Vallinam, a critical Tamil literary magazine in Malaysia, will be hosting a free literary event that is aimed at illuminating Tamil literary enthusiasts about contemporary Malay and Chinese literature in Malaysia. This exciting literary event will take place on March 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. at the My Skills Foundation, Kalumpang. The three-hour forum will feature in-depth talks by two prominent writers, S. M. Zakir and Dr. Florence Kuek Chee Wee, who will immerse and educate audiences about the depth and diverse nature of their literature. In this way, Tamil readers can learn not only about these specific literatures but also about how symbiotic and sentient literature is in Malaysia. The event has also instilled translators for audience members to better understand and sense the words of the speakers. Lunch will also be provided at this three-hour event. As there are only 50 seats available, those eager to participate should hurry now to register themselves. The deadline for registration is 24 February 2024.
In the vibrant realm of Malay literature, S.M. Zakir stands as a towering figure who has produced important literary works since 1990. With a remarkable journey spanning over three decades, Zakir has garnered numerous literary accolades. From clinching the Malaysian Premier Literary Prizes in 1994/95 for his captivating short stories to being honoured with the prestigious ASEAN Literary Award in 2011, Zakir’s literary contributions have left an indelible mark both in Malaysia and the whole of Southeast Asia. Beyond his prowess in fiction, he is also recognised as a seasoned columnist, author of fiction and non-fiction works, poet, and insightful commentator on various facets of society and culture. He has been Secretary General of the Malaysian National Writers Association (PENA) since 2004.
Dr. Florence Kuek is a senior lecturer at the Chinese Studies Department at the University of Malaya. Her main areas of study are multicultural, intercultural, and cross-cultural studies, as well as researching translations of modern literature. She has produced thought-provoking writing on the lives of the Chinese in Malaya and also on works that delve deep into the chasms of multiracialism, from colonialism to the post-colonial realities of minorities. She has also worked with S.M. Zakir to produce Tasik itu Bagai Cermin—Antologi Cerpen Sastera Mahua, a compilation of Chinese-language poetry by Malayan Chinese poets that has been translated into Malay. The work is a testament of both of these intellectuals commitment towards connecting and exchanging ideas and emotions between different literatures.
This talk is not just a way for ideas of Chinese and Malay literature to enrich Tamils in Malaysia but also function as a crucial platform that can form networks of intellectual and creative exchanges between the multitudes of literatures in Malaysia, helping each person to truly understand the identity of themselves and this nation.
Those who wish to join this event can do so by clicking this link. For more information, please contact Ma. Navin at 0163194522.
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