Malaysia may be one of the smaller places on the map, but it is a country unlike most: a diverse, multicultural nation made up of citizens of various races and religions. This unique blend never fails to dazzle travelers from around the world, often making it one of the most visited countries on the map and rivalling many other big names on the planet for tourism.
This month on Echo Eats, we decided to do something a little different and a little pricier - we tried out three different takes on the shaved ice dessert! Korean and Japanese versions of shaved ice are growing ever the more popular among students due to the trendy vibe of the restaurants and the staggering size of the deserts, so we thought we’d go see what all the fuss is about and how it compares to our own Malaysian ABC.
In a world where extroverts fill the spotlight, introverts often tend to be misunderstood - that quiet recluse who sits by themself all the time. Either they're terribly shy, or an arrogant snob, or a serial killer. This is precisely why we introverts get a bad rep: It has become an ideal social standard for one to be outgoing and talkative, and if one doesn't fit the bill, they’re expected to have serious issues to work on.
Malaysia wasn’t always the Malaysia we know and love now. It was much smaller, less culturally diverse, and it was called the Federation of Malaya, consisting only of West Malaysia. That all changed on one historic date - September 16th. Malaysia Day. It is often celebrated in tandem with Hari Merdeka, Independence Day, but both of these days could not be more different.
A central tourist hub for Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s unique diversity never ceases to astonish holidaying foreigners. Malaysia is special in that it is a multiracial country, with a colourful collision of different religions, traditions and cultures. As such, Malaysia is also known for its exquisite traditional cuisines, each one with a story to tell; and its variety of tourist attractions, rich with history and local legends. This beautiful country is also famous for its tropical rainforests, breathtaking beaches and idyllic islands which never fail to leave visitors in awe.
How often do we as dedicated citizens wonder about the strength of our 61-year-old nation - one that has progressed rapidly in the past decades and made such a mark on this world? Being in my second year of university, celebrating Independence Day and Malaysia Day after a remarkable 14th General Election let out a sudden burst of patriotism within me. What exactly are the achievements of this country, and what is it that we should be proud of before we reap the crops of seeds sown long before our time?
We all know and love the tried-and-true methods of celebrating Merdeka day: hanging up our national flag on our gates, watching the parades, and setting off deafening fireworks that trigger the neighbourhood dogs into barking frenzies all night. But with all the exciting changes that have taken place in our country this year, this Merdeka’s festivities deserve a bit more zesting up! So here are four new ways for you to celebrate Merdeka this year.
The meal, the myth, the legend. This month on Echo Eats, where we hunt for the best food around campus, we take a look at the all-time local favourite that has become an icon of Malaysian culture - nasi lemak.
Image source By Alexandra Goh and Foo Siew Jack With rapid globalisation in the works, our world has growingly exposed us to people of different races and cultural backgrounds, especially…