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The Star
16-07-2025
- The Star
A cave walk into Gua Tempurung reveals Earth's majestic ancient wonders
You don't have to crawl through narrow openings or dangle from ropes to experience the wonder of a cave. At Gua Tempurung, the experience isn't a wild expedition – it's a majestic walk into Earth's ancient past, offering outdoor exploration alongside mysterious natural light displays and geological marvels. Tucked beneath the foothills near Gopeng, Perak, Gua Tempurung is one of Malaysia's largest limestone caves, formed over millions of years by flowing water and the steady erosion of time. This cave features spacious chambers and high ceilings, with carefully maintained stairways and walkways that stretch deep into its core – unlike the cramped tunnels commonly associated with spelunking. The underground space feels more like a cathedral than a cavern, a natural temple sculpted from rock. The towering cave walls were carved slowly by water and time, forming smooth curves and folds that look almost like frozen waves. As you step into its cool interior, the temperature drops and the light dims, replaced by a mineral-scented breeze and the echo of distant trickling water. A sense of awe sets in quickly. The massive interior rises vertically through its layers, adorned with ancient chandelier-like stalactites and statue-like stalagmites. Every surface bears the slow handwriting of time – ripples, veins and calcite crusts that glow under soft artificial lights. The cave unfolds in levels, with platforms and railings guiding visitors through its vast domes. The standard dry tour is more than enough to stir the imagination. These paths were built not for climbing or clinging, but for learning, marvelling and appreciating. Each chamber has a story. The Golden Flowstone cavern glistens with mineral-laced formations cascading like frozen waterfalls, their amber surfaces glowing under the lamps. Shades of ochre, green and slate grey tell a story written by water, time and stone. A natural gust of wind sweeps through the Wind Tunnel, creating the effect of the cave breathing. Part of Gua Tempurung was once used by tin miners, then became a guerilla hideout during the Malayan Emergency – connecting geological history with human events. There's something here for everyone to be fascinated by. For kids, it's a fantasy world – rocks shaped like dragons, shadows that dance across ceilings and echoes that bounce back with laughter. For adults, it's something deeper: a humbling sense of scale, of being a guest inside something vast, ancient and indifferent – yet oddly welcoming. A visit here isn't just a sightseeing stop; it's a natural classroom. The cave walls whisper stories of ancient coral seas, tectonic shifts and the quiet, relentless power of water to sculpt stone. You'll see how minerals deposited over millennia build into massive columns, and how moisture and time can carve beauty out of hardness. Sunlight spilling through the rocky entrance, lighting up ancient stone walls shaped by time. What makes Gua Tempurung stand out as an outdoor experience is its accessibility without compromising the thrill of discovery. You don't need special gear, guides or training. Just walking shoes, curiosity and maybe a flashlight for fun. The infrastructure is made for the everyday explorer – families with children, weekend hikers or anyone looking for an escape from the usual city weekend. And yet, despite how easy it is to access, Gua Tempurung never feels tame. The vastness of the chambers, the silence and the mineral-scented air all create an experience that lingers. Somewhere around the third or fourth platform, you'll find yourself pausing, looking up – and it's just you, the rock and the echoes. It feels like standing inside the lungs of the Earth. This is the kind of outing that sparks wonder and reflection, especially in children. Why do caves form like this? How long does it take? What lives in the dark? Visitors climbing deeper into Gua Tempurung, where every step unveils ancient limestone wonders and echoes of time carved in stone. Questions tumble out as easily as the water that once carved these stone halls. At the end of the walk, as you step back into sunlight and adjust to the warmth and brightness, a quiet satisfaction settles in. You've been somewhere extraordinary – and you didn't have to climb or crawl to get there. Gua Tempurung proves that adventure doesn't always have to be extreme. Sometimes, it's just a thoughtful walk into the shadows of stone – where nature has done all the hard work and we're lucky enough to witness it.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS calls for revival of Sarawak Rangers, local defence force for border security
This undated handout photo shows Moses (second right), Stephen (second left) and other military officers during a courtesy call on the late Datuk Awang Raweng (third left) at his home in Sri Aman. Awang, the nation's sole recipient of the George Cross gallantry medal, passed away in September 2020 at the age of 91. SIBU (July 10): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Major (R) Moses Ripai has called on both the federal and Sarawak governments to strengthen the state's security infrastructure and formally recognise the historic contributions of the Sarawak Rangers, placing Dayak leadership at the core of future defence strategies. Drawing from his own decorated military career, Moses asserted that Sarawak must no longer be treated as a passive backline in Malaysia's national security planning. 'With Indonesia's new capital Nusantara rising in Kalimantan and rising tensions in the South China Sea, Sarawak is no longer at the periphery – it is now on the frontline,' he said in a statement. He warned that border districts such as Bukit Mabong, Belaga, and Lawas remain highly exposed to cross-border threats, smuggling, and exploitation. Defence responses, he stressed, must be tailored to Sarawak's geography, history, and local expertise. Moses, who served in the 6th Royal Rangers Regiment and participated in Malaysia's Special Forces mission during United Nations operations in Somalia, underscored the importance of institutionalising the legacy of the Sarawak Rangers – a unit composed primarily of Dayak warriors renowned for their jungle warfare skills and loyalty during key conflicts such as the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation. 'Many of these warriors served with honour, but died unsung. Their families were forgotten, their history left to fade,' he said. He supported a recent call by Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi for Sarawak and the Dayak community to be given greater responsibility in the country's defence strategy, describing the minister's remarks as 'bold and timely.' 'It echoes PBDS' longstanding position that Sarawak must be entrusted with the responsibility and the tools, to secure its own future,' said Moses. He also proposed that Sarawak establish its own Territorial Army Regiment or ranger-based detachment, composed of local personnel particularly Dayak veterans and military-trained youth. To preserve and honour the past, Moses also proposed the establishment of a Sarawak Rangers Memorial and Research Centre in either Kapit or Sri Aman, aimed at documenting history, training future generations in jungle warfare, and nurturing a sense of military pride in rural communities. 'Security must be homegrown. No one knows this land better than our own people. And no one has earned the right to defend it more than those who already gave their blood for it.' He further called for greater integration of Dayak veterans into national roles involving border defence, disaster relief, and community safety, especially in areas lacking formal security presence. Moses also identified Lt Gen (R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw, former Commander of the Eastern Field Command, as the ideal figure to lead any formal revival or institutionalisation of the Sarawak Rangers legacy. 'I served beside Datuk Stephen Mundaw. We shared trenches and walked the same trails. He is not only a respected senior officer, but a grounded and loyal son of Sarawak,' he noted. Moses concluded by stressing that Sarawak's defence role must evolve from that of a 'forgotten frontier' into a central pillar of Malaysia's overall security framework. 'Peace does not come by accident. It is paid for by men who served quietly and died anonymously. 'Let us not fail their memory. Let us give Sarawak the respect and readiness it deserves.' border security Moses Ripai PBDS Sarawak Rangers
Otago Daily Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Knitting project chance to honour veterans
Dellwyn Moylan is rallying the knitting troops in a community scarf-making project to honour and remember war veterans. "Operation Wrapped in Remembrance" was initiated to encourage people to knit, weave or crochet a scarf for a veteran to honour their service. This year marks 80 years since the end of World War 2, 75 years since the beginning of the Korean War, 65 years since the end of the Malayan Emergency conflict, and 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. Based in Ashburton, Miss Moylan wanted to organise a project to honour those still living who had served our country in these wars. "By picking up the needles, loom or crochet hook and creating a scarf, we are showing their service, even if long ago, hasn't been forgotten," she said. The project launched last month in South Canterbury, but due to "lots of interest from knitters around the country", has now expanded to include North and Central Otago, she said. The Oamaru RSA Hub and New Zealand Remembrance Army (NZRA) Waitaki were thankful to Miss Moylan for her "heartfelt support of veterans". Oamaru RSA Hub local support adviser and NZRA Waitaki member Barry Gamble said it was encouraging to see individuals take initiative to honour and uphold the spirit of "We will remember them". "Dellwyn's efforts are a meaningful tribute to those who have served," he said. Miss Moylan said she started knitting for the first time last year with "Gallipoli Wool", an Anzac-inspired wool that is made in collaboration between New Zealand and Turkey, to make a scarf for a friend who is serving with the New Zealand Army. It got her thinking about a project for veterans that would also be in memory of and honour her parents. "During World War 2 my Dad, Des, and my uncles who served, would have appreciated the knitted goods they received from home. "My mum, Ruby, talked about walking to school knitting goods for the troops overseas during that war," she said. Miss Moylan's mother, who died in 2009, was among the hundred's of New Zealand women who knitted for the troops in WW2. By May 1945, 1,168,963 items had been knitted in New Zealand. Miss Moylan said the project was an opportunity to remember those who had served "that signed a blank cheque for their country". "For some returning there were no street parades, no hero welcome home — the price they paid is still appreciated because we have the country we live in and the freedom to enjoy it thanks to their service," she said. The project finishes on November 11. Waitaki residents can drop off completed scarfs at Stitchcraft Corner, 119 Thames St, Oamaru. For more information on the project:
Daily Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
How Asean has kept the peace for over 50 years
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: Danish Raja Reza, FMT Text Size: Formed in 1967 amid Cold War tensions and regional unrest, Asean was a bold bet on diplomacy. (Bernama pic) Kuala Lumpur: Southeast Asia is considered one of the world's most peaceful regions today, but that stability didn't happen by chance. Without Asean's quiet diplomacy, the region's economic growth, cross-border mobility and cohesion might never have materialised. Advertisement But now, as geopolitical tensions mount, the bloc's role in ensuring continued peace among its 10 members is more critical than ever. Born from conflict Asean was formed in 1967 during the height of the Cold War, when Southeast Asia was a hotbed for ideological confrontation between the US and the Soviet Union. The region was scarred by conflict: Vietnam was at war, Cambodia faced the Khmer Rouge, and Malaysia had just emerged from the Malayan Emergency. Even among its five founding members, relations were not always smooth. Indonesia and Malaysia clashed during the confrontation in the early 1960s, while Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965. It was against this backdrop that Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand signed the Bangkok Declaration to commit to dialogue and cooperation, later reinforced by the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (Zopfan) manifesto in 1971 and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 1976. '(Asean's) importance isn't always obvious, because our governments cooperate well and conduct savvy diplomacy to manage crises and maintain peace and order,' former Asean secretary-general and Singapore ambassador-at-large Ong Keng Yong told FMT. 'Asean cooperation and diplomacy work behind the scenes to advance economic development, political and security stability, and socio-cultural progress,' he pointed out. From poverty to progress Once made up of largely low-income countries, Asean has since become the world's fifth-largest economy with a combined GDP of nearly US$4 trillion, as of 2024. This growth was spurred by regional integration efforts, such as the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta), as well as mobility and connectivity initiatives. Malaysia's 2015 chairmanship marked a milestone with the launch of the Asean Community Vision 2025, a long-term plan to deepen integration across political, economic and social spheres. The Asean Political-Security Community (APSC), launched in 2009, supports cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security and cyber threats while upholding Asean's principles of non-alignment and consensus. While Asean is sometimes dismissed as a 'talk shop', Ong said this process is what enables Asean to manage tensions both within and beyond the bloc. 'Asean summits and ministerial meetings, supported by numerous official negotiations, work to sort out differences and explore possibilities for agreement across a wide spectrum of views,' he added. Asean in everyday life Asean's impact also reaches citizens. The 2006 Asean Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption, fully ratified by Singapore in 2018, facilitates visa-free travel between member states. This has spurred tourism, mobility, and cultural exchanges. At the 46th Asean Summit in May, youth delegates highlighted the bloc's growing relevance. 'Because we're so regionally integrated, and we've done so many exchange programmes, awareness of Asean and our values has become a lot more prominent among today's youth,' said Austin Patrick, a delegate from Myanmar. 'We can create shared funds to invest in our startup ecosystem, and by doing so, promote accessibility, not just in the payment space, but also in education and healthcare,' he said. Meanwhile, Michelle Ann Villanueva from the Philippines said Asean has also helped foster social cohesion. 'We love and embrace our diversity,' she said. 'As long as we do it with dignity, honour and values, I think we're doing something great for our community.' Looking ahead: Vision 2045 As major powers compete for influence in Asia, Asean's founding principles — neutrality, dialogue, and cooperation — remain more relevant than ever. These ideals form the backbone of the Asean Community Vision 2045, a strategic plan to guide the region through its next phase of development amid growing uncertainties. Dusit Manapan, an advisor to Thailand's foreign affairs ministry, encourages member states to remain hopeful and united as they navigate this uncertain future. 'We don't have an alternative. We have to stick together and look toward a brighter future,' he said, adding that Asean member states must build on their shared strengths. For the next generation, Asean offers a shared platform to confront challenges such as climate change, inequality and sustainable development — issues that no nation can solve alone. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Ipoh native rises to global scholarly acclaim
AN international scholar. A revered academic. A visionary leader. A devoted husband and loving grandfather. At nearly 95, Professor Wang Gungwu is all these and more — a man whose life reads like a tapestry woven through some of the most defining moments in modern Asian history. From surviving the Japanese occupation to witnessing the turbulent days of the Chinese Civil War, the dangerous years of the Malayan Emergency and the unsettled post-colonial aftermath, Wang's remarkable journey reflects the story of a region in flux and a man who'd go on to shape its academic, cultural and political discourse. Born in Surabaya in 1930, Wang spent his formative years in the vibrant tin-mining town of Ipoh, Malaysia. His roots traced back to Taizhou in China, and with generations of scholars in his ancestry, education coursed naturally through his veins. It was his father Wang Fuwen's passion for education that sparked Wang's lifelong devotion to scholarship. "My father's commitment to education was unwavering," he'd later say, and that early influence set him on a path of learning that would take him across continents. Throughout his decades-long career, Wang has taught and mentored thousands of students around the world, many of whom would go on to become distinguished figures in academia and public service. Among them were Malaysian political stalwart Tun Lim Keng Yaik, the eminent historian Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim, Professor Jeyamalar Kathirithambi of Cambridge University and Professor Chong Weng Eang of Hong Kong University. His contributions have earned him accolades from universities and institutions across Australia, Beijing, Cambridge, Harvard, Malaya, Singapore and Tokyo. Beyond academia, he was awarded the Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and the Dato Paduka Mahkota title by the Sultan of Perak. Smiling, Wang enthuses: "I received my Dato title from Sultan Nazrin Shah at his palace. He's a highly qualified man who takes his study and research seriously". Wang's numerous awards bear testimony to his lifetime of sterling contributions across various fields. Despite his lofty stature, meeting the formidable professor was a surprisingly disarming experience. Any apprehension before the interview quickly faded as he welcomes me with a calm voice and warm, reassuring smile. Soon, I find myself utterly captivated — like a child at a grandfather's feet, spellbound by tales of distant lands and ancient empires. Speaking in an infectious manner with a flowing eloquence and a twinkle in his eye, his enthusiasm betrayed his age. With a broad sweep of his arm, he leads me back across the vast steppe to medieval Eurasia, instantly conjuring up in my mind images of Genghis Khan and his Mongolian horde rampaging across the vast plains and laying siege on the cities of Vienna, Krakow and Budapest. (During my lectures in these cities as visiting professor, I recall seeing a number of Asian looking faces with green eyes and blond hair). Lowering his voice, he delves into the political intrigues and intricacies of the inner court of the Tang and Ming dynasties. I feel like I'm being transported back to medieval China and Europe, all at once. An afternoon passed in what felt like mere minutes. Yet, for all his worldly experiences, it is his carefree childhood in Ipoh that he cherishes most. "Ipoh was the source of my Malayan consciousness," he reflects. At Anderson School, he forged friendships that crossed racial lines, with schoolmates like Aminuddin Baki — later hailed as the Father of Malaysian Education — Inder Singh and James Murugasu. Outside school, he fondly recalled friends from Methodist Girls' School and St Michael's Institution. But those happy days were abruptly shattered by war. The Japanese occupation brought with it unspeakable horrors, and decades later, Wang still shudders at the memory of executions he witnessed as a boy. Listening to forbidden broadcasts on a hidden radio, he followed news of battles raging in faraway Europe, Burma and the Pacific. "We knew the risks," he admits quietly, adding: "If the Japanese had caught us, it would have meant death." STUDENT OF A NEW NATION With no university in Malaya after the war, Wang set off for the Central University of Nanking in China. Yet, the civil war between the Chinese Communist Party and Kuomintang soon upended his studies. As artillery thundered in the distance, he narrowly escaped the chaos by climbing through the window of a departing train bound for Shanghai. While waiting to enter University of Malaya, Wang accompanied his father during his tours around Perak as a school inspector. Frowning with concern, he recalls: "It was during the Emergency. We had to be careful. There were many ambushes and battles between the British forces and communist guerrillas". Returning home, he eventually enrolled at the newly founded University of Malaya in Singapore in 1949 as part of its pioneering batch of students. "The inauguration was a grand affair," he recalls with a smile. The event was attended by Governor-General of Malaya and Commissioner-General of Southeast Asia Sir Malcolm MacDonald, colonial dignitaries and Malayan royalty. It was an exciting time for him. However, it was at the height of the Emergency and the British authorities were keeping a close watch on campus activities. As president of the students' union, Wang actively supported nationalist causes to promote democracy. He also met with some medical students, including one Mahathir Mohamed, Majid "Coco" Ismail and Tan Chee Koon — all of whom rose to prominence later. His vision for a progressive multi-racial future led him to become one of the founders of the Gerakan party later in Malaysia. As a student leader at Dunearn Road Hostel (Sheares Hall now), he enjoyed working with and learning from students coming from Malaya and Singapore. Among them were Sim Kee Boon, Zakaria Haji Ali and Hamzah Sendut, who became the first vice-chancellor of Universiti Sains Penang. Amid activism and academics, fate intervened in the form of Margaret Lim Ping Ting — a bright and talented student. Their meeting, fittingly, was at one of Wang's campus talks about the Romantic poets. "Incredibly, William Wordsworth brought us together," he chuckles. Margaret, an accomplished violinist, poet and badminton champion, shared his ideals and supported his ambitions. Their connection was instantaneous, and it wasn't long before wedding bells followed. After completing his undergraduate studies, Wang pursued a PhD in history at the University of London in 1954. There, over spirited debates about Malaya's future, he forged friendships with contemporaries like Melakan Goh Keng Swee, who'd later become Singapore's deputy prime minister. In 1957, a double celebration awaited. "I obtained my PhD, and Malaya won its Merdeka," he beams. "The pride was indescribable." In 1962, at just 32, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Malaya. In line with Tunku Abdul Rahman's vision for a united Malaysia, he spearheaded a monumental study, Malaysia: A Survey, advocating ideals of freedom, democracy and equality before the law. While Wang ascended academia's ranks, Margaret shaped future generations as head of department at the Malayan Teachers' College, training English language teachers for a newly independent nation. Both of them had made a lasting contribution in shaping the educational landscape of the new nation. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLAR In 1968, Professor Wang joined the Australian National University as professor of history and head of department. He thrived amid the excellent resources and open research environment, spending 18 fruitful years producing seminal works on Chinese and Southeast Asian history. His wife Margaret remained his rock — nurturing their family, raising their children in Canberra and supporting his academic pursuits. In recognition of his outstanding work, Wang was appointed as vice-chancellor of Hong Kong University (HKU) from 1986 to 1995. Hong Kong was a vibrant city of finance, commerce and entertainment, famous for its movie and music industry. Given his deep interest about China and its rapid development, it was an irresistible offer as he could see China up close for the first time. During his stint at the university, Wang enjoyed working with many top talents from around the world. However, it was also a period filled with tension and headlines as the Tiananmen Incident and the handover of Hong Kong cast a long shadow over the colony. LEGACY IN SINGAPORE After retiring from HKU, Wang was appointed the executive chairman of the Institute of East Asian Political Economy and director of the East Asian Institute of Singapore in 1996. With his usual charismatic energy and tireless dedication, he led both institutes with distinction. His outstanding leadership and scholarship at the National University of Singapore earned him the title of "University Professor" — a mark of esteem reserved for the very best. Even today, Wang is still pushing the boundaries of knowledge, a reflection of his intellectual power and demonstration of active ageing. He has just published a book titled Roads to Chinese Modernity: Civilisation and National Culture. His recent seminars were highly illuminating and insightful, provoking deep thought and promoting a better understanding of the complex global issues facing us. In an era of noise and division, Wang's wisdom remains a steady, reassuring presence. His deeply reasoned perspectives cut through the fog of uncertainty, offering clarity on the complex global issues we face. From Ipoh to London, Canberra to Hong Kong, and now Singapore, Wang's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, curiosity and integrity. His story stands as a beacon for future generations — proof that even in turbulent times, one can rise with courage, compassion and a steadfast commitment to truth. As he reflects on a remarkable life, we wish Professor Wang many more years of health and wisdom. Postscript: After a long illness, Margaret Lim passed away in 2020. She is dearly missed. May her soul rest in peace.
