A community-driven research
on Malay Cultural Heritage
Finding Funding
A community-driven research
on Malay Cultural Heritage
Finding Funding
A community-driven research
on Malay Cultural Heritage
the research
a PhD in
Cultural Heritage

APHELIA International 2026 - Mação, Portugal
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
An 'unfortunate term',
ICH refers to non-physical aspects
of culture, such as performing arts,
crafts, or oral traditions.
Why is heritage
important?
Often passed down directly from one generation to the next, traditional knowledges, practices and expressions are at risk of being lost (especially in an age where digital culture moves faster than living tradition).
With every practice that disappears, something of the community disappears with it.
Preserving it ensures that future generations inherit the stories,
customs, and social bonds carried
by those traditions.
Why I'm the best person
to do this:
The truth is, there aren't many of us
who care about it this much!
As a dancer, musican and theatre maker myself, I am researching within my own community with insider knowledge, networks and insights.
I am extremely resilient -
I honestly haven't had an easy life.
My lived experience bring a special layer to this work, making it more meaningful
and impactful.
the research
a PhD in
Cultural Heritage

APHELIA International 2026 - Mação, Portugal
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
An 'unfortunate term', ICH refers to non-physical aspects of culture, such as performing arts, crafts, or oral traditions.
Is heritage
important?
Often passed down directly from one generation to the next, traditional knowledges, practices and expressions are at risk of being lost (especially in an age where digital culture moves faster than living tradition).
With every practice that disappears, something of the community disappears with it.
Preserving it ensures that future generations inherit the stories,
customs, and social bonds carried
by those traditions.
Why I'm the best person
to do this:
The truth is, there aren't many of us
who care about it this much!
As a dancer, musican and theatre maker myself, I am researching within my own community with insider knowledge, networks and insights.
I am extremely resilient -
I honestly haven't had an easy life.
My lived experience bring a special layer to this work, making it more meaningful
and impactful.
the research
a PhD in
Cultural Heritage

APHELIA International 2026 - Mação, Portugal
Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
An 'unfortunate term',
ICH refers to non-physical aspects
of culture, such as performing arts,
crafts, or oral traditions.
Is heritage
important?
Often passed down directly from one generation to the next, traditional knowledges, practices and expressions are at risk of being lost (especially in an age where digital culture moves faster than living tradition).
With every practice that disappears, something of the community disappears with it.
Preserving it ensures that future generations inherit the stories,
customs, and social bonds carried
by those traditions.
Why I'm the best person
to do this:
The truth is, there aren't many of us
who care about it this much!
As a dancer, musican and theatre maker myself, I am researching within my own community with insider knowledge, networks and insights.
I am extremely resilient -
I honestly haven't had an easy life.
My lived experience bring a special layer to this work, making it more meaningful
and impactful.
My supporters
My supporters















What exactly are
you investing in?

Preserving Traditional Practices
The embodied, informal passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is under-researched and under-archived, especially within Malay Heritage. Naturally, they just happen, but also disappears without being documented.
A Community Leader
Despite my relatively young age, I have actually spent over twenty years as a practitioner, mentor, educator, and community leader.
Investing in my work means investing in a system of cultural continuity, shaping culturally conscious practitioners
to become agents of heritage preservation.
(add grey box) There's so much about this heritage that is so precious and need to be kept alive. The knowledges I carry, the networks I am part of, and the transmission chains that I am sustaining will help to bridge communities with institutions, as I translate embodied cultural knowledge into academic contribution and advocacy.Places I am currently leading in
Anansi Theatre Company, Women and Girls of Colour
Singapore Muslim Students Overseas, UK
Fiveways Youth Hubb, Nottingham, UK
'Informal Knowledge Sharing'
I believe that knowledges are best shared in casual conversations and 'sites of heritage'. As someone who enjoys social interactions, I often host gatherings just to share life experiences and allow conversations to happen naturally. In this way, I also get to share about how beautiful, unique and multicultural Singapore is. Hosting a 'kenduri' in my home or at Coreset UK is one of the ways I do it to enable people from different walks of life and various age groups to come together. i bring this in everything that I do, such as projects that I am involved with or through the communities that I am working with.
An International Role-model
This research offers a replicable model for other communities in the world navigating similar tensions of their heritage being institutionally recognised while continuing the transmission of intergenerational knowledge within communities.
As an insider practitioner and critical researcher, my positioning is rare and deliberate. My lived experience brings a deep understanding that is intellectually informed and genuinely felt.
I work internationally as a cultural advocate, telling the world about my beautiful Singaporean Malay culture through dance, music, theatre, social practices and gatherings, as well as the communal sharing of food.
(Coreset UK is one of the places i do this in. Click more to read)
What exactly are
you investing in?

Preserving Traditional Practices
The embodied, informal passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is under-researched and under-archived, especially within Malay Heritage. Naturally, they just happen, but also disappears without being documented.
A Community Leader
Despite my relatively young age, I have actually spent over twenty years as a practitioner, mentor, educator, and community leader.
Investing in my work means investing in a system of cultural continuity, shaping culturally conscious practitioners
to become agents of heritage preservation.
(add grey box) There's so much about this heritage that is so precious and need to be kept alive. The knowledges I carry, the networks I am part of, and the transmission chains that I am sustaining will help to bridge communities with institutions, as I translate embodied cultural knowledge into academic contribution and advocacy.Places I am currently leading in
Anansi Theatre Company, Women and Girls of Colour
Singapore Muslim Students Overseas, UK
Fiveways Youth Hubb, Nottingham, UK
'Informal Knowledge Sharing'
I believe that knowledges are best shared in casual conversations and 'sites of heritage'. As someone who enjoys social interactions, I often host gatherings just to share life experiences and allow conversations to happen naturally. In this way, I also get to share about how beautiful, unique and multicultural Singapore is. Hosting a 'kenduri' in my home or at Coreset UK is one of the ways I do it to enable people from different walks of life and various age groups to come together. i bring this in everything that I do, such as projects that I am involved with or through the communities that I am working with.
An International Role-model
This research offers a replicable model for other communities in the world navigating similar tensions of their heritage being institutionally recognised while continuing the transmission of intergenerational knowledge within communities.
As an insider practitioner and critical researcher, my positioning is rare and deliberate. My lived experience brings a deep understanding that is intellectually informed and genuinely felt.
I work internationally as a cultural advocate, telling the world about my beautiful Singaporean Malay culture through dance, music, theatre, social practices and gatherings, as well as the communal sharing of food.
(Coreset UK is one of the places i do this in. Click more to read)
What exactly are
you investing in?

Preserving Traditional Practices
The embodied, informal passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is under-researched and under-archived, especially within Malay Heritage. Naturally, they just happen, but also disappears without being documented.
A Community Leader
Despite my relatively young age, I have actually spent over twenty years as a practitioner, mentor, educator, and community leader.
Investing in my work means investing in a system of cultural continuity, shaping culturally conscious practitioners
to become agents of heritage preservation.
(add grey box) There's so much about this heritage that is so precious and need to be kept alive. The knowledges I carry, the networks I am part of, and the transmission chains that I am sustaining will help to bridge communities with institutions, as I translate embodied cultural knowledge into academic contribution and advocacy.Places I am currently leading in
Anansi Theatre Company, Women and Girls of Colour
Singapore Muslim Students Overseas, UK
Fiveways Youth Hubb, Nottingham, UK
'Informal Knowledge Sharing'
I believe that knowledges are best shared in casual conversations and 'sites of heritage'. As someone who enjoys social interactions, I often host gatherings just to share life experiences and allow conversations to happen naturally. In this way, I also get to share about how beautiful, unique and multicultural Singapore is. Hosting a 'kenduri' in my home or at Coreset UK is one of the ways I do it to enable people from different walks of life and various age groups to come together. i bring this in everything that I do, such as projects that I am involved with or through the communities that I am working with.
An International Role-model
This research offers a replicable model for other communities in the world navigating similar tensions of their heritage being institutionally recognised while continuing the transmission of intergenerational knowledge within communities.
As an insider practitioner and critical researcher, my positioning is rare and deliberate. My lived experience brings a deep understanding that is intellectually informed and genuinely felt.
I work internationally as a cultural advocate, telling the world about my beautiful Singaporean Malay culture through dance, music, theatre, social practices and gatherings, as well as the communal sharing of food.
(Coreset UK is one of the places i do this in. Click more to read)
who the …
is she?
They say that a jack of all trades is a master of none..
But what they missed is that oftentimes,
that's better than being a master of just one.
I've said enough.. it's their turn now.
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
I've said enough.. it's their turn now.
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
I've said enough.. it's their turn now.
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
“ It has been fantastic to see Lili's development as a researcher, in both her critical thinking and writing skills. She adapts her writing style to include elements of practice based thinking and self reflection with academic tone. The breadth of reading has also been impressive, resulting in the development of exciting research questions.”
“As one of our Directors, Muslihah advises strategically on inclusive practices that create opportunities for Global Majority women and girls. She demonstrates exceptional integrity, leadership and collaborative skills, bringing clarity of thought, purposeful action and deep care in all engagements.”
“Muslihah leads from the ground with sincerity, quiet strength, and an unwavering belief in the value of culture in building lives and connecting hearts. She gives tirelessly to others, ensuring that our intangible cultural heritage is not only preserved, but made meaningful for the Singaporean and international community.”
“Lili is a professional production stage manager who discharged her duties diligently and efficiently. I really value our collaboration and would love to work together again.”
“Kak Lili assisted me in discovering my voice, not just as a dancer but as an individual who can lead by example. Whether it involved mentoring younger artists, overseeing a rehearsal session, or just demanding more from myself, I began to conduct myself with greater intention and accountability.”
Visit my funding page
Your support, prayers and recommendations are truly appreciated
Visit my funding page
Your support, prayers and recommendations are truly appreciated
Visit my funding page
Your support, prayers and recommendations are truly appreciated
How else can I help?
Link me to the right people
If my work resonates with you, the most powerful thing you can do is connect me with someone who has the capacity to make it happen.
Tell me about funding pots that I may not know about!
We love your little ones, but this will be an adults-only celebration. Take the chance for a night off.
Drop me a message of encouragement
Kindness makes the world go round. (As I am in control of this space, please note that any negative comments will be deleted for my mental health)
Share about my research to others
This will help me conduct honest research using the most rigorous processes, leading to impactful and meaningful outcomes.
Pray for me.
In times like these, your thoughts and prayers will make a difference.
How else can I help?
Link me to the right people
If my work resonates with you, the most powerful thing you can do is connect me with someone who has the capacity to make it happen.
Tell me about funding pots that I may not know about!
We love your little ones, but this will be an adults-only celebration. Take the chance for a night off.
Drop me a message of encouragement
Kindness makes the world go round. (As I am in control of this space, please note that any negative comments will be deleted for my mental health)
Share about my research to others
This will help me conduct honest research using the most rigorous processes, leading to impactful and meaningful outcomes.
Pray for me.
In times like these, your thoughts and prayers will make a difference.
How else can I help?
Link me to the right people
If my work resonates with you, the most powerful thing you can do is connect me with someone who has the capacity to make it happen.
Tell me about funding pots that I may not know about!
We love your little ones, but this will be an adults-only celebration. Take the chance for a night off.
Drop me a message of encouragement
Kindness makes the world go round. (As I am in control of this space, please note that any negative comments will be deleted for my mental health)
Share about my research to others
This will help me conduct honest research using the most rigorous processes, leading to impactful and meaningful outcomes.
Pray for me.
In times like these, your thoughts and prayers will make a difference.
Pop in a note of encouragement & prayers
Pop in a note of
encouragement & prayers
Pop in a note of encouragement & prayers

As much as we love them, dogs will need to stay home for this one.

Summer formal is the dress code – think flowing fabrics and light tones.
Save the heritage
A community-driven research about Singapore Malay Dance