Back to School!
We thank Prof Dr Lee Kok Onn for sharing this with us. Anyone remember this textbook?
January 2024
June 2021
Have you read a book lately?
Here’s an advertisement from Charles Grenier & Co Ltd.
Are you an avid reader? What was the last book you read?
Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? I personally enjoy fiction 🙂
March 2020
Ipoh – The Untold Story
Mark your calendars, folks. Come witness the launching of a unique book by H. Berbar on 21st March 2020, at Tin Alley (3 Lorong Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh).
October 2016
Up Coming Book Sale
Media Masters will be organising a book sale next week. Check out the poster below.
Do mark these dates on your calendar!
October 2015
Time Out Malaysia Kids features Han Chin Pet Soo!
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve been featured on Time Out Malaysia Kids! Yes, you’ve bought this magazine do turn to page 59 (highlighted area shown above). We thank the Editor – Leah O’Hearn – for helping add another feather to our cap!
July 2015
Town Planning British Malaya, 1921-1929
This book provides a fresh perspective and deepens previous studies of his [Charles Compton Reade] town planning ideas…..Charles Reade’s obscure and unattributed position in the history of Malayan town planning is now accorded its due recognition…a pioneer and founder of the town planning service in British Malaya (1921-1929).
Here’s a book by Kamalruddin Shamsudin (KLDIN) who was the Deputy Director General of the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning in Malaysia (2006-2014). Since the 1990s, he has both written and given talks about Reade’s contributions to Malaya during the British Administration.
Tentatively, the launch date for this book will be on 15th August. The book will be available after this date, but details will be confirmed later. We’ll keep you updated!
May 2015
Indicator of Ipoh Old Town – Discover Pictorial Retrospective
This book, by J. J. Chen and L. Y. Chung, is currently being sold at Han Chin Pet Soo – at RM 80 per copy. See Ipoh’s authentic beauty and charm through the camera lens of the authors!
Book Launch: Redoubtable Reformer – The Life and Times of Cheah Cheng Lim
Want to know MORE about Cheah Cheng Lim? Get his book now!
This book will be launched at the Flemington Hotel, in Taiping, on 15th May 2015.
Admission is free; however there is an optional dinner priced at RM 38 per pax.
For more information, contact Yeap Thean Eng (President of the Taiping Heritage Society) at 012-5382743
or, email Areca Books arecabooks@gmail.com
March 2015
Book Launch: Iversen – Architect of Ipoh and Modern Malaya
click poster to enlarge
For those of you who have been waiting patiently, well keep this Sunday 22nd March 2015 free!
The Iversen book is finally out and will be launched at:
Venue: Sarang Paloh Event Hall, No.16, Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh
Time: 2.30 pm
Come meet the author – Ruth Iversen Rollitt – in person!
Book Launch: ‘Phoenix Rising – Pioneering Chinese Women of Malaysia’
“Through the centuries Chinese women have had to struggle under a load of injustices – denial of education, ineligibility to sit the civil service examinations and hold official posts, female infanticide, selling of daughters, concubinage, foot binding – just to name a few. They had largely remained silent because they did not have a voice. As China descended to abject poverty in the nineteenth century, the lot of Chinese women became even worse.”
This latest book by Dr Ho Tak Ming will be launched at the Symphony Suits on 21st March 2015, at 4pm.
Retail price of this book is RM 70, but you can buy it at RM 50 on launching day.
You will also get a chance to meet Prof Lynn Hollen Lees (from America) who incidentally wrote the foreword for this book.
January 2014
New Book, Road to Revolution
“Chan Sue Meng, the author of “Road to Revolution – Dr. Sun Yat Sen and His Comrades in Ipoh”, is the great-great-granddaughter of Lee Guan Swee, leader of the Tong Meng Hui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) in Ipoh, Malaya, during the 1911 Revolution. Two years ago, upon learning about the great deeds of her ancestor and portions of family memoirs, she decided to compile an annal of the activities of Dr. Sun and his revolutionaries in Ipoh, in an attempt to present the trail that was left behind by Dr. Sun and its impact on Ipoh.” – Wong Sin Kiong, Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, National University of Singapore.
The above book can be purchased at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall for $S 12.00 (RM 30.00). The book will probably be re-launched in Ipoh later.
June 2013
Book Launch – “My Days in the Sun: A Memoir”
Perak Academy and Areca Books invite you to keep 5th July free, for there will be a book launch at No. 41, Lapangan Symphony Business Park.
My Days in the Sun – A Memoir will be launched by Tan Sri Prof Khoo Kay Kim; plus, those of you who purchase this book will have a chance to meet the author too!
Here’s a brief synopsis of what the author – Mark Yoi Sun Soo – presents in his book:
In ‘My Days in the Sun’, a distinguished radiologist presents a candid self-portrait of his first 40 years. Mark Y.S. Soo was born in 1933 into a Cantonese family who divided their time between business interests in Malaya and Hong Kong. As a precocious child, Mark was an eyewitness to the Battle of Kampar, the Japanese occupation of Malaya and the post-war trauma of the late 1940s.
A graduate of Hong Kong University in 1957 and the Lysholm Department of Radiology in London in 1967, Mark Soo reflects on his intimate acquaintance with mentoring surgeons, eminent professors and pioneering radiologists, and offers privileged glimpses of the work practices in prestigious teaching hospitals in four different countries.
The humanistic philosophy of the Chinese sage Mencius, memorized at a young age under his grandmother’s watchful eye, made him a compulsively ethical practitioner in a moneyed profession. Ever the keen observer of life’s subtleties, Mark recounts many of the lessons he learnt, both moral and practical, during his time as a young medic in the Colony’s hospitals, a struggling general practitioner in Ipoh, a mature student of radiology in London and the first Asian Head of Radiology at University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, just before the riots of 13 May 1969.
Married with four children, Mark moved to Australia in 1971, where he still resides. From his traditional Chinese upbringing to his embrace of modern life as an immigrant of Australia, Mark Soo’s memoir conveys the sense and sensibility of an overseas Chinese who has lived in interesting times and memorable places.
In case you are unfamiliar with the area, here’s a map:
Those interested, kindly RSVP before Friday 28th June 2013. Reservations can be made through –
Mrs Lee, of Perak Academy (605-5478949 / 016-5518172) contact@perakacademy.com [if you’re in Perak]
or,
Ms Kooi Nee, of Areca Books (604-2610307) arecabooks@gmail.com [if you’re in Penang]
May 2012
Are you “into” Martial Arts?
Well there was one man at least in Ipoh who was very much into it, particularly ‘Kung Fu Karato’. He was known as Leong Fu and he lived at 119 Anderson Road, Ipoh. Not only was he into the art, he was the world champion, having fought in all parts of the Kung Fu world and beaten all comers. When he retired he did so as the unconquered champion of the Kung Fu world.
Subsequently in 1947 he produced a massive book describing the many moves that an exponent needs to learn. Here is the cover and a part of the title page of that book for your viewing.
This, truly a giant book, lent to us by Charlie, measures 10 x 12 inches and is 2.25 inches thick, with hundreds of drawings of the different stances and moves needed tp be practiced. Despite its size, it sold all over the world as is shown in the last few pages by a wide range of letters and photographs of people who benefitted from the publication. Leong Fu clearly put Ipoh on the world map!
Now the question is how can we obtain a photograph of the King of Kung Fu Karato? Does anyone know his family or have a photo we could scan? We really need to feature Leong Fu on our history database as there is no doubt that he made history.
We look forward to hearing from you.
April 2012
Scorpio on the Dragon’s Demise – The True Stories of the Special Branch During the Second “Emergency”
This, the fifth book in the Scorpio Series covers the period of the second Malaysian “Emergency” from 1970 to 1990 and Special Branch operations that not many people are aware of. By 1970, the Communist Party of Malaya had re-grouped in southern Thailand and trained about 2,400 reserve troops. They were ready to make a return to Malaysia.
But the Government was ready for them, having received information about their plans and the Special Branch put into place eight schemes to counter the communist terrorists, one of which was Operasi Bamboo to curb their influence among the orang asli.
The author of this, and the earlier series of four books is the former Special Branch deputy director of operations Datuk Dr Leong Chee Woh, who retired from the police force in 1984 after 44 years of service. Thus the stories come direct from the horse’s mouth as he was directly involved in the planning and execution of the various Special Branch projects that culminated in the collapse of the CPM in 1989.
This book may be ordered from the author Datuk Dr. Leong Chee Woh, contact 0193124759 or ahwohtoi@yahoo.com at RM50 per copy plus postage and packing (RM5.00 to Malaysia). Payment vide his Maybank account, the details being provided when you place the order. For overseas purchasers please enquire about the postage to the above email.
You may also buy his other books: Scorpio the Communist Eraser, Scorpio Against the One-Eyed Dragon, Scorpio on the Dragon’s Trail and Scorpio in the Dragon’s Playground at the same time when postage charges will be much reduced.
These books are recommended as the true history of Malaya/Malaysia’s fight against the Communists over more than 40 years. They should be read by young and old. Leong Chee Woh is a great author and he knows the truth for HE IS SCORPIO.
January 2012
Selvamany: More Than a Teacher
SK drew our attention to this book a few days ago and I have managed to obtain one and thought you might like to get an idea of what it looks like.
Hardbound with 280 pages it is a very nicely produced volume by Rokiah Talib and her team. I am sure many Old Andersonians will love it.
Don’t Miss it This Saturday January 7th
1030am at No 5 Gopeng Road. Admission is FREE. The refreshments are FREE! There are books on sale.
See you there!
October 2011
Northern Writers 5th November 2011
The next session of Northern Writers takes place at No5 Gopeng Road at 1030, Saturday 5th November. New books, new readers and a little food. Do come along. It’s very interesting.
And this month we have the special treat of the Poi Lam Choral Speakers, now internationally known.
Contact yusufmartin51@googlemail.com for more information.
August 2011
Wah! We Have Gone to Print
Yes, at last Ipoh, My Home Town has gone to the printers.
As you may know, I have been working on a new book for the past 20 months or so, editing and compiling original stories of people growing up in Ipoh over the last 90 years. It is entitled “Ipoh, My Home Town: Reminiscences of Growing Up in Ipoh, in Pictures and Words”. In hard cover ‘coffee table book’ format, with colour on every page, there are 64 different stories from a broad spectrum of society encompassing all the main Peninsula Malaysian races, plus Caucasians and even an Iban. Together they represent Ipoh past and present.
There are stories from a “Flying Tiger” who grew up in Market Street in the 1920s, Professor Wang Gungwu, a Greentown boy before the war, Lat (who has also written the Foreword) and a number of others from stage, screen and radio plus of course successful businessmen and women, housewives and mothers, but interestingly, no politicians. Our oldest contributor is 92 and the youngest 12. The book therefore is really a history of life in Ipoh through the eyes of young people. With 276 pages and a wealth of original photographs and illustrations it has been a fascinating exercise for an expatriate, ably supported by his Malaysian wife.
The book will be launched by Tun Lim Keng Yaik on the morning of Saturday 17th September at the Royal Ipoh Club so if you can be in Ipoh that day that will be the place to be. Details of the programme and invitations will be sent out as soon as possible, but if you don’t get one and would like to attend, please just let me know.
Regarding the price, as this is a self funded project we have been able to keep the price down to a bare minimum with no profit taking. Hence the book will be on sale in the bookshops at RM100 and direct from us at RM90 excluding postage and packing. There will be plenty for sale at the launch, but if you cannot make it then you can always pre-order via info@ipohworld.org , providing your postal address. We can then advise you of the total cost as soon as the book is in our hands.
I look forward to seeing you at the launch.
June 2011
Northern Writers Second Gathering
The inaugural Northern Writers was a great success. Why not come along to this second session and meet the writers. See you there? It’s Free.
April 2011
New Book Hot Off the Press – “Tin Mining in Malaysia: the Osborne & Chappel Story.”
“Tin Mining in Malaysia: the Osborne & Chappel Story” was launched today by YB Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism Malaysia, in conjunction with the opening of Gopeng Museum’s second premises, the Heritage House, Gopeng.
The book, written by David Palmer, who was part of O & C in Malaysia from 1960 until he retired, and Michael Joll, also an O & C employee for many years, covers tin mining in Malaysia over 200 years, with a short history of the mining industry from the early Colonial days until tin was no longer important in the 1990’s.
It also covers the span of O & C’s long and important involvement in the tin industry of the Kinta tin fields and the towns of Gopeng and Ipoh and tells what happened when the tin mines closed down.
For the technically minded a section of the book describes the various mining techniques.
With 352 pages, hard covered and featuring a wealth of original illustrations, the book is priced at RM100 / GBP20 (excluding packing and postage). It is available direct from the Gopeng Museum or can be ordered by email to mataniph@yahoo.com.
I have got my copy so make sure you get yours. It is good value and will make a darn good read as well as a definitive reference book for those who do not remember the tin mining heydays of the Kinta Valley.
October 2010
Perak Postcards 1890-1940
Once the premier state of the Federated Malay States, Perak pioneered tin mining, rubber, roads and railways in Malaya. In the early twentieth century, Europeans and Asians venturing into this frontier country bought picture postcards to send home to family, friends and pen pals all over the world. Perak Postcards 1890s-1940s represents the largest such collection ever assembled into one volume, with more than 500 picture postcards contributed by several collectors. Practically all the major Perak districts and towns are featured – Ipoh, Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Telok Anson and the mining towns of Kinta.
Malcolm Wade, a stalwart of the Malaya Study Guide, has written an authoritative postal history of Perak. Abdur-Razzaq Lubis and Khoo Salma Nasution, authors of the critically acclaimed Kinta Valley, Pioneering Malaysia’s Modern Development (2005) have extensively captioned the images – using contemporary sources, travelogues and memoirs to illustrate these vivid windows to the past.
This book is published by Areca Books; ISBN 978-967-5719-01-1.
The book is priced at RM 120, includes 575 postcards plus a few stationery and real photos.
For more information, do visit www.arecabooks.com or write to arecabooks.gmail.com
September 2010
The Scorpio Books – True Stories from the Special Branch
This series of four books has just been reprinted and they are now available direct from the author singly or as a set of four. They cover, in fascinating detail, the Special Branch activities during the first and second Malayan/Malaysian Emergencies and in China thereafter.
The first book “Communist Eraser” is a 366 page personal story of the author who served in the Special Branch of the Royal Malaysian Police Force for a third of a century and from where he retired as its Deputy Director of Operations. A full review may be found here. The book costs RM55 plus RM5 post and packing within Malaysia.
This is followed by ‘ Against the One-Eyed Dragon”. Among the insurgents was a central committee member – the highest rank in the communist hierarchy – known only as the “One-Eyed-Dragon”. This is the true story of how Scorpio, leading 12 Special Branch Officers, tracked him down and eliminated him. A full review may be found here. The book (167 pages) costs RM25 plus RM5 post and packing within Malaysia.
Next is “On the Dragon’s Trail”, 259 pages which relate Scorpio’s operations against the Communists after they assassinated the Inspector General of Police in 1974, while being driven to his office in broad daylight. There are detailed descriptions of the planning and execution of all his operations in the jungle, estate areas or the streets and alleyways of a big city, A full review of this book may be found here and it costs RM40 plus RM5 post and packing within Malaysia.
Finally “In the Dragons’ Playground” relates an entirely different but true story. After the second Malaysian Emergency, Scorpio’s duties included organising the briefing and debriefing of visitors to China and when he learned that a Malaysian Trade Mission was to pay an extended visit to China he managed to get himself included in it, suitably disguised as an official in the Ministry of Primary Industries. Before leaving he was asked by his father to trace his relatives in South China and a Commonwealth liaison officer asked him to try and find a ‘mole’ with whom his Embassy in Beijing had lost contact. He succeeded. To read more about the story click here. Again this book of 261 pages costs RM40 plus RM5 post and packing within Malaysia.
The books may be ordered from the author Datuk Dr. Leong Chee Woh, contact 0193124759 or ahwohtoi@yahoo.com. For a full set of books there will be a reduction in postage costs. Payment vide his Maybank account, details being provided when you place the order. For overseas purchasers please enquire about the postage to the above email.
These books are recommended as easy reading, true history of Malaya/Malaysia’s fight against the Communists over more than 30 years. They should be read by young and old. Leong Chee Woh is a great author and he knows the truth for HE IS SCORPIO.
July 2010
A Gateway to ……….
There is no doubt that some of the 3,631 individuals that visited ipoWorld during the month of June would remember gates such as these with mixed feelings for this was the gateway to a New Village in 1952. Closest to Ipoh there were three of these villages, or concentration camps as some of the old timers used to call them (and maybe still do!). These were at Kampung Simee, Bercham and Simpang Pulai. You may know of more.
As you can see, the village was ringed by two circles of barbed wire to prevent anything being thrown to the communists outside and the gates were manned by regular police (this was before the Home Guard took over these duties). Communal eating was the order of the day and curfews were in force.
Now the point of posting this particular image is to try andd get some first-hand information about growing up in a New Village for our book, “Ipoh My Home Town”.
Can anyone out there help us please? If your memories get published you will get a free copy of the book.
June 2010
The Landmarks of Perak
Landmarks of Perak records the richness and diversity of Perak’s architectural fabric. Structures depicted in the book include palaces, mosques, schools, temples, churches, memorials, government offices, banks, shophouses, bridges, and even private residences. More than 160 landmarks are featured, from each of the State’s nine districts, with particular attention given to the State’s historic urban centres. Over 400 specially commissioned watercolour paintings and sketched details by three leading Malaysian artists are reproduced in the book.
Published in 2006 by RNS Publications Sdn Bhd, Landmarks of Perak is produced by HRH Raja Nazrin Shah (the Regent of Perak); and features paintings from A Kasim Abas, Chin Kon Yit and Chang Huai-yan. The architectural descriptions are by Chen Voon Fee.
The book is now on sale at Popular Bookstore – selling at RM 230, with a 15% discount for Members; non-Members get a 10% discount. (ISBN 9789814308205)
May 2010
Great Heritage at a Budget Price
If you are eager to know about early Ipoh and Perak then this is a must-buy for you.
“A Grandfather Story” telling of the life of Leong Sin Nam is written by his grandson Dr Leong Oon Keong. In it you will find not only the life story of one of Ipoh’s most famous pioneers and philanthropists, but also stories of the early tin miners and coolies, Perak’s support to Dr Sun Yat Sen’s revolution in China and the early Chinese migrants and how they helped their motherland during the two Sino-Japanese wars.
Included in the book are exclusive photographs taken from a souvenir book produced by Leong Sin Nam in the 1930s of which only one copy survived the Japanese Occupation.
Dual language, English and Chinese, A4 size and 65 pages in all, perfect bound with the photographs on quality glossy paper, and selling at only RM15, this is the best value heritage book you will ever be offered.
The book may be obtained direct from Dr Leong’s clinic at Leong Oon Keong Chest & Medical Clinic Sdn. Bhd. 178 – 180 Jalan Pasir Puteh, 31650 Ipoh, Perak. Tel: 605-2556302 Fax: 605-2432145, or by email to okleong@tm.net.my.
All proceeds will be donated to YNLeong Education Trust.
December 2009
Malaya’s Secret Police!
This book by Leon Comber is an analyses of the pivotal role of the Malayan Police’s Special Branch, during the Malayan Emergency. Dr Comber, an Honarary Research Fellow at Monash Asia Institute (Monash University, Melbourne), shows how the Special Branch was organised and how it worked in terms of security during the Emergency. It is said to be an interesting read, especially in learning from the “lessons” of “counterinsurgency operations”.
Our copy was purchased at RM 72, at the MPH bookstore.
ISBN number: 978-981-230-815-3
November 2009
Ipoh – When Tin was King!
“Tin gave Ipoh more millionaires than any other town; it gave her confidence and vibrancy; it gave her a soul”
As the author puts it, this book tells the story of “Ipoh’s Golden Age” which present-day folk “take pride in”. Launched yesterday, this book is written by Dr Ho Tak Ming featuring a foreword by Emeritus Professor Dr Wang Gungwu. ‘Ipoh When Tin was King’ is published by the Perak Academy. It is available at the Perak Academy office and leading bookstores. The official price is RM120, but I believe a discount of RM20 is available if you buy at the office.
I am advised by Dr Ho that overseas customers, or those who cannot obtain the book (ISBN 978-983-42500-2-7) in their local bookshops, should write to his agent Mr. Steven Yong of Horizon Books email address steven_horizon@wismaytt.com and he will make arrangements to send the book to you.
Path of the Righteous Crane – The Life & Legacy of Eu Tong Sen
This book is said to be the first official biography of one of Asia’s well-known figures – Eu Tong Sen. Written by Ilsa Sharp, Eu Tong Sen’s story is told based on extentive research. As Sharp herself explains, “This is no ordinary tale of a towkay who just struck it rich”.
Our copy of this book was purchased at Select Bookstore in Singapore. Those interested could probably enquire about this book at the local bookstores – the ISBN number is as follows:
ISBN 981-4189-22-7
Ipoh’s Wonders in Print!
‘Limestone Hills & Caves of the Kinta Valley’ is the latest publication by the Malaysian Nature Society. Inside are astonishingly beautiful pictures by Cheang Kum Seng, paying tribute to Mother Nature. Written by SL Wong, this book is a “tribute to that rare beauty [limestone hills and caves]” and at the same time encourages the reader to preserve “our precious heritage”.
More information about the book can be obtained from:
Malaysia Nature Society
JKR 641 Jalan Kelantan
Bukit Persekutuan
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : +603 – 2287 9422
Fax: +603 – 2287 8773
email: mns@mns.org.my