Month: June 2010

Media Asia 2010 – http://mediasia.iafor.org

Australian Southeast Asian Association (ASAA) Conference – http://www.adelaide.edu.au/asaa2010/papers/

PUDU Jail demolishing process took place today.

Photo Pudu Jail 1895: Arkib Negara Malaysia.
Credit video: Dick Chua for an excellent captures of the moment.

See The Star newspaper for the news.

It is an unfortunate to know that another Malaysian old historical building, that has been standing in Pudu areas, Hang Tuah road for more then 100 years (115 to be exact) will soon be gone and turn to dust today. Many Malaysian agreed with this decision but not many will go further to fight for it. Media coverage try to get as much voices and opinion to maintained the process from happening. As proposed by government the Pudu Goal area which includes almost 10 hectares of land will be transformed to a new development project that according to the Draft KL City Plan 2020 the prison site has been earmarked for development. Previous plans for the site have included a proposal for a mixed commercial and residential development, which included a 33 storey office block, a shopping complex, a 43 storey hotel and a 44 storey serviced apartment tower. I understood that Malaysia want to promoted and developed the country, showing how modern and developed the countrys are, but what I don’t understand it why there is a need to demolished the historical building in order to achieve that aim. Sad, disappointed and devastating with the Malaysian government action. Bernama a Malaysian national news agency, captured some of the disappointment from many Malaysian.

I would imagine that the Pudu Jail area can be reconstruct as a Malaysian national archive hub, with cafes around, some galleries, or some parts of it could be an extension of Central Market, where artists, actors and students will be able to practices and get inspirations from the space. It can be a place where film director will get their inspiration to make some scene there, or a band can conduct some nice entertainment show around the square. The wall surround it is just perfect to cover and take away the noise from outside the areas, the busy vehicles and traffics. The whole areas can be different if there is more thought given and voices are heard in the process. Some people would say that the Jail space are home for many bad spirits. Typical Malaysian who are believer of spirits, well, why not, but didnt we also aware that the bad spirit will only stay when there is other bad spirits around. If we make the space livable and enjoyable, the bad spirit will have to fight with the good spirits. Yes, that is another agenda that I think supports the demolishment process of the building. Getting rid of bad spirits by destroying the building and build a new fancy one. What if the bad spirits stays?

May be it will be a bit to ambitious to say that it could or possible to be like the Le Lourve museum in France. Yes, Le Lourve was a museum before, and been kept as a museum. So what if its a jail? What matters is the site of the jail (10 hectares) will give us possibilities to explore the areas, renew and give the space a new energy and feeling. By keeping the façade and modified the inner space. It will be a great experiences for the younger generations to explore and learn about the space, not only for tourist. It will be a center for discussion or even a hub for conference where people discuss about the historical sites and the significant it will give to the nation.

Badan Warisan captured some interesting prisoners wall cell drawing.

More images on Pudu Jail can be trace from other sites such as Skyscraper munirakirana

Click here for larger view

I had a pleasure to meet Mimmo Cozzolino this afternoon. Mimmo published a book called Symbols of Australia,
that contained collections of Australian logos and trademarks. Since his book was published in 1980, it has been five times the book been reprinted. We meet because I made an order for his book and through our email discussion,
I thought I asked if Mimmo would like to have a coffee with me, and this way he could deliver the book for me. That is how it leads to our meeting. Mimmo is a true blue cultured graphic designer. Mimmo has been practicing graphic design since 1970s and had assisted with other friends in the formation of Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) along with other graphic design project that he did. I discussed and talked about my practice and work. Mimmo provided interesting comments and feedback for me to clarify. There are many other highlights in our discussion but this three main points I need to clarify in my work.

1. That National Archive in Australia collection is similar to Malaysia.
2. That I need to keep the integrity of the print artefact when I designed the work.
3. That for the publication later on I need to be aware of the copyright and policy making.
I had a pleasure to meet Mimmo Cozzolino this afternoon. Mimmo published a book called Symbols of Australia, that contained collections of Australian logos and trademarks. Since his book was published in 1980,
it has been five times the book been reprinted. We meet because I made an order for his book and through our email discussion, I thought I asked if Mimmo would like to have a coffee with me, and this way he could deliver the book for me. That is how it leads to our meeting. Mimmo is a true blue cultured graphic designer. Mimmo has been practicing graphic design since 1970s and had assisted with other friends in the formation of Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) along with other graphic design project that he did. I discussed and talked about my practice and work. Mimmo provided interesting comments and feedback for me to clarify. There are many other highlights in our discussion but this three main points I need to clarify in my work.

1. That National Archive in Australia collection is similar to Malaysia.
2. That I need to keep the integrity of the print artefact when I designed the work.
3. That for the publication later on I need to be aware of the copyright and policy making.
I had a pleasure to meet Mimmo Cozzolino this afternoon. Mimmo published a book called Symbols of Australia, that contained collections of Australian logos and trademarks. Since his book was published in 1980,
it has been five times the book been reprinted. Mimmo has been practicing graphic design since 1970s and had assisted with other friends in the formation of Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA). I discussed and talked about my work and Mimmo provided some interesting comments and feedback. There are many other highlights in our discussion but this three main points I need to explore a bit more.

1. That National Archive in Australia collection is similar to Malaysia.
2. That I need to keep the integrity of the print artefact when I designed the work.
3. That for the publication later on I need to be aware of the copyright and policy making.

Here is my home

Among artist that took parts are, Afdlin Shauki, Pete Teo, Jacklyn Victor, Ning Baizura, Jasmin Ahmad, Suki, Awie Wings and many others.

PUDU Jail demolishing process took place today.

Photo Pudu Jail 1895: Arkib Negara Malaysia.
Credit video: Dick Chua for an excellent captures of the moment.

See The Star newspaper for the news.

It is an unfortunate to know that another Malaysian old historical building, that has been standing in Pudu areas, Hang Tuah road for more then 100 years (115 to be exact) will soon be gone and turn to dust today. Many Malaysian agreed with this decision but not many will go further to fight for it. Media coverage try to get as much voices and opinion to maintained the process from happening. As proposed by government the Pudu Goal area which includes almost 10 hectares of land will be transformed to a new development project that according to the Draft KL City Plan 2020 the prison site has been earmarked for development. Previous plans for the site have included a proposal for a mixed commercial and residential development, which included a 33 storey office block, a shopping complex, a 43 storey hotel and a 44 storey serviced apartment tower. I understood that Malaysia want to promoted and developed the country, showing how modern and developed the countrys are, but what I don’t understand it why there is a need to demolished the historical building in order to achieve that aim. Sad, disappointed and devastating with the Malaysian government action. Bernama a Malaysian national news agency, captured some of the disappointment from many Malaysian.

I would imagine that the Pudu Jail area can be reconstruct as a Malaysian national archive hub, with cafes around, some galleries, or some parts of it could be an extension of Central Market, where artists, actors and students will be able to practices and get inspirations from the space. It can be a place where film director will get their inspiration to make some scene there, or a band can conduct some nice entertainment show around the square. The wall surround it is just perfect to cover and take away the noise from outside the areas, the busy vehicles and traffics. The whole areas can be different if there is more thought given and voices are heard in the process. Some people would say that the Jail space are home for many bad spirits. Typical Malaysian who are believer of spirits, well, why not, but didnt we also aware that the bad spirit will only stay when there is other bad spirits around. If we make the space livable and enjoyable, the bad spirit will have to fight with the good spirits. Yes, that is another agenda that I think supports the demolishment process of the building. Getting rid of bad spirits by destroying the building and build a new fancy one. What if the bad spirits stays?

May be it will be a bit to ambitious to say that it could or possible to be like the Le Lourve museum in France. Yes, Le Lourve was a museum before, and been kept as a museum. So what if its a jail? What matters is the site of the jail (10 hectares) will give us possibilities to explore the areas, renew and give the space a new energy and feeling. By keeping the façade and modified the inner space. It will be a great experiences for the younger generations to explore and learn about the space, not only for tourist. It will be a center for discussion or even a hub for conference where people discuss about the historical sites and the significant it will give to the nation.

Badan Warisan captured some interesting prisoners wall cell drawing.

More images on Pudu Jail can be trace from other sites such as Skyscraper munirakirana

Click here for larger view

I had a pleasure to meet Mimmo Cozzolino this afternoon. Mimmo published a book called Symbols of Australia,
that contained collections of Australian logos and trademarks. Since his book was published in 1980, it has been five times the book been reprinted. We meet because I made an order for his book and through our email discussion,
I thought I asked if Mimmo would like to have a coffee with me, and this way he could deliver the book for me. That is how it leads to our meeting. Mimmo is a true blue cultured graphic designer. Mimmo has been practicing graphic design since 1970s and had assisted with other friends in the formation of Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) along with other graphic design project that he did. I discussed and talked about my practice and work. Mimmo provided interesting comments and feedback for me to clarify. There are many other highlights in our discussion but this three main points I need to clarify in my work.

1. That National Archive in Australia collection is similar to Malaysia.
2. That I need to keep the integrity of the print artefact when I designed the work.
3. That for the publication later on I need to be aware of the copyright and policy making.

Found this book on a library shelf one day, and thought “the title is interesting!”. Although the book seems ‘old’ because the cover has been re-bind with a boring yellow color does not mean the book is boring too. Yes, I know don not judge the book by it cover seems to be whispering in my head.“The history of Graphic Design and Communication” by Clive Ashwin has been printed in 1983, along with many other graphic design book. Now the discussion in this book, is enough for us to understand what is communication when the discussions and articles in the book are related to advertising, press, newspaper, magazine, printing, color managements, product, materials, technologies, methods of making and creating, design, arts and many other words that link to the word communication. The technologies, methods, terms and practices have not changed much till today. But why do we have to change the term, again? Graphic design and communication, or graphic communication, or visual graphic communication just enough to describe the activities and meanings behind the roles of graphic design. To me, the terms are clear and specific enough focusing on graphic design practices or visual communication that are related to graphic forms.

Now let see the meaning describes in the dictionary of the word graphic. It means something that relates to visual arts, and describes the practice. But it did not mentioned anything with computer manipulation and designing. I think it about time we should restated or rethink the meaning of graphic. However, the term graphic design is also in the dictionary.

Here the word graphic is describes with the word design.

Now, if we put the meaning together it make sense, and includes the latest technologies used in the practice such as computer, digital camera, flash tools etc. Graphic design in its meaning show the link and strong relations between graphic, creation, construction in relation mass communication media such as advertisements, magazines or books.

But why the new fancy term such as Communication Design try to take over the old terms? From specific to a broader view in design. From understood the meaning to “what does it mean?” Now if we look at the word communication, it means :

So what do communication designers do? Branding, marketing, promoting or perhaps pretending? I think that these areas are already covered by people who studied Marketing, Public Relations and Management, if they graduate from these courses, they will be occupied with theory and practices in these areas of discipline. But they will not have the skill and practice of a graphic designer. So, now back to the Communication Design term. I think that the creation of this new term is an attempt for many non-designer who think that can explore and expend the areas of graphic design. My question is “What is Communication Design?” what does it mean? One definition is written by J.Frascara in 2003 as an attempt to justify the term Communication Design by giving an example that Communication Design is like a music composer, where he/she would take things/ ideas from various areas and compose it. Well.. Frascara, to be able to compose, one should be occupied with deep understanding of visual communication theory and practice, and would be much better if this person also understood or been practicing graphic design, that includes the pre-press printing and the technology behind the practice.

The word Communication Design is indeed sounded savvy, and new, but what does it mean? It means that people who adopted and used this terms, are able to go around and said everything is related to Communication Design with very limited understanding and knowledge in practice and theory of what these areas means such as 1) design, 2) communication 3) marketing and public relation 4) information technology or interactive 5) graphic design and prepress 6) historical and identity 7) cultural studies and media, and the list can go on and on.. But what these people, who claimed to be the expert of the ‘new areas’ and understand the practice did is, composing everything that have the potencial to provide status, funding and ‘new terms’ and claimed that as the practice of Communication Design. The worst is the areas of expertise such as interior design, web design, graphic design, user design, product design and many others will be taken over by the ‘claimed to be the expert: Communication Design’ over these ‘petite expertise’.

PUDU Gaol demolishing process took place today.

Photo Pudu Jail 1895: Arkib Negara Malaysia.
Credit video: Dick Chua for an excellent captures of the moment.

See The Star newspaper for the news.

It is an unfortunate to know that another Malaysian old historical building, that has been standing in Pudu areas, Hang Tuah road for more then 100 years (115 to be exact) will soon be gone and turn to dust today. Many Malaysian agreed with this decision but not many will go further to fight for it. Media coverage try to get as much voices and opinion to maintained the process from happening. As proposed by government the Pudu Goal area which includes almost 10 hectares of land will be transformed to a new development project that according to the Draft KL City Plan 2020 the prison site has been earmarked for development. Previous plans for the site have included a proposal for a mixed commercial and residential development, which included a 33 storey office block, a shopping complex, a 43 storey hotel and a 44 storey serviced apartment tower. I understood that Malaysia want to promoted and developed the country, showing how modern and developed the countrys are, but what I don’t understand it why there is a need to demolished the historical building in order to achieve that aim. Sad, disappointed and devastating with the Malaysian government action. Bernama a Malaysian national news agency, captured some of the disappointment from many Malaysian.

I would imagine that the Pudu Jail area can be reconstruct as a Malaysian national archive hub, with cafes around, some galleries, or some parts of it could be an extension of Central Market, where artists, actors and students will be able to practices and get inspirations from the space. It can be a place where film director will get their inspiration to make some scene there, or a band can conduct some nice entertainment show around the square. The wall surround it is just perfect to cover and take away the noise from outside the areas, the busy vehicles and traffics. The whole areas can be different if there is more thought given and voices are heard in the process. Some people would say that the Jail space are home for many bad spirits. Typical Malaysian who are believer of spirits, well, why not, but didnt we also aware that the bad spirit will only stay when there is other bad spirits around. If we make the space livable and enjoyable, the bad spirit will have to fight with the good spirits. Yes, that is another agenda that I think supports the demolishment process of the building. Getting rid of bad spirits by destroying the building and build a new fancy one. What if the bad spirits stays?

May be it will be a bit to ambitious to say that it could or possible to be like the Le Lourve museum in France. Yes, Le Lourve was a museum before, and been kept as a museum. So what if its a jail? What matters is the site of the jail (10 hectares) will give us possibilities to explore the areas, renew and give the space a new energy and feeling. By keeping the façade and modified the inner space. It will be a great experiences for the younger generations to explore and learn about the space, not only for tourist. It will be a center for discussion or even a hub for conference where people discuss about the historical sites and the significant it will give to the nation.

Badan Warisan captured some interesting prisoners wall cell drawing.

More images on Pudu Jail can be trace from other sites such as Skyscraper munirakirana

Click here for larger view

Minah Kilang, Minah is a vernacular terms to address a rough rebellious young women, and Kilang means factory in Malay language, or factory girls are the specific terms how people in Malaysia identify women who works in a factory, as a factory operators. Inevitably, their roles in the Malaysian industries are strongly influencing Malaysian industry development, but yet their image and they way Minah Kilang has been perceived is far from society acknowledgment. They are shown and portrayed as the misfits, potential second wives or mistress, uneducated, rebellious and seldom regarded as women who bring shames to the family. Very little discussion about their hardship survival, trauma, fitting in the societies, self-determination and struggle with families responsibilities as a working women. I found it interesting to explore this areas, the fact that until now the impressions and image of Minah Kilang is still at the very beginning when it started. Not so much shifting in terms of its image given. The fact that they spend long hours standing, (most of them spend more then 8 hours a day) and try to do overtimes because that is the only way they could extend their incomes, are not been given much attentions. How about the fact that they also work mainly for their families who is counting on their income to help the family’s member continue schooling and make a better living.

The earliest research done about Minah Kilang can be trace in 1979, from Grossman field work research in Malaysia. Later on, other scholar such as Fuentes and Enrenreich, A.Ong continue adding values and insight work on factory girls in Southeast Asia. However, not much work focussing on the Malaysia Minah Kilang. “Naturally, women’s entry into the workforce has dramatic effects in countries where their lives have always been centered around the family and home production. On the one hand, factory work does offer women some autonomy, earning power and freedom from parental control. In Malaysia, says Grossman “They come for the money of course, but also for the freedom. They talk about of freedom to go out late at night, to have boyfriend, to wear blue jeans, high-heeled shoes and makeup… They revel in their escape from the watchful eyes of fathers and brothers.” To be continue..: Nurul

A very close friend of mind introduced pivot on silverlight, as a tool to work on my archiving work, which is really an ideal apps so far. Now, we’re collaborating on my print artifacts and see how far can we digitalise and organise them accordingly. Interesting project, and so far get got some funding to support our project. Soon it will be out there for everybody to share. This video will explain a bit more on Pivot.

Now, as much as this digital archiving is important, the roots of this digital archives also needs to be preserved, and moving site by side with digital world. The hard copies needs to be kept, because there is always need for some areas study, to study the material, pre-press printing techniques, trapping, binding etc. Both will be able to inform each other and educates people in different ways. The skills and technology to preserved these artifacts need to be learn and taught, just in case… we never know what will happen next. The traditional old school’s skills and techniques is on demand!

I have mentioned about Melayu Baru concept a while ago in my research, I looked at it, make comments and didn’t realized how much the Malaysian government concepts including National Economic Policy, Vision 2020, Islam Hadhari, Melayu Baru and few others have influences and shaped myself and many other fellow Malaysian. How can we feel the changes, who will inform us about the changes and really do many of use care about these changes, as we always been told that it will be a positive changes. How many of us spend time to understand what does it mean by New Malay – Melayu Baru? Well, for many who are not yet clear with the concept, this might provide some ideas.

What is New Malay? [He] is young, contemporary, modern Malaysian who is able to resolve his Malay-Muslim identity with in the cultural global community. He knows he has to live with diversity of beliefs, ambitious and idiosyncrasies¦ He accepts and even celebrates that diversity. [He] is not hung up on parochial, provincial issesus like race and entitlements and finds his place in the world¦ [The New Malay] does not wield his Malayness and think about it day to day, carrying it like a chip on his shoulder”.
(Terence Chong quoted from Asiaweek, 23 February, 2001)

Now, how many of us, can fit in the New Malay mold? Are we a New Malay now? or are we Old Malay? Or are we not either of these two concept? The only way for us to know is by investigating the roots of our cultural and ethnicity, where are we from? and are we parts of the concept? or are we not? If so, then who are we?