Starchild: How Malaysian kids keep busy with their favourite hobbies

Erica Sophia, 12

Everyone has something they love to do in their free time. These activities, big or small, are called hobbies. A hobby is more than just a way to pass the time - it helps us relax, learn new things and discover what makes us happy.

What is your hobby? Some children enjoy hobbies that let them be creative. Painting, drawing and crafting allow young artists to express themselves through colours and shapes.

Lana Aleya, 12

Others love reading because books can take them to magical worlds filled with adventure, mystery and exciting characters.

There are also hobbies that keep the body active. Cycling, playing badminton or dancing are great for staying fit and energetic. Sports also teach teamwork, patience and perseverance.

At the same time, modern hobbies are becoming more common. Many children spend their free time playing games or watching videos on tablets. These devices allow kids to explore interactive storytelling, drawing apps, music-making tools and educational games.

When used wisely, they can be both fun and enriching. For some children, playing on their tablets has become a hobby just like reading, painting or sports.

While tablets offer educational content and creative apps, it is also important to put them aside once in a while. Going outdoors to run, sweat and play helps children stay active and healthy.

Joanna Tan, 12

Outdoor play also builds confidence, encourages teamwork and allows kids to enjoy our country’s natural beauty. Balancing screen time with physical activities helps children grow both physically and mentally.

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, Hobbies. Here's what they had to say.

"I enjoy baking chocolate chip cookies with marshmallows. I like experimenting with the recipe and sharing the warm cookies with my older sister," says Erica Sophia, 12.

Lana Aleya, 12, writes: "I love painting and spending time with my cat, Muffy. She is an adopted cat who follows me everywhere. Sometimes she even sits by me while I paint."

Joanna Tan, 12, enjoys painting. "I like to mix colours and create pictures that show how I feel."

"My hobbies include playing badminton, riding my bicycle, listening to music and playing video games. Each one makes me happy in a different way," says Joshua Tan, 12.

Joshua Tan, 12

 

"My favourite hobby is reading. When I read, I feel like I am entering another world. I can learn new things and meet amazing characters without leaving my room," says Prem Anand Naidu, 10.

Prem Anand Naidu, 10

ITEM: A brand new year is coming! 2026 is the perfect time to think about what you want to do better, learn or try for the first time. A resolution is a promise you make to yourself — something you hope to achieve in the coming year.

Maybe you want to read more books, learn a new hobby or help your parents at home. You might want to improve in school, stay active, or try something brave and new.

Don't forget to send us a drawing of yourself working on your resolution — reading, exercising, baking, studying or anything you dream of doing next year.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Dec 19. Please put "STARCHILD: New Year 2026" in the subject line of your email.

Find the hidden words!

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.