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It’s raining when I arrive at Alliance Française, nestled along Lorong Gurney — a quiet retreat tucked into the thrum of central Kuala Lumpur. The drizzle is steady, and for a moment, I pause at the entrance, wondering if I should turn back. But curiosity pulls me forward into this intimate cultural haven.

TRADING legal briefs for conservation beliefs, Rahayu Zulkifli’s life changed when a friend called her for help. Confident, witty and passionate, she exudes the calm of someone who’s found her purpose and isn’t afraid to go against the current to protect it.

WHEN Malaysians think of turtle conservation, they have an image of giant turtles gliding through the ocean and coming ashore under the cover of darkness to nest. But there’s an equally vital cousin that barely catches our attention — the river terrapin.

EVERY second Sunday of May, social media floods with fancy breakfast photos and “best mum ever” tributes, while flower shops sell out and restaurants fill with reservations. But not every child looks forward to this day.

AS the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child”, but these days, the “village” comes with WhatsApp notifications, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools and digital advice on demand. Raising children today looks nothing like it did a generation ago.

ALL work and no play makes Jack a dull boy — a phrase that’s been around for generations, yet feels more urgent than ever. In today’s world, where screen time often overshadows play time, the simple act of play is becoming an endangered part of childhood. And with it, children’s wellbeing is at stake.

IN Embassy Tales: Memoirs of a Malaysian Diplomat’s Wife, Christine Sathiah opens the doors to a world many of us only get to glimpse in headlines and news clips — the world of diplomacy.