Embark on a journey into the bustling streets of historic Petaling Street. This project isn’t just about preserving forgotten trades; it’s a creative intervention aimed at breathing life into our historic Petaling Street precinct. But what’s the significance of it all? Well, think of it as a celebration of seasoned expertise, a tribute to those who have weathered the tides of time and carried the wisdom of generations.
Within this project lies a treasure trove of creativity. Discover five captivating fictional narratives crafted by local Malaysian authors and real-life stories collected from interviews with traditional traders. Dive into immersive digital videos by UNINESS that bring the stories of five traditional trades to life, complemented by original artwork from the talented Kuala Lumpur Urban Sketchers.
In times when the cultural economy feels the strain of the pandemic, this project stands as a source of resilience. Together, we’re cultivating a deeper appreciation for our heritage by honouring our local artisans and creatives. I hope this project entices you to remember the essence of Petaling Street and pay the precinct a visit.
FICTION STORIES
Click on the images to read the fiction stories.
Aizuddin H. Anuar
Chang Yan Yee
Francis Nantha
Robert J Lesney
Sandiya Supramaniam
VIDEO SERIES
At its heart lies a collection of narrative video series by UNINESS that capture the essence of the street via five traditional trades: Flower Garland Maker, Sai Kee Hawker Stall, Chai Huat Hin Dried Seafood & Sundry Store, Seong Ying Chai and Kien Fatt Medicine Store. Complementing these stories are real-life accounts gathered from interviews with these traditional traders. These digital videos bring to life the experiences of the tradespeople.
Click on the images to view the video series.
Meticulously Crafting Vibrant Blooms: Flower Garland Maker in Petaling Street
Backlane Stir-Fry Feeds Three Generations: Sai Kee Hawker Stall
Standing Strong in the Salty Breeze: Chai Huat Hin Dried Seafood and Sundry Store
Inheriting Traditional Culture Through Pastries: Seong Ying Chai Artisanal Bakery
Long-standing Neighbourhood Traditional Chinese Medicine Shop: Kien Fatt Medical Store
UNINESS is a micro-documentary filmmaker, using cinematic visual storytelling methods to capture an authentic and nuanced representation of Malaysian communities, with themes ranging from traditional trades to native cuisine, cultural customs, old streets and religious sites. We started out in 2018 as a Mandarin Chinese digital content creator (有你 UNI) and later on ventured to tap into an international audience in English as UNINESS. The core element of our content is human interest, which we believe that each and every story is unique and share-worthy. Over the past few years, we captured over 150 videos. Through day-to-day situations and genuine moments, together we unfold Malaysian local cultures.
SKETCHES
Click on the image to view the sketches.
In January 2025, the Kuala Lumpur Urban Sketchers group spent a few hours capturing traditional and forgotten trades in Petaling Street. Their vibrant sketches depict the essence of these historical professions, serving as a visual tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the area. Complemented by fictional narratives and write-ups on five trades, their work provides a captivating glimpse into the past, ensuring that these traditions remain alive and cherished in the hearts of modern observers.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Supported by PNB Merdeka Ventures and Think City through their Merdeka 118 Community Grant program, the project is a collaborative effort with UNINESS, five local authors, Kuala Lumpur Urban Sketchers, Teaspoon Publishing and Imaginatif to honour the legacy of Petaling Street.
Credits:
Producer/Project Manager: Kevin Bathman (Project Future Malaysia)
Editors: Anna Tan and Preeta Samarasan
Writers: Aizuddin H. Anuar, Chang Yan Yee, Robert J Lesney, Francis Nantha and Sandiya Supramaniam
Sketch Artists: Li Wei, KC Lee, Sunny Sun, Yoon, Joyce Wong, Tiu Lean Kai, Gyen Lim and Yong Kian Liew (Kuala Lumpur Urban Sketchers)
Photographer: Edmond Leong (Illustration chapter)
Web Developer: Tan Su Ann
Illustration: Rupa Subramaniam (Petaling Street map)
Cover Design Sketch: Li Wei (Lee Wah Florist)
Petaling Street: Traditions in Transition Video Series Credits:
Producer: Mok Yii Chek & Daniel Lim (UNINESS)
Video Editor: Amelia Lim and Michael Lerk (UNINESS)
Copywriter: Pua Hui Wen (UNINESS)
Interviewees: Anamalay Nadaraj (Kartik), Samarasam Krishnan and family, Lai Seng Wai, Lai Hoong Wye, Lim Book Chuan, Tan Siew Keng, Lim Bee Bee, Lim Hock Wah (Mark), Lee Kim Fook (Leonard), Jacklyn Yeap, Ng Chee Yat, Vanessa Ng and Lim Thin Hock
Cultural Mediator: Rupa Subramaniam (Flower Garland video)
Tamil Translations: M Kumerainthiren (Flower Garland video)
Malay Translations: Imaginatif
Supported by:
Produced by:
Creative Collaborators:
HELP US ADVANCE THE CONVERSATION & GROW THIS PROJECT
Project Future Malaysia wants to create conditions to guide an expansive vision of the future for Malaysia. This perspective will include a deeper engagement with science, technology and the various arts of literature, philosophy, film and music. By re-imagining and manifesting better alternatives for Malaysia’s future, we are freed from our everyday assumptions about what is possible. We can then imagine pathways forward which enable us to embrace bolder visions and hopeful possibilities for Malaysia’s future. If you resonate with the vision of this project, we invite you to grow and support this project via collaborations and conversations.
As a not-for-profit venture, we welcome values-aligned funders, partners and collaborators including suggestions of programming, improvements or corrections on this website and project.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright of artworks and text remain with their copyright owners. Please reference Project Future Malaysia and the copyright owner(s) if you are using any images or information from this website.
Project Future Malaysia 