Kaleidoscope of Memoirs: Press Conference & My Feature in 'The Star'

July 2025

As I turned the crisp pages of The Star news , there I was; a small part of something bigger, Could it truly be me? Disbelieving still, there it was. Me dressed in a Nyonya inspired blue dress, stamps in hand, framed by the rich hues of George Town’s heritage shophouse walls. I blinked a few times, still a little disbelieving. Could it really be me? A moment captured not just in photograph, but in story. A story of culture and heritage in this fast paced life. The headline read: “Make a ‘Connection’ with George Town Festival (GTF).”

Reading it felt surreal because this year’s GTF isn’t just a festival, it’s a bridge. A bridge that brings people together through art, stories, and shared moments. Workshops, talks, and experiences that invite us to slow down and truly connect with creativity, with each other, and with the beauty that surrounds us.

And right there, nestled in the article, was something so close to my heart, the Stamp Rally Project, a project I had poured my heart into. A little idea we dreamed up, now coming to life in our very own Penang. Visitors can wander through the festival, collecting stamps as both memory and keepsakes. More importantly, each one a carries a memory, a story, a smile.

Such an honor to be able to present our project to our guests of honor and to the press. And to see it now featured in the newspaper… What a moment to remember!

It feels extra special knowing that Penang island now has its very own Stamp Rally adventure, one that both locals and visitors can experience right here in our beloved hometown. And of course, not forgetting that Kakpoot will be our cheerful little guide, leading stamp hunters on an adventure through art and culture, one stop at a time🌿

As shared by State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, what began in

2010 as a small local initiative has blossomed into one of the region’s most vibrant art festivals. Each year, it grows — weaving new stories, voices, and dreams together. This year’s theme, “Connection,” couldn’t feel more right. Because art, at its heart, is connection.

Beyond the article itself, this moment means so much more. It’s a reflection of every late night, every tiny step, every quiet “let’s keep going” that brought us here. To have that journey recognized, even in just a small mention feels like a gentle reminder that every effort really does matter. We’re so grateful for everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in us along the way. This little milestone isn’t just ours but it belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Here’s to more stories, more growth, and more reasons to smile. To see myself there, even in the smallest of mentions, within the pages of a national newspaper, it’s both surreal and humbling. Another glimmer in this ever-growing kaleidoscope of memories. A fleeting moment, yes, but one I’ll carry close to my heart forever 🩵

-Elsiewithlove