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The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why cookies are every Malaysian kid's sweetest craving
Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10 Who doesn't love cookies? These sweet, yummy treats come in different shapes, sizes and flavours. Some are round, some are square, and some are shaped like animals or cartoon characters! Cookies can be soft and chewy or crispy and crunchy. One of the most popular cookie flavours is chocolate chip. But did you know there are many other flavours and types too? You can find peanut butter cookies, butter cookies and even colourful rainbow cookies. In Malaysia, some cookies are made for special occasions. Nor Aina Harris, 12 For Hari Raya, families bake kuih raya like cornflakes cookies and chocolate almond cookies. Chinese New Year is not complete without dragon biscuits and peanut cookies. Even Deepavali has its own tasty treats like murukku and coconut biscuits. Every celebration has its own special cookie to be enjoyed and shared. Cookies are great to eat with a glass of milk, share with your friends or give as gifts. They remind us of fun times in the kitchen, happy moments with family and the joy of sharing something sweet. Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Cookies. 'Being a cookie fan, my cookie invention will come in a variety of flavours. On the menu will be delicious quadruple chocolate cookies, fruity filling cookies, and even vegetable cookies; there will be a type of cookie suitable for everyone, young and old,' writes Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 10. Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, seven, says: 'I would like to come up with a type of Pokemon series cookies since many children and adults like Pokemon. The cookie will be colourful and it's in a secret rainbow flavour that you need to try to know how it tastes.' Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 7 'I love cookies – especially chocolate chip ones. Sometimes, my mum and I bake them together on weekends. I get to mix the dough and add lots of chocolate chips. The best part is smelling the cookies while they are baking in the oven,' writes Nor Aina Harris, 12. ITEM: Imagine if you had a superpower, like talking to animals or being in charge of the weather. What would you do to make the world happier? Maybe you'd chat with playful monkeys or make the sun shine every day so flowers bloom and butterflies dance. What if you could build a magical home just for animals? A cosy forest with ripe, sweet fruits and sparkling streams where every animal feels safe and free. You might even throw the biggest, happiest animal party ever! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 13. Please put 'STARCHILD: The Magic of Nature' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
The Star
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Star
Heart And Soul: Family first, always
Cherish your loved ones – family offers irreplaceable love, support, and life's deepest sense of belonging. — Photo: Freepik Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". 'Family is not an important thing, it's everything.' This is a quote by Michael J Fox, a Canadian and American activist and retired actor. It emphasises distinctly the profound and central role family plays in one's life. Family is life's greatest gift, yet often overlooked in the chase for success and ambition. Its love and support are irreplaceable – nurturing these bonds brings lasting joy, security and connection. The importance of family Family is the first community a person belongs to. From childhood to old age, family members shape an individual's identity, values, and beliefs. Parents provide guidance and discipline, teaching their children right from wrong. Siblings offer companionship and shared experiences, while extended family members provide a broader network of love and support. A strong family foundation helps individuals navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing they have people who will stand by them. One of the most significant roles of a family is emotional support. In times of joy, family members celebrate together, strengthening their bond. In times of sorrow, they provide comfort and encouragement. A loving family offers emotional safety and growth through care, support and open expression. The consequences of neglecting family In today's fast-paced world, many people become so focused on work, social life, or personal ambitions that they unintentionally distance themselves from their families. This neglect can lead to weakened relationships, misunderstandings and even emotional isolation. Parents who are too busy for their children may find it difficult to build strong connections, leading to feelings of neglect or resentment. Likewise, children who grow up without prioritising family may struggle to form meaningful relationships in adulthood. Neglecting family can also lead to regret. Time is a precious resource that cannot be regained once lost. Many people realise too late that they did not spend enough time with their parents, siblings or children. The moments missed – family gatherings, heartfelt conversations, and shared laughter – can never be replaced. Those who fail to treasure their family often feel a deep sense of loss when loved ones are no longer around. Ways to treasure your family There are many ways to show appreciation to your family. The most valuable gift one can offer is time. Spending quality time with loved ones, whether through family dinners, vacations or simple conversations, strengthens relationships and creates cherished memories. Setting aside time for family despite a busy schedule demonstrates commitment and love. Acts of kindness and appreciation also go a long way. A simple 'thank you', a heartfelt note, or a small gesture of care can make a significant difference. Supporting each other through joys and challenges, and truly listening, strengthens family bonds. Forgiveness, empathy, and patience help overcome conflicts and foster a loving, united home. Treasure your family – time is fleeting and life is unpredictable. In the end, it is not wealth or achievements that bring the most joy, but the love and memories shared with family.
The Star
5 days ago
- The Star
Malaysian family goes on a whirlwind tour of Italy
We'd love to hear what made your holiday so special. Your story – experiences, tips, advice – should be 700 to 800 words long in Word or Text format. Please attach at least five photos (1MB, captioned) in a separate email. There is no payment for submissions, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email star2travel@ with the subject 'Readers Share'. My family and I had always wanted to visit Italy for its rich culture and history. After saving up enough money for a family holiday, we finally managed to tick this country off our travel bucket list recently. Early spring is a good time to head to Italy for Malaysians, as the weather is pleasantly cold and, most importantly, it is still considered the off-peak period for tourism. Our Italian journey began in Rome. There was so much to see here, like the Colosseum and Palatine Hill. If their walls could talk, they'd have a lot of legends and stories to tell, for sure. In the evening we went searching for the famous Trevi Fountain. I think in general, Rome is a pretty safe place; it felt safe for us to walk in the small alleyways at night. However, we did wear waist pouches under our clothing to keep our valuables, as we know that there are many pickpockets who target tourists like us. Much like in Rome, Pompeii offered a glimpse of the ancient Roman empire too. The social classes of the residents back in the day were evident in this city's well-preserved ruins and houses. Despite Pompeii's destruction (caused by the Mount Vesuvius volcanic eruption), its murals and mosaics are still mostly intact after all the centuries. Another must-see destination in Italy is the Vatican City, which is actually considered a country of its own. Since we were there during Lent, the Catholic pilgrims performing their dues at St Peter's Basilica certainly enlivened the atmosphere at this religious site. At the Vatican Museums, we marvelled at the Renaissance art, Roman sculptures and numerous other pieces collected by the church that were on display. Later, I particularly enjoyed my time in Sorrento, a quaint coastal town overlooking Naples. We took a bus from there down to the Amalfi Coast, a popular seaside resort where lemon trees grow in abundance. If the weather is right, you could also sunbathe on the beaches in Amalfi, which has a view of some dramatic cliffs. After a brief stopover in Florence, we picked up our rental car. We had been travelling on public transport to get around before then, and it was fairly easy and accessible, though perhaps not that convenient. The writer doing the classic tourist pose at the Leaning Tower Of Pisa. Our itinerary became more packed from that point, but having our own vehicle meant that we had more freedom to explore off-the-beaten track places. We also drove to the Leaning Tower Of Pisa, which may have been a little difficult to get to with public transport. Later, we took our time to visit the peaceful village of Lucca and even had a picnic there. In fact, so did the locals, who took their riposa (break) seriously. Typically, small businesses will close from noon till 3pm when the owners and workers have their lunch and rest. Groceries are cheap in Italy, especially in rural towns like Lucca. Naturally, we took this chance to have a home-cooked meal in our cosy rented villa. My father, the de facto home chef, cooked. Throughout our holiday, we chased sunsets whenever we could. The last one we managed to see was in Cinque Terre. The sun rays were beaming down on the colourful houses and it was just a beautiful sight to see. In the medieval town of Verona, the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet, Juliet's Balcony is perhaps the most popular attraction. But I was there for something else: Gelato. I was lucky enough to find a place that sold 'authentic' gelato, though after quite a few attempts. I did my research on how to spot real gelato. For example, the real thing will not melt too fast or have unnatural, bright colours like blue. After a few scoops of creamy gelato, we continued our journey. Dad finally fulfilled his long-overdue promise to Mum to take her to Venice ... but with me and my sister tagging along! I can see why it's a 'City Of Love', though. There were many couples who opted to go on gondola rides through the city's canals. For me, taking pictures of the Rialto Bridge, old buildings and canals was enjoyable enough. The writer in front of the Duomo di Milano. Our next stop was Milan, one of the world's fashion capitals. We were only here for a short while so we took lots of pictures of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral). We also window shopped for a bit. After having seen glimpses of the Swiss Alps along the road while driving around the country, we were in full view of the majestic snow-capped mountain range in Bellagio. This was along the popular Lake Como, and it was our last day in Italy. My sister was the one who suggested we go to Bellagio, which was a really charming place. Although driving around was easy, we did have a flat tyre ... two, in fact. The second time it happened there was actually a nail in the tyre. Luckily, we managed to resolve them with the help of locals. Our sinful eating was compensated by the long walks we took in each town and city. I'm proud to say that we went way above average with our step count! The views expressed are entirely the writer's own.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Star
Heart And Soul: The gift of growing older is reaching a place of peace
Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, with caption and photo credit). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@ with the subject "Heart and Soul". If ever guilt-free idling is deserved, it's in later years when life's essentials are settled. The precious stillness I now enjoy is hard-won. I once rushed through chores, lived by deadlines, and sped through life – but all that frenzy came at a cost. That was a different life, and much has changed since. Since retiring, I've let go of the rush and embraced a calmer rhythm. In my 60s, mindful of time and energy, I travelled widely and was fortunate to complete my bucket list of places to see, just before the Covid-19 pandemic. These days, I crave an afternoon nap. Sleep offers welcome respite from the constant flux around me. My husband, a gifted sleeper, is my life-size model. After each rest, the world feels altered – problems untangle, and clarity returns. Sleep, in short, refreshes and restores me to a satisfying calm. With time now on my side, I've grown lax with housework. I've happily let go of domestic drudgery to savour small, quiet moments that suit my unhurried life – without guilt or the nagging voice of an inner critic on 'proper housekeeping.' The gift of growing older is reaching a place of peace, where doing what you love – and even daydreaming – brings joy. In embracing change and staying present, we nurture growth, confidence, and creativity, imagining new ways to live beautifully. Steve Jobs' Stanford speech on doing what you love struck a chord with me. I've come to find joy in life's small details – coffee, a well-made bed, new books, a poem, my husband's antics, and a good laugh. Being busy is a blessing, but choosing a slower, pause-filled life is magic. It clears the clutter, creates space for meaningful connection, and allows you to embrace stillness without guilt. The Japanese concept of 'ichigo ichie' (one time, one meeting) reminds us to cherish each fleeting moment. It invites mindfulness and presence, urging us to savour even the smallest experiences: smell of grass after the rain, warm sunlight, running water, a bee by the jasmine bush, or the scent of my grandchild nestled close. Retirement brings a new calm and ease – along with, admittedly, a touch of boredom. Yet even quiet moments can hold hidden blessings. As we age, we continue to learn and grow, discovering that life's essence lies in love and meaningful connection. Accolades fade and money brings comfort, but true fulfilment comes from love we give away. With time to reflect, I've found that happiness begins with a peaceful relationship with oneself – where solitude, not loneliness, brings lasting joy. I treasure quiet mornings to replenish my spirit and reconnect with what I love. Change is inevitable – and welcome – if it means growing, learning, and living more fully. Am I kinder, braver, and happier? To some extent, yes.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Starchild: Why Malaysian kids are learning with love — thanks to great teachers
Where would we be today without our teachers? They help us discover new things, answer our big (and small) questions, and show us how to be our best selves. Teachers are like gardeners. Every day, they help us grow – by teaching us letters and numbers, fun facts about space or animals, and how to work together with friends. They give us the tools we need to bloom, in school and in life. But teachers don't just teach subjects. They also teach kindness, patience and courage. If we are feeling nervous, they cheer us on. If we make a mistake, they help us try again. If we are stuck, they find new ways to help us understand. Lai Zhi Lin, 6 That's why Teachers Day is so special. It is our chance to say thank you for all the time, care and effort they give us. Here are the second batch of letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Teachers Day. Lai Zhi Lin, six, thinks her teachers are special and kind. 'I love my teacher because she plays with me.' Angeline Chin Zi Ying, 6 Angeline Chin Zi Ying, six, enjoys active playtime with her teacher. 'You let us play with you. We get to throw balls around!' Choong Vin Son, 6 Choong Vin Son, six, has grown to love arts and crafts, thanks to his teachers. 'We always have arts and crafts lessons together,' he says. Lim Shan Ni, 6 'You teach me right from wrong. You play cards and reward me,' writes Lim Shan Ni, six. ITEM: Fathers Day is a time to celebrate the special men in our lives – our dads, grandpas, uncles and anyone who cares for us like a father. Colour me Do you enjoy going on adventures with your dad? Maybe he makes you laugh at his jokes or helps you with your schoolwork. Tell us why your father or father figure is special. You can write a short letter, draw a picture of you doing something fun together or share a happy memory! Email your contributions to lifestyle@ by June 6. Please put 'STARCHILD: Happy Fathers Day' in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
