One of our readers had this to say:

Despite the description above (in our introduction section), I’m still not sure of ‘how would one know if one is a Peranakan’? My grandmother is born in Penang. I remember a photo of her wearing a ‘puah t’ng teh’. And all my life,  home-cooked food  - especially during Chinese New Year - has always been Nyonya. So I always wonder if my roots is Nyonya?”

This is really a fair and understandable comment.  My grandmother also practised all the customs associated with what we would consider as “nyonya culture”. There was even “asap kemenyan” on Thursdays (malam Jumaat, what the Malays considered holy night). Grandmother was also very particular about feast days and festivals. At the same time, she was also a committed Buddhist and proud of “King and Country” (the United Kingdom!) She was a committee member of the Women’s Institute and there is a photograph of her next to Lady Templar. But she loved her P. Ramlee movies and Teochew opera.

In short, what is a Peranakan? To my mind, it is the fascinating adaptability to different cultures. If we have a defining feature it is our culture of openness. We are products of  “inter-cultural” interactions. Ours is the culture of the chameleon and not the peacock. So, now that the world is finally coming round to seeing the world through a multicultural lens, Peranakans have very little trouble adapting.

Does this make things clearer? Would love to know what others think.

Posted by Neil Khor

History is being made in historic Melaka. This will be the first Baba Nyonya Convention and it will be held in Melaka, a world heritage site. We are all very proud that Melaka and George Town have both been declared historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, although that accolade should also be extended to Singapore.

Both cities won in the living heritage category, which means that not only is architectural integrity important but also the communities that built and lived in them. Hybrid communities like our Baba Nyonya have long had international recognition and now UNESCO has acknowledged the outstanding universal values embodied in the lifestyle of the Straits Chinese.

This year’s convention is a step in the right direction. For too long the contributions of the nyonyas have been played down. It was the initiative of the President of the Melaka Peranakan Association that we celebrate the nyonya officially.

The Baba Nyonya convention in Melaka will take place on 5th to 7th December 2008. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend this year’s convention being otherwise preoccupied with the Penang Cultural Fest (4-7 December). But I hope you will all support the Melaka convention by attending.

Posted by Neil Khor

Member Gary Tan is looking for his family roots in Penang. Here is his message:

“Hi, I am trying to trace back my family tree. My late grandparents were Peranakans. All I know is they were both born in Penang. My grand father was a British subject while my grandmother had both British and Malaysian nationalities.I will be in Penang in November.Can anyone tell me if there are any records or resources in Penang that I can refer to in my search . Thanks.My email address is tsunami1891@hotmail.com and my contact number is 353 086 3545047.”

Gary, I am sure we would all love to help. Can you give us a bit more information? We have a few resident historians and many “kay-poh” members, who know everything about anyone in Penang. So, please send us some photographs and as much information as you can.

Posted by Neil Khor

One of our members, Steve, wants to know where one can buy authentic Peranakan tiles. In Penang, one can find these tiles collected by certain traders. These old tiles are often harvested from dilapidated buildings. If anyone knows, please inform Steve.

Here is his message:

I’m a matsalleh who enjoys Peranakan floor tiles.  Most Malaysians use Western themes for their homes.  I want an Asian theme.  I’m looking for Peranakan floor tiles.  I’m OK with ‘fake’ vs the original.  I went to one vendor in KL who advertised they manufacture Nyonya tiles, but when I arrived they said they discontinued the line due to lack of interest. Can you direct me to any manufacturers or dealers in these tiles?  I thought you guys would now.  I can’t find anything on the Internet. thx. Steve

You can write to Steve at matsaleh@tm.net.my

Good luck Steve and I will try to ask around for you.

Posted by Neil Khor

Baba Ong responded: Chulia Street Penang- Pentique or any of the antique shops in Penang will have authentic peranakan tiles. they are abotu 60-80 ringgit a piece depending on design and condition still a lot around. rope walk shop, Penang Road, Chulia Street shops. If you need original perannakan floor tiles they are more difficult. Vietnam makes good reproductions and you can source from mms tiles, Bawasah road , Penang.
Hope that is useful.

I also received an sms from Grace Choong: “There is a Kraftangan Centre in Kuala Kangsar that make replica tiles.”

Thanks Guys…hope this helps Steve in his search for Peranakan Tiles…and their copies!

Last 17th September 2008, we kicked off our inaugual activity with a Penang Peranakan buffet dinner

held in Peony Garden Restaurant, Kota Damansara. The dinner was resounding success with more than

50 supporters attending. Post dinner activities covered a historical account of the formation of the 

ssociation, information on the Constitution of the Association and finally and update on the coming

21st Baba Nyonya Convention in Melaka.  On behalf of the Organising Committee, we look forward to

your continous support in the future.

Membership Registration

For those who have not registered themselves as members, we encourage your to do so by filling 

up your particulars in the attached form and digitally paste your photo on the space provided.

Then print the completed form and append your cheque payable to PERSATUAN PERANAKAN 

BABA NYONYA KUALA LUMPUR & SELANGOR (2008).  

Please sent your form and payment to:

Hon. Secretary,

Persatuan Peranakan Baba Nyonya Kuala Lumpur & Selangor (2008)
Suite 1-16, 1st floor, Straits Trading Building,
2 Lebuh Pasar Besar,
50050 Kuala Lumpur.

or you can hand them over to any of the committee members personally.  

We will forward the official receipt and a set of the Constitution to you when the application

has been approved.

Fees as follow:

Entrance fee - RM50/person for Ordinary or Associate Member; RM10/person for

Youth Associate Member annual Subscription for Ordinary/Associate Member - RM30/year; 

Youth Associate - RM12/year

(Youth Associate is for members from 12 - 18 years old).

Please recruit your Peranakan relatives and friends and encourage them to sign up as well.

[Write-up Courtesy of Baba Cedric Tan, Hon. Secretary, PBKLS]