Let’s Chakap Chakap with the President (March 2026)

In this month’s video, I am joined by Baba Clarence Ling, a member of the General Committee and TPAS’ Culinary Advisor, as well as Nyonya Ngiam May Ling, a member of the General Committee, TPAS’ Legal Advisor, and Chairman of the biennial Baba Nyonya Literary Festival. Together, they share exciting highlights of our upcoming events.

Baba Clarence introduces Masak Macham Nyonya, Makan Macham Raja, TPAS’ new 2026 series of appetite-whetting live cooking demonstrations and food tastings. This series will feature guest chefs whose reputations precede them.

On 18 April, Nyonya Shirley Tay will unveil the secrets of making rempah – the very foundation of flavour in most Peranakan dishes – in a vibrant and aromatic session. Participants will learn what to pound, what to fry, how to balance flavours, and why each step matters, followed by a tasting.

On 16 May, Nyonya Teh Gaik Lean will present a Penang Peranakan interpretation of beloved classics, while sharing the rich cultural context behind them. This demonstration and tasting will feature Lam Mee – the much-loved “Birthday Noodles” and Crab Kueh Pie Tee – a luxurious take on a Peranakan staple.

In June, Nyonya Lilian Chua will share time-honoured, tried-and-tested techniques for preparing popiah and porridge – elevating these humble comfort dishes into something unforgettable.

Nyonya May Ling then shares that the fourth edition of the Baba Nyonya Literary Festival will take place on 25 and 26 July, along with some of its key highlights. In keeping with tradition, Day 1 will open with a pantun recital by Chan Eng Thai, followed by a medley of songs performed by the Peranakan Voices, accompanied by the talented keyboardist Gabriel Hoe.

She also introduces the authors featured across the three panels on Day 1:

Panel 1

One Country, One People: Biography of Tun Tan Cheng Lock (forthcoming) by Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo
Lim Kee Jin – Doctor and Mentor by Datin Patricia Lim Pui Huen
Wee Kim Wee: President, Diplomat, Journalist and a True Singaporean by Cheong Suk-Wai
The King’s Chinese: From Barber to Banker – The Story of Yeap Chor Ee and the Straits Chinese by Daryl Yeap

Panel 2

Ancestral Home of Tun Tan Siew Sin by Datin Paduka Tan Siok Choo
The Chris Ong Collection by Chris Ong
Rare or Outcast – Straits Chinese Porcelain: A Discussion on Chinese Famille Rose Export Porcelain by Dato’ Ch’ng Huck Theng

Panel 3

Straits Chinese Embroidery and Beadwork by Dato’ Lilian Tong
The Journey of Ang Eng Nyonya Kebaya Makers Since 1955 by Lim Yu Lin

Nyonya May Ling expresses her fervent hope that the Literary Festival will one day attain world-class standards, and calls on all to help bring this vision to life.

She also reveals that ticket sales will officially launch on 1 May so be sure to mark your calendars to secure your seats early.

She concludes by sharing that details of Day 2 of the Literary Festival will be featured in the April edition of the Chakap Chakap video – so do keep a lookout for it.