Singapore's Malay Heritage Centre dips into vast archives for hilarious Malaya-era PSA series

A vintage advertisement for Bedak Chantek Molek used by the Malay Heritage Centre in Singapore for its PSA series surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak. Photo: Malay Heritage Centre

A smiling Si Badang - a legendary strongman from the Malay world - heaves a tree trunk over his head and channels words of wisdom that have been repeated since the coronavirus situation escalated: “Stay Home Tip: Stay Healthy By Exercising At Home”.

Singapore’s Malay Heritage Centre - whose permanent galleries showcase an interesting collection of artefacts from the National Collection (Singapore) and the Malay community - has recently posted this 1940s-era Malay comics image online, along with several other eye-catching old advertisements and photographs, in a public service announcement of sorts.

Cheeky speech bubbles and Stay Home Tips make for a nice introduction to our shared heritage (think traditional dances, costumes, Saloma and customs) while keeping things focused on the Covid-19 situation.

After all, who can resist cracking a grin at an old advertisement from the 1950s/60s for Bedak Chantek Molek featuring a woman who says, “Prepping myself for my grand entrance when I return to office”? This is Stay Home Tip #4: Watch YouTube tutorials and improve your makeup skills.

If we don’t have Bedak Chantek Molek, we will just have to improvise and take it in our stride and make the best out of the movement control order, like the ever-radiant Singapore-born Malaysian entertainment legend Saloma who is “always ready for her press conference” aka Stay Home Tip #2: Stay At Home And Work In Style.

Facebook: Malay Heritage Centre.