The young Malaysian writers holding up copies of ‘What the Future Brings’ in Petaling Jaya.
FIFTEEN young Malaysian writers came together to launch their anthology, What the Future Brings.
The launch at BookXcess in Tropicana Gardens Mall, Petaling Jaya was carried out by the writers.
It started with welcoming remarks by Helena Aysera Hishamuddin Hud and Vinoshini Pregalathan, followed by a Q&A session.
During the Q&A, moderator Amir Ridzuan Bahari posed questions to fellow authors Louise Marie Chew, Rheya Naidu and Alicia Joy Prakasa Rau, giving the audience a glimpse into the inspiration behind their stories.
Then Aisha Azizul, Theivanai Natarajan, Colin Pui and Nuur Qistina read excerpts from their works.
Amir, 16, wrote about the struggles faced by refugees in Malaysia.
He explored themes like life’s impermanence, woven into a futuristic narrative that emphasises the fleeting nature of worldly riches.
“I drew inspiration from Islamic ideals I wanted to manifest in myself like humility, gratitude and avoiding vices.”
He said his main character, Ariz, is a reflection of himself.
“His change in priorities mirrors my own journey to discover what is most important in life.”
(From left) Louise Marie, Rheya, Alicia Joy and Amir giving their views during the Q&A session.
For 17-year-old Louise Marie, her story The Mouse-deer, imagines a dictatorial future ruled by a leader named Buaya.
The Mouse-deer had two inspirations.
“The first was from a group called the White Rose who stood up to Hitler’s regime by distributing pamphlets.
“The story is also loosely based on traditional Malaysian folklore, Sang Kancil dan Buaya (The Mousedeer and the Crocodiles).”
“The main message is about the power of the pen, how written words can inspire reflection and provoke thought,” she said.
Rheya, 18, delved into finding a person’s place in the world. Her story, Belong, revolves around Tara, a girl who returns to Malaysia and feels out of place after spending years abroad.
“Many people my age struggle with leaving home or home-like places, to move on to the next chapter of our lives,” she said.
“Through Belong, I wanted to connect with people who might feel the same way.”
She added that Tara’s challenges – losing childhood friendships and becoming unfamiliar with her own culture – are common experiences for many returning to their homeland.
“I set the story during Deepavali to highlight Tara’s disconnection from her cultural roots and the tensions it causes.”
What the Future Brings, edited by Brigette Rozario, features stories about the future that we imagine, but what about the authors’ plans for their future?
“I definitely see a lot more writing in my future, that’s for sure” said Rheya, who is now based in Indonesia.
Louise Marie hopes for an open-minded society where new ideas and discoveries rapidly spread within future generations.
Amir is focusing on his studies as he will sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) next year.
He hopes to continue writing and eventually write a novel.
Rozario said she wanted to give young Malaysian writers a voice and a way to showcase their talents.
She believes that Malaysia is a bedrock of literary talents.
“All they need is an opportunity and a platform to express themselves.”
