As Malaysia celebrates its 61st Malaysia Day, it’s crucial to clarify the distinct status of Sabah and Sarawak within the federation. Although often categorised as just two of Malaysia’s 13 "states," Sabah and Sarawak should more accurately be described as "countries" within the Malaysian Federation. This terminology better reflects their historical and constitutional status as equal partners with the Federation of Malaya, rather than subordinate entities.

For centuries, our understanding of the cosmos has been built upon the concept of Euclidean space – a flat, uniform geometry like an infinitely expansive tablecloth. However, recent explorations propose a radical idea: the universe might be inherently hyperbolic, with a curvature that bends away from itself at every point. This seemingly esoteric shift in perspective has the potential to revolutionise our comprehension of physics and dismantle long-held misconceptions.

In this cherished photograph taken at Mukah Airport in 1957, a piece of aviation history is captured. It depicts the birth of Borneo Airways, a symbol of autonomy and progress for the region. Pictured are my late-grandma, father, uncles, and aunties, their faces alight with the excitement of a more connected and self-reliant Borneo.

The Dayak people in Borneo face a significant challenge. Their numerous languages and dialects exist on a spectrum of written representation. Some have their own writing systems, while others rely on adapted Arabic or Latin alphabets. But a significant portion of Dayak languages lack any formal writing system at all, relying solely on oral tradition passed down through generations. This lack of a unified written form hinders communication and creates a barrier to feeling connected across Dayak communities.