BFM :: The Bigger Picture

Tumours of all kinds can be dreadful, but brain tumour in particular sounds terrifying. The thought of the direct effects of the tumour on the delicate structures of the brain and how that could cause permanent cognitive and communication difficulties is enough to make anyone shudder. Hear all about it from Sunway Medical Centre experts, Neurosurgeon Dr Syed Abdullah Al-Haddad and Clinical Oncologist Dr Christina Lai. 

‘Carmina Burana’ is a choral work composed by Carl Orff, in the early part of the 20th century, based on 24 medieval poems from the collection of the same name. This gorgeous music has been used in films, television commercials, in dances and simply as a choral presentation. Why has Tenby Schools taken this rather ornate and complex piece to showcase?  In the interview, the conductor, pianist and student performer tell about the importance of music in education and life.

After a preview of the dress rehearsal, we asked if the play was racist and whether Shylock was a villain or a victim – and expected no gentle answers from our reviewers.

To hear an interview with the director and cast members, Tika Mu’tamir and Hanan Azlan, check out this podcast.

Dr Khoo Suan Phaik discusses the latest research and news in dentistry since her last visit to BFM almost a year ago. 

BC Ang of the Kuala Lumpur-based WHBC Architects, joins us for this month’s Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia’s Public Lecture to talk about their design philosophy - an intricate balance of utility, technology and emotions - as well as their pragmatic approach towards work.

For more from the PAM Lecture Series, search for “PAM” on bfm.my. Check out this podcast where visiting architect, Bart Lootsma, discusses architecture, design, and fine arts.

We’re kicking off a musical week with interviews on musicals that will be coming to our local stages. PAN Productions is on the road again--more correctly, going ‘Into the Woods’--with a musical by Sondheim, a composer who is quite popular with this specific local production house.

They train like pros but actually have full time jobs. They are not amateurs either  because they invest time, energy and money into their favourite sports. How has the competitive sports industry cater to this sub-group of athletes, and is it a sustainable lifestyle for the athletes? Personal Trainer Karen Siah and Ironman triathlete Rupert Chen share their views on the rise of the pseudo pro athletes. 

It was reported today that food truck operators in Selangor will soon have a set of guidelines for their businesses. The Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) will consider these proposals and if approved, these guidelines will be implemented throughout the state. Bukit Gasing State Assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran explains the challenge of regulating mobile vendors.

If you'd like to hear more on this topic, we spoke to Rajiv  previously about shutting down 24-Hour Mamak Stalls, and the discussion touched on existing food truck regulations. 

This week on Invisible Cities, Uma - with special guest Jaymee Goh - takes you into the far-fetched and the fantastical, into a dynamic sci-fi take of our collective back yards, into the sights and sounds and streets of a steampunk Southeast Asia.

Show Notes:

i. You can buy a copy of The SEA is Ours here. 

ii. Be sure to check out Jaymee Goh's blog here and her bibliography here.

iii. If you'd like a crowd-sourced bibliography of Malaysian Anglophone science fiction from and for the masses, check out the following Google Sheet. 

iv. And finally, there are a whole bunch of Southeast Asian writers that are eligible for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. Check out the list here.

Recently local actor Tony Eusoff was charged for drug possession in Singapore and faces 10 years of jail time, a fine of over RM 50,000, or both. Also in recent days, the Johns Hopkins-Lancet Commission published a report calling for the decriminalisation of minor drug offences. In their report, they have stated concern that the war on drugs is putting public health, scientific evidence, and human rights on the sidelines. Co-Chair Prof Adeeba Kamarulzaman explains the position taken by the commission.

If you are interested to learn about the medical model of managing addiction, check out our conversation with addiction medicine specialist Prof Greg Whelan, and Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Philip George here.