with our own five recommendations on recipes to try during this MCO to keep your tummy happy (and also to convince yourself that you were actually somewhat productive during this period).
Posted inCreative Hall Educational Lifestyle

Self-expression or Provocation?

It almost seems as though society synonymizes self-expression with ease. The entire construct is that your life may ameliorate as soon as you express yourself and stay true to your own essence. However, society fails to consider those who are unable to do so and are silenced by accusations of provocation. For many years, women have only been accepted in society provided that they expressed themselves according to the societal expectations of how women should act. And these obligated characteristics have moulded their entire existence; femininity, submissiveness, and vessels that should bend over backwards to satisfy a man’s whims. Rebel against these norms and you are instantaneously accused of provoking others by defying the boundaries that have been set for you. Your demise is predestined the moment you try and claw out of the cage you were born to perform in.