Dear Nyonyas and Babas,
In this month’s video, I’m joined by Baba Chan Eng Thai and GC Member Baba Philip Yeo.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news—Baba Eng Thai is launching his new book, Pantun Baba Chan: The Art and Beauty of Traditional Baba Malay Poetry. This heartfelt collection features pantuns he has lovingly crafted over the years, with the support of past and present TPAS presidents.
Baba Eng Thai shared that this is the first pantun collection to be published since 1912—a historic milestone for the Baba Malay literary tradition. The official book launch will take place on Friday, 3 October 2025, at The Peranakan Museum.
Pre-orders open 12 August 2025, and you can place your order through the links below:
https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9780804858373
https://www.amazon.com/Pantun-Baba-Chan-Traditional-recordings/dp/0804858373
This book represents Baba Eng Thai’s sincere commitment to keeping the Baba Malay language alive. In addition to his literary efforts, he continues to lead The Peranakan Voices—the TPAS choir known for its stirring performances in Baba Malay. If you love to sing and wish to be part of the choir, do reach out via secretariat@peranakan.org.sg.
The Peranakan Voices will be performing at our upcoming celebration, Malam Jolly: A Peranakan Joget, where Baba Eng Thai will also serve as emcee.
Baba Philip adds that Malam Jolly will be held on 15 August at SAFRA Mount Faber, with tickets priced at just $98 per pax—a fun-filled evening with a sit-down Chinese dinner, live music, guest singers, games, prizes, a cake-cutting ceremony, and performances to mark TPAS’s 125th birthday.
Join the celebration – book your seats now!
www.tinyurl.com/malamjolly2025
We hope you enjoy watching our video clips as much as we enjoy putting them together.
Warm wishes,
Nyonya Genevieve Peggy Jeffs
President, 2024 – 2026
The Peranakan Association Singapore
Click here to send Genevieve a note
Production credits to https://www.instagram.com/thefashionandbeyond