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Daily Express
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Express
UM lecturers use picture books to teach children about money
Published on: Tuesday, June 03, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 03, 2025 By: Dinesh Kumar Maganathan, FMT Lifestyles Text Size: Lecturers Shalini Nadaswaran (left) and Vandana Saxena teach kids financial literacy through picture books. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA: An eight-year-old boy from an orphanage sat quietly after a picture-book reading, then raised his hand. 'One day,' he said, 'I want to work, make money, and build a house. Not just for me but for my parents, my siblings, and my uncle, so we can all live together.' He wasn't just echoing the lesson of the book, in which children give their savings to their parents; he was going further. The boy envisioned financial independence not as a personal goal, but as a way of uplifting his entire family. This powerful moment unfolded during a financial literacy workshop by Universiti Malaya (UM) lecturers Shalini Nadaswaran and Vandana Saxena, who use picture books to teach seven- to nine-year-olds about saving, spending and planning. 'It's personal for both of us,' said Shalini. 'We're mothers, and we see how children today are surrounded by advertising. They know how to spend but don't necessarily understand the value of money.' Shalini, whose academic work centres on African women's literature, and Vandana, who specialises in children's and young-adult fiction, saw how picture books could bridge economic theory and lived experience. 'When we read picture books through the lens of literary criticism, especially around economics, we started seeing connections,' Vandana, an Indian national, explained. 'We wanted to bring this into real communities – especially with children from vulnerable backgrounds.' Their 1.5-hour workshop began with a simple question: what would you do with RM100? 'Some wanted cars, jewellery, designer clothes. Others said ice cream. And some, especially from more vulnerable backgrounds, had no idea how money is earned,' Shalini recalled. Then came the read-aloud session – 'The Berenstain Bears' Let's Talk About Money'. The story follows two bear siblings who spend recklessly, and learn to earn and save. But it's what happened after the story that really matters. The same RM100 question was posed again – and this time, there was a shift. 'One girl who initially wanted to buy jewellery suddenly said she would make her own and sell it,' Shalini shared. 'Another boy said he'd now save his money in a bank – because otherwise, he might lose it.' The children begin to grasp not just the idea of money, but the principles of earning and saving. 'You could see the wheels turning in their minds. They were beginning to think about money in ways they hadn't before.' So far, Shalini and Vandana have conducted just two workshops – one at a school and another at an orphanage – since they started early this year. A recurring challenge, they pointed out, is the lack of locally relevant picture books. 'There are certain things that are very Asian, like charity and giving to the poor,' Vandana explained. 'We do not see these in the books we use, even though these are different kinds of value systems we need to pay attention to.' So, they're laying the groundwork to write and curate their own content – 'something more localised for children so that, when they read the books, the setting is familiar and the understanding becomes easier'. But why teach children about money at all? 'It's an everyday reality,' Vandana noted. 'We need to mould them to have an understanding of money. Our children can't be stooges of capitalism.' This is where storytelling becomes key: it's not just about understanding money – it's about the experience of listening, and of imagining different choices. 'The children were spellbound when we read out loud,' Shalini said. 'You get kids with different levels of understanding. So, you must meet everyone's needs.' They hope to scale the project to more schools, orphanages, NGOs, and Orang Asli communities. Acknowledging their limits, Shalini and Vandana are creating free digital resources – lesson plans, story-based activities, and teacher guides – so others can run the programme even without them. Both lecturers ultimately believe financial literacy starts at home. 'Be open. Talk about spending, saving, earning. Children understand more than we give them credit for,' said Shalini. But this openness doesn't mean saying 'yes' to everything. 'Even simple lines like 'that's expensive, let's revisit this later' can build habits. It moves children away from instant gratification.'
Free Malaysia Today
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Free Malaysia Today
5 must-try Gawai and Kaamatan dishes you can enjoy in KL
Have an authentic Sabahan and Sarawakian feast during this year's Hari Kaamatan and Hari Gawai. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : As May draws to a close, two of Malaysia's most vibrant cultural festivals take centre stage – As May draws to a close, two of Malaysia's most vibrant cultural festivals take centre stage – Kaamatan in Sabah (May 30–31) and Hari Gawai in Sarawak (June 1–2). These harvest celebrations aren't just about rituals, music, and merrymaking – they're also a time for feasting on traditional dishes that are rarely found outside of East Malaysia. But don't worry if you're stuck in KL! You don't have to book a flight to Kota Kinabalu or Kuching to enjoy the earthy, bold, and soulful flavours of Borneo. From zesty raw fish salads to bamboo-cooked meats, here's your cheat sheet to five must-try Gawai and Kaamatan dishes – plus exactly where you can get your hands on them without leaving the Klang Valley. 1. Hinava Hinava is Sabah's bright and bold raw fish salad. (Unilever Food Solutions pic) Think of hinava as Sabah's answer to ceviche – but with a spicy kick and a whole lot of character. This Kadazan-Dusun classic features raw mackerel (or sometimes tenggiri) marinated in fresh lime juice, finely sliced shallots, bird's eye chillies, and sliced ginger. Some versions also toss in grated bambangan seed (from a wild mango) for extra punch. Hinava is tangy, fiery, and refreshing – perfect as an appetiser or a palate cleanser between richer dishes. Try it at D'Tungkus Takanon Sabahan Cafe in Kota Kemuning. 2. Kolo Mee (NON-HALAL) Kolo Mee consists of springy egg noodles tossed in a savoury sauce and topped with minced meat and char siu. (Ikan Mas pic) You can't say you have experienced the full Sarawakian culinary experience until you have tasted the kolo mee, the quintessential comfort food of Sarawak. Indeed, Sarawakians will tell you that no matter how fancy the feast, there's always room for kolo mee. These springy egg noodles are tossed in a light, savoury sauce (no soy!), topped with minced meat, char siu, and sometimes spring onions or pickled vegetables. It's quick, it's tasty, and it's pure nostalgia in a bowl for anyone from Kuching. It's also non-halal. Mama Ting Sarawak Noodle in SS2, PJ is a firm favourite among East Malaysians living in KL. 3. Ayam Pansuh The ayam pansuh is a Sarawakian delicacy infused with the aroma of bamboo. (Ikan Mas pic) Hailing from the Iban and Bidayuh communities of Sarawak, ayam pansuh is chicken slow-cooked inside bamboo stalks, sealed with tapioca leaves and seasoned with lemongrass, torch ginger, and tapioca shoots. The bamboo traps all the moisture and aroma, infusing the meat with an earthy, smoky fragrance you can't replicate in a pot. Rich, aromatic, and incredibly tender. Kafe Sarawak in Ampang serves a lovely version of ayam pansuh alongside other Iban and Sarawakian specialties. 4. Sarawak Laksa The richly-flavoured Sarawak Laksa is one of the highlights at Slurrp. (Muhaimin Marwan@FMT Lifestyle) This isn't your typical laksa. Sarawak laksa is made with a special spice paste that includes sambal belacan, galangal, and lemongrass, blended with coconut milk for a rich yet balanced broth. Served with rice vermicelli, shredded chicken, prawns, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime – it's a bowl that warms the soul. It's such a beloved dish that the late celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain once called it 'breakfast of the gods'. Slurrp in PJ has built a loyal following for its authentic Sarawak laksa. 5. Tuaran Mee (NON-HALAL) Tuaran Mee is tossed with local Chinese rice wine, vegetables, and slices of barbecued pork or sausage. (Taste Atlas pic) Hailing from the town of Tuaran near Kota Kinabalu, this dish features yellow egg noodles that are pan-fried until they're both chewy and crispy. Tuaran Mee is often tossed with local Chinese rice wine, vegetables, and slices of barbecued pork or sausage. It's smoky, eggy, and addictive – perfect for anyone who loves wok hei. SugarBun Borneo Asian Food at Menara Hup Seng brings this Sabahan specialty to life with great authenticity.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Free Malaysia Today
From PR to pumpkin fields: Lavinesh is big on agriculture
Lavinesh Vimalanathan left his corporate career to pursue organic farming. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). PETALING JAYA : Lavinesh Vimalanathan, 30, once thrived in the high-energy world of public relations and corporate communications. But after a while, it wore him down. Speaking to FMT Lifestyle at his home in Petaling Jaya, he said: 'I needed to take a step back – do something more calming.' That 'something' turned out to be agriculture. Even as a child, Lavinesh was drawn to the outdoors. 'I used to dig random holes in the garden just to play with the soil,' he said, laughing. 'And when my dad saw the mess, of course I'd get a scolding.' Like many amateur gardeners, Lavinesh started small, helping his parents care for plants at home. His efforts soon expanded to his relative's plot in Banting, where he once harvested 25kg of tapioca. 'That moment was the biggest highlight of my agricultural journey,' he said. 'But, it didn't even make a scratch in the time and money I'd put in. Still, it was a good start.' Lavinesh often played with soil as a child, the beginning of his love for agriculture. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). During the pandemic, he pivoted to hydroponics, turning his guest bedroom into a mini indoor farm. 'I had enough kangkong and mint for like, one family lunch,' he said. But it wasn't until 2022 that Lavinesh made his boldest move – leasing a 0.8 hectare-plot of land in Temerloh, Pahang, and leaving behind his childhood home in the Klang Valley. This marked the beginning of Project Kebun, his social media platform chronicling the ups and downs of his new life as a farmer. 'Of course, it was a scary move. I was leaving the security of a monthly salary to do something on my own.' Lavinesh was able to harvest thousands of kilogrammes of pumpkins from his farm in Temerloh, Pahang. (Lavinesh Vimalanathan pic) What followed was a full-blown culture shock. 'Here, traffic jams are caused by people in cars. There, it's cows or chickens crossing the road,' he laughed. He began with curry leaves. 'I didn't know that the leaf I'd been eating all these years would be my first official crop,' he recalled. 'I still remember the date – May 3, 2023. After planting the first 10 curry leaf plants in the soil, I called around 20 people to announce that I'm officially a farmer. It was the proudest moment of my life.' Setting up the farm took six months of bulldozing, excavation and fencing. He had big dreams of planting various crops. But the wildlife had other plans – monkeys, wild boars, even water buffalo were regular visitors. So he pivoted to pumpkins. 'Pumpkins take about three months to grow. The back of my Hilux was full of them – it was a beautiful sight.' His first harvest yielded over 1,000kg. Yet, despite the bounty, he made a loss. His second round didn't fare much better as monkey attacks worsened. Then in January, disaster struck: the main bridge to his farm was swept away by floods. 'I went there and the bridge was just… gone. Floating.' Despite bidding farewell to his farm in Temerloh, Lavinesh continues to garden. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). He tried reaching the farm through muddy estate roads, getting his car stuck multiple times. Though he managed to get through, he knew he couldn't keep this going for long, not with the bridge still unrepaired. 'It took me a month to muster up the courage to tell myself it was over. It was heartbreaking. I could go on forever if you let me. But at the end of the day, it's not a hobby, it's a business. How much more can I bleed before I can't recover?' By the end of 2024, he said goodbye to the farm. But not to agriculture. Lavinesh still keeps pots of curry leaves and lime trees around the house. And now, he's sowing seeds of a different kind, with a new website called Project Harvest, dedicated to gardening tips tailored for Malaysians. The former farmer has since pivoted from 'Project Kebun' to 'Project Harvest' where he offers gardening tips to Malaysians. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle). 'I realised there's no platform like this for us. I still have all this real, hands-on knowledge. Why not share it?' Lavinesh said. He's also offering services such as house visits to help Malaysians with their own gardening woes. And if the opportunity ever presents itself again? 'I would love to go back to farming,' he said without hesitation. 'If I had the means to do it, I wouldn't think twice.' Check out his Project Harvest website and follow Lavinesh on Instagram and Tik Tok.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Come back to M'sian melodies with Straw Lim's soulful ‘Pulang'
Singer-songwriter Straw Lim is known for her songs which blend soulful melodies with reflective lyrics. (Straw Lim pic) PETALING JAYA : In 2019, local indie singer-songwriter Straw Lim released her debut album, 'Excursion'. This soulful collection of melodies drew on her experiences backpacking in over 50 countries, only to realise that ultimately, Malaysia was where she belonged. It is fitting, therefore, that her follow-up album is titled 'Pulang' ('Return'). This new collection of songs explores the themes of identity, home and belonging, as Lim contemplates a question she has long been fascinated with: what does it mean to be Malaysian? 'Pulang' contains 10 highly personal songs, each sporting a unique sound of their own. 'Initially, I was wondering: what was the one common Malaysian sound that could unite us? But in the end, I realised how diverse we are, how good we are at fusion, at 'rojak'. 'So all the songs sound quite different, but ultimately there is one thing that ties everything together: the Malaysian spirit,' Lim told FMT Lifestyle. Born in Kuala Lumpur, this alternative folk singer is now based in Kota Kinabalu, and performs in five languages: Bajau, English, Hinghwa, Malay and Mandarin. She has toured in Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong, and been featured in many events: Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival, Klang River Festival, City Roars Festival, and more. A promo photo from Lim's single 'Home', a song about identity and belonging. (Straw Lim pic) Lim will be performing at 'Marilah Pulang', an album showcase, at PJPAC One Utama next week. The showcase is presented by Playspace and RMP Productions, and features Melina William as music director, with guest appearances from Brendan De Cruz, Fikri Fadzil (aka Bayangan) and Suara Terpenjara. The event is supported by the Ministry of Communications and MyCreative Ventures. Audiences can look forward to a spirited performance from an ensemble of musicians from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, with an eclectic collection of musical instruments, including the rebana, seruling, sundatang, trombone, cello, guitar, and more, all on show. Accompanying Lim's music will be immersive visuals from Filamen and contemporary Chinese dance choreography by Marrow Collective. Lim is highly excited about 'Marilah Pulang': every detail of this performance is infused with personal meaning for her. Even her stage outfit, which she designed and sewed by hand, will contribute to the show's overall narrative. 'My clothes evolve throughout the show, with me putting on and removing certain parts, reflecting how I learn and unlearn certain lessons throughout my journey of learning to belong,' Lim said. Lim performing at the Short + Sweet Malaysia: Song Competition in 2024. (Chan Kien Ming & leggoshoot pic) 'The making of this album has been such a journey, and I am very thankful that it's now come to life. Working with so many amazing and talented people has been so rewarding,' she added. Her latest album's first single is 'Home', a nostalgic melody which won the Best Overall Production and Creative Excellence Awards at the Short + Sweet Malaysia: Song Competition in 2024. Look out for 'Hourglass', Lim's lament about the increasing problem of brain drain. Another highlight of the album is 'Air': this stirring song touches on the plight of invisible communities in the nation, and features Bajau lyrics co-written and performed by a group of children from a marginalised community in Sabah. 'Bubble', a song in Hinghwa, is introspective. It's about realising how one has been living in a safe, familiar world, and learning how to step out and grow without forgetting where one comes from. 'The Hinghwa dialect is not spoken that much in Malaysia nowadays. So I had to find people to help me translate the lyrics. But speaking it helps me feel closer to my father and my grandparents, who have both passed away. I wanted to add their language into my song in memory of them,' Lim said. Overall, Lim hopes her album and showcase will resonate with anyone who loves and cares about the country, and encourage people to come together. 'It sometimes feels like we're all so segregated nowadays. But I hope to create something that we can all enjoy together,' Lim concluded. 'Change is always difficult and takes time. But I believe that sometimes, music and art can open doors to empathy and understanding, when words and conversations fall short.' Event: 'Marilah Pulang' Venue: Nero Event Space, PJPAC, 1 Utama E, Petaling Jaya Date/Time: May 24 at 8.30pm; May 25 at 3pm Tickets to 'Marilah Pulang' can be purchased via Onetix. Follow Straw Lim on Facebook and Instagram.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
This coffee shop called ‘Ono' ranks among the world's best
While Ono is known for its coffee and matcha beverages, the food here is equally good. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : Tucked away in the heart of SS2, Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha isn't just another café with clean lines and photogenic lattes – it's an experience that stirs all the senses. From the moment you step through its large glass doors, you're greeted by the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee mingling with the earthy scent of ceremonial-grade matcha. The space is alive with vibrant chatter. The interior is dressed in warm wood, soft concrete tones, and golden sunlight that spills in like a spotlight on every crafted drink. It's the kind of place where time slows down and every sip feels deliberate. Behind this serene yet vibrant space, which opened in December 2021, are three visionaries: Shaun Liew, two-time Malaysia Brewers Cup Champion; Kent Wong, master roaster; and Syun Hattori, founder of Niko Neko Matcha. Their shared obsession with precision and quality is evident in every detail. For its innovative blend of flavours, Ono ranked ninth on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) And the world has noticed – Ono recently ranked ninth on The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops, and second in Southeast Asia, putting this quiet gem on the global coffee map. 'We didn't think we stood a chance! But when they announced we were ranked ninth, we couldn't believe it. We were very, very proud. And after we received the award, our business boomed,' Liew shared with FMT Lifestyle. But fame hasn't made Ono flashy. The vibe here is calm. Baristas move with precision, matcha is whisked with intention, and the drinks? They don't just quench a craving – they tell a story. Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a quiet corner to lose yourself in a cup, Ono offers something rare: a café that truly honours the craft. The spicy crustacean pasta brings the heat, and delivers a fresh oceanic punch. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) Take 'When Two Worlds Collide', for instance. A striking visual of matcha cream suspended over carbonated Ethiopian cold brew, this drink is a quiet rebellion against the ordinary latte. You're told not to stir it. Instead, you tilt the glass and let the layers naturally blend – first the mellow wave of matcha cream, then the sharp spritz of the cold brew. You would think these two flavours make strange bedfellows, but they don't. For something sunnier, 'Kaika' is your glass of summer. It's a dazzling blend of aerocano-brewed Ethiopian coffee, white peach, ume, passionfruit, mango, and lime – topped with soda water and crowned with rosemary and edible petals. This beverage is tart, sweet, sparkling, and sophisticated all at once. The coffee lingers in the background, giving just enough body without overtaking the fruit-forward medley. 'Kajyu-En', on the other hand, is like 'drinking' a fruit salad in the best way possible. Bold strawberry leads the charge, followed by lychee, rose syrup, lime, and a fizzy soda lift. The matcha gently blends with the fruity flavour profile. It's refreshingly light, and delightfully easy to sip – perfect for anyone seeking a non-caffeinated treat with character. The baristas at Ono pay close attention to ensure your drinks are made with precision. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle) And the food? It holds its own with just as much finesse. The chicken parmigiana sando is a savoury heavyweight – juicy karaage hugged by crisp shokupan, layered with garlic basil mayo, tangy coulis, and a hint of apple crunch. Paired with umami fries and seaweed mayo, it's comfort food with a clever twist. For bolder cravings, the spicy crustacean pasta delivers a fiery kick. Packed with clams, chilli crab meat, and crunchy tobikko (fish roe), it's a briny, spicy delight that punches hard and lingers well. This is the kind of dish that satisfies with both flavour and flair. To end on a sweet note, the signature matcha and coffee tiramisu is a dream in green and cream. Light, creamy, and generously dusted in matcha, it's subtly sweet, beautifully balanced, and almost too good to share Ultimately, whether you're sipping, snacking, or savouring, Ono delivers a menu that surprises and delights – each item a thoughtful celebration of balance, creativity, and craft. Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha 47, Jalan SS 2/30 SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya Selangor Business hours: 10.30am-6pm For location, click here. Follow Ono Specialty Coffee & Matcha on Instagram.
