Latest news with #Tan
The Star
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Tan Twan Eng novel sparks cultural exchange between Malaysia and Bulgaria
Tan's 'The House Of Doors' explores love and betrayal under the shadow of Empire. The book, longlisted for the Booker Prize 2023, has been translated into multiple languages, including Bulgarian. Photo: The Star/Low Lay Phon A Malaysian novel has inspired a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and Bulgaria. A Bulgarian translation of The House Of Doors by Tan Twan Eng has been discovered by the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Finland, Nina Angelova Simova. The discovery led to the recent inaugural Malaysia-Bulgaria Literary Diplomacy Dialogue in Helsinki. The event, hosted by the Embassy of Malaysia in Helsinki and moderated by Chargé d'Affaires Ariff Ali, brought together Malaysian, Bulgarian, and Finnish readers from fields such as literature, creative writing, art, and international relations. Tan, a Malaysian author widely celebrated for his elegant prose and historical depth, gained international acclaim when his earlier novel The Garden Of Evening Mists was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Walter Scott Prize; the novel is now also being translated into Bulgarian. The dialogue revolved around Tan's acclaimed work, sparking thoughtful reflections on identity, colonialism, gender, memory, and the quiet yet enduring power of storytelling. At the event, Simova presented her review of the novel. Simova, whose academic background is in literary studies, offered both personal and analytical insights. She explored the novel's layered narrative and how it reflects memory and consciousness; weaving in themes of symbolism, colonial legacy, identity, ethics, and orientalism. "This event sets a meaningful precedent for literary diplomacy and cross-cultural dialogue for both our countries. "It is our hope that more works from Malaysian authors will continue to reach readers not only in Malaysia, Finland, and Bulgaria, but also the wider European and global literary landscape,' a statement from the embassy said. The event also underscored the transformative role of translation in cultural exchange. The Bulgarian edition of The House Of Doors, which was translated by Petja Petkova, was praised for preserving the quiet elegance of Tan's prose. "Participants noted that translation is more than a linguistic act-it is a reimagining that bridges borders while staying true to the heart of a story,' the statement said. At the event, Tan - in a pre-recorded message that was both candid and enlightening - shared his reflections on writing, characterisation, and inspiration. He spoke about the quiet power of literature in bridging cultures. "Literature is an extremely powerful tool in diplomacy, with so much potential; but alas, it is so underused and its value so under-appreciated,' said Tan. - Bernama
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Radio DJ Germaine Tan is engaged to Zouk Group's chief executive Andrew Li
SINGAPORE - Wedding bells are set to ring for local radio DJ Germaine Tan and Mr Andrew Li, the chief executive of Singapore lifestyle and hospitality company Zouk Group. The engagement was announced by Tan, a presenter at Mediacorp's English-language radio station 987, on social media on June 1. Mr Li, who is in his early 40s, was tagged in the post. 'Andrew has always known my appreciation for sunsets and (the) ocean, so he'd been planning this secretly for some time,' wrote Tan, who is in her late 20s, of the romantic proposal. 'In the Maldives, on a private sandbank, while the evening sun approached the horizon over the open ocean. It couldn't have felt more right.' The couple, who first met at local cocktail bar Here Kitty Kitty in 2022, have been dating for over two years. Tan, who joined Mediacorp in 2015 and is also a lifestyle influencer and host, continued: 'I knew all along it was going to be you. The way you love me so fiercely inspires me to be the best version of myself. If you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you happy'. She added: 'Your care and generosity toward my loved ones make me even more in love with you. I can't imagine life without you as my pillar of support, and I wouldn't want a life like that anyway.' The newly-engaged lovebirds were congratulated on social media by several celebrity pals, including Yes933 DJ Hazelle Teo, actor Ben Yeo, actress Tay Ying and celebrity chef Wu Sihan. Tay and Wu will be tying the knot in June. Mediacorp's artiste management arm The Celebrity Agency also congratulated Tan and Mr Li, writing: 'From dancing at a bar to a sunset proposal in Maldives, their love story felt written in the stars. Through every challenge and triumph, they grew stronger together. Now, they are saying yes to a lifetime of love.' London-born Mr Li joined Zouk Group as chairman in 2015 and became its chief executive in 2016. He oversaw the return of dusk-to-dawn electronic dance music festival ZoukOut in 2022 after a three-year hiatus. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Star
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Avoid losing your home
PETALING JAYA: Going by market reports, Malaysia's property transactions last year hit its highest levels over the past decade. According to the National Property Information Centre's Property Market Report 2024, the number of property transactions rose by 5.4% to 420,545 last year. That leads to the question: Are Malaysian home buyers getting financial protection for their mortgage? It is not mandatory for house buyers to purchase mortgage insurance, but getting one could protect them and their families from ending up homeless, said insurance professionals. 'This is to avoid adverse unforeseen circumstances that can land homeowners and their families in financial hardship,' said senior insurance consultant Leonard Tan. He explained that when a housing loan is left unpaid, the financial institution will initiate recovery actions, including foreclosure and auctioning off the property to recoup the outstanding loan. ALSO READ: Widow in a rut over unpaid housing loans Tan gave examples of mortgage insurance such as Mortgage Level Term Assurance (MLTA) or Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance (MRTA). 'These policies will provide the necessary funds and ensure that homeowners or their families have a roof over their head in the event of incapacitation or death of the borrower,' he said when contacted. Tan acknowledged that these policies have its pros and cons, so Malaysians taking up housing loans should evaluate which is suited for them. He said the MRTA is a life insurance policy that covers the outstanding balance of a mortgage and in tandem with the declining loan amount. 'It is straightforward and covers only the outstanding sum needed to settle the mortgage. 'The premium is a lump sum often paid upfront or included in the principal loan amount taken for a house and paid directly to the financial institution that provided the loan facility. (Click To Enlarge) 'There are no other additional benefits and if one settles the loan earlier, they may only receive a minute sum of the premium in refunds,' he said. As for MLTA, Tan said it is quite similar to a regular life insurance policy with the coverage sum remaining fixed throughout the loan tenure. 'If the coverage is RM300,000, the payout will be the same sum in the event of death or incapacitation even if the outstanding loan amount is RM50,000. 'The MLTA enables the beneficiary to have additional funds in hand when the outstanding loan amount is lower than the coverage,' he said. Although the policy is under the name of the homeowner, he said this sum is transferable and may be used to cover other loans they may take after the main mortgage is paid up. Since the MLTA has a bigger cash or surrender value compared to the MRTA, he said it would be far more expensive. Wealth manager Evan Teo said it is not compulsory for house buyers to purchase mortgage insurance, but some banks may decide to make it mandatory by bundling it with their mortgage loans. 'Some mortgage bankers also cross-sell it alongside the loan by offering a lower interest rate if the buyer takes up the MRTA or MLTA. 'I believe this is because bank assurance products such as MRTA and MLTA are now part of the mortgage banks or bankers' KPI,' he said, referring to the key performance index. But putting aside the bank's or banker's KPI, Teo said purchasing a mortgage insurance ultimately benefits house buyers. 'The majority of house buyers tend to be reluctant to purchase additional insurance unless it's required. 'Even though many insurance advisers are doing their best to educate the public, uptake is still relatively low unless it is packaged (into the loan),' he said. As such, Teo was of the view that the practice by some banks to bundle MRTA or MLTA with mortgage loans is a good move. He said in the past, the family members of loan takers would have to 'inherit' the housing loans when the borrower was not able to continue paying the monthly payment as they did not have insurance protection. However, Teo also advised house buyers to pay attention to the terms and conditions included in their housing loan with banks before purchasing an mortgage insurance. 'For example, the coverage period may be shorter than the actual loan tenure or the policy might only cover death or total permanent disability. 'What happens if the buyer is diagnosed with a critical illness after the insurance term ends and this affects their ability to earn an income and continue loan repayments?' 'So, it's better to analyse your own needs in relation to the mortgage before deciding based on your financial capability,' he said.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
N. Sembilan ready to welcome arrival of delegates attending ASEAN meeting
PORT DICKSON: The Negeri Sembilan government is ready to welcome the arrival of delegates who will be attending several meetings in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which is scheduled to be held at a hotel here on Sept 9-10. State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Nicole Tan said their preparations included aspects such as cleanliness, beautification, landscaping and programme content that will highlight the unique culture and traditions of Negeri Sembilan, particularly the state's unique adat perpatih. 'Our preparations are almost complete, just a few areas that need further improvement to ensure everything is in perfect order for us to welcome the arrival of the delegates. 'This welcome reception will also be a platform to promote the Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 by showcasing the state's cultural uniqueness, scenic views, traditional local cuisine, warm hospitality and tourist attractions,' she told reporters after officiating the launch of the Port Dickson Festival 2025 here yesterday. Several ASEAN-related meetings and programmes are scheduled to be held in Negeri Sembilan on Sept 9-10, including the Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) for ASEAN Plus Three (APT) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), in addition to the 15th ASEAN Maritime Forum and 13th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum. Malaysia officially took over the ASEAN Chairmanship on Jan 1, with the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. Meanwhile, Tan said that 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day Port Dickson Festival, which began Thursday, involving 60 traders, including influencers.
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan readies for key ASEAN 2025 meetings
PORT DICKSON: The Negeri Sembilan government is ready to welcome the arrival of delegates who will be attending several meetings in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which is scheduled to be held at a hotel here on Sept 9-10. State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Nicole Tan said their preparations included aspects such as cleanliness, beautification, landscaping and programme content that will highlight the unique culture and traditions of Negeri Sembilan, particularly the state's unique adat perpatih. 'Our preparations are almost complete, just a few areas that need further improvement to ensure everything is in perfect order for us to welcome the arrival of the delegates. 'This welcome reception will also be a platform to promote the Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 by showcasing the state's cultural uniqueness, scenic views, traditional local cuisine, warm hospitality and tourist attractions,' she told reporters after officiating the launch of the Port Dickson Festival 2025 here yesterday. Several ASEAN-related meetings and programmes are scheduled to be held in Negeri Sembilan on Sept 9-10, including the Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) for ASEAN Plus Three (APT) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), in addition to the 15th ASEAN Maritime Forum and 13th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum. Malaysia officially took over the ASEAN Chairmanship on Jan 1, with the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Malaysia has previously chaired ASEAN in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. Meanwhile, Tan said that 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day Port Dickson Festival, which began Thursday, involving 60 traders, including influencers.
