phase 2 (2016-2018):
REDISCOVERING EACH OTHER
our JOURNEY AROUND MALAYSIA
When Phase 1: Vision for Malaysia was over, we realized that we weren't even close to scratching the surface of discovering and understanding Malaysia. This led us to The Rojak Projek's Phase 2: Rediscovering Each Other. From Malaysia Day 2016 onwards, we traveled through our 13 states and achieved two main things:
1. Filmed a documentary of our 'not-so-perfect-but-very-heartcore' journey where we collected Malaysian stories in a bid to understand the different cultures in each state and discover elements of unity and 'rojak' (mixes) embedded in their local architecture, languages, people and many other areas.
2. We continued our art movement and in the process of exploring different kinds of food, we were able to experience interesting local cultures and meet tribes that we have never even heard of before.
Our journey gave birth to produced 540 artworks showcasing Malaysians from all 13 states. Why 540? Because Malaysia was born on the 16th of September 1963 (54 years prior to 2017) when East Malaysia was included as an essential part of the Malaysian federation. Without Sabah and Sarawak, Malaysia would not be Malaysia. In 2018, we added the final 10 to make it 550 in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
Check out our extended version : Our final chapter
/ Disciplines: Malaysian impact and awareness
DOCUMENTARY
additional images THAT WERE NOT SHOWN IN THE DOCUMENTARY (2016-2017)
 Lawas, SarawakWe landed in Miri and travelled up north to Lawas, passing Brunei twice with our passport. We stayed with our Kelabit family's kampung to discover and learn more about their stories, culture and food. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakThat night itself, we took a chance to meet the Lunbawang community as they were preparing a feast for an engagement between a Kelabit and Lunbawang. As we were worried we may step over the line not knowing about their culture, we were in fact accepted and immediately took part in their activities. Here's Faye trying to prepare Kuih Kelupis. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakRachel and Faye helping to arrange the Kuih Kelupis to be steamed. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
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 Lawas, SarawakWe then asked a few aunties what was it that they were making and here we are participating in wrapping the Nubaq Layaq, a traditional wrapped rice known to the Orang Ulu in Sarawak. Believe us when we say, it wasn't easy! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakMorning awaits us to our first tasting, Nubaq Layaq (Softened Rice) eaten with vegetables and meat. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakHere is our Tepuq* (Grandaunty or Granduncle in Kelabit language). We were so grateful we could feast with them in the meals that was prepared for the family. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Lawas, SarawakWe came back to the Lunbawang community to learn and assist them on how to traditionally wrap the Nubaq Layaq. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakWe then noticed and witness how the women in their community know their roles in preparation. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakThe Lunbawang men also knows their roles in portioning the meat together. It's always fun when you do things together. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Lawas, SarawakHere's Faye and Rachel in the process of wrapping our meal! Thanks Anderson Kalang for most of the video shots! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakJust for additional information, it was really, really hot. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakThat's our Tepuq! Adorable isn't he! We were so grateful that we were so welcomed with love. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Lawas, SarawakWe decided to travel to Lawas Market and we found this yummy 'Ikan Tahai' snack! Yummy! |  Lawas, SarawakTamu Market in Lawas, Sarawak. The moment Rachel realises she's too tall for the market! XD! |  Lawas, SarawakLawas Market! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Lawas, SarawakWe decided to travel by Uber... we mean, by our RM1 boat ride from the kampung to the Lawas town! It was fun! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, SarawakThat's Rachel, Faye, Anderson Kalang and Tepuq in our RM1 boat ride to Lawas City. |  Lawas, SarawakSmile! There's no crocodile! XD! |
 Lawas, SarawakHere's how the Lunbawang feast together! You will have a long table! Faye's super happy with her effort of wrapping the softened rice! Hehehe... (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Lawas, Sarawak#familyportrait |  Lawas, SarawakCelebrating the engagement between a Kelabit and Lunbawang community! It felt like a wedding to be honest! |
 Lawas, SarawakAs our journey ends in Lawas, we went to a kopitiam that had many Muslims working. It's very rare to see a Muslim person serving us pork as it would be a culture shock since we live in Kuala Lumpur. We respect the Sabah and Sarawak community because they are about respecting everyone. Meat doesn't stop their friendship or respect for one another. |  Batu Niah, SarawakHere's us meeting the modern Penan family! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakThanks to teacher Victor for introducing us! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Batu Niah, SarawakThe younger ones showing us the Penan traditional dances. |  Batu Niah, SarawakHere's a kuih that was prepared by the Penan family. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakPreparing Sago. Besides rice, Sago is the Penan's staple food. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Batu Niah, SarawakHere's Faye paying paying close attention on how the Penan's eat Sago. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakAnderson Kalang and Victor giving it a go too! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakThis was unusual for us as we thought it was chopsticks, but it isn't! (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Batu Niah, SarawakOur first meeting with the Tuai Rumah (Head of the longhouse) (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakWhile Faye was happily learning about the 'tuak' and 'langkau' drink made by the Ibans, Rachel's looks pretty fancy with her Iban attire! |  Batu Niah, SarawakInterviewing the Iban family |
 Batu Niah, SarawakThankful and grateful for allowing us to learn. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakWe visited the schools to show what 'The Rojak Projek' is all about |  Batu Niah, SarawakWe not only visited this adorable high-school, we learned to dance liling together ;) |
 Batu Niah, SarawakWe broke the ice by asking our teachers to show us to perform traditional dances while Anderson plays the Sape. |  Batu Niah, SarawakJambatan Gantung (Hanging Bridge) (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Batu Niah, SarawakMangkung Tiang" (Hitting The Pillars) & "Miring" (Asking for all gods Blessing) ritual.. |
 Batu Niah, SarawakOooooo-Ha!!! Drinking and celebrating with our Iban friends ;) |  Batu Niah, SarawakMangkung Tiang is a ritual when the Iban community conduct some prayers to as for peace and blessings from the gods. |  Miri, SarawakOur fulfilling experience learning about our Orang Ulu food at Gerai Nuba Laya, Miri, Sarawak. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |
 Miri, SarawakHere's Rachel and Faye with Uncle Ranson, a Kelabit sharing with us about the Orang Ulu food. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Miri, SarawakLeft to right: Kuih Urum, Kuih Kelupis, Kuih Urum |  Miri, SarawakOrang Ulu food |
 Miri, SarawakWe manage to find some more Penan people to share with us their stories. (Credit: Anderson Kalang) |  Miri, SarawakThe best feeling in the world is to witness culture practice at home and not done commercially. |  Miri, SarawakThe famous Lutong Mosque-Church. |
 Bario, Sarawak |  Bario, SarawakWhile in Bario, we lived with Uncle Robert Chee's beautiful cottage! Thank you, Uncle Robert! |  TerengganuOur Terengganu tour guide ;) |
 TerengganuApparently we came at the right time to witness how the Uncle traditionally bend wood with fire. We were at the right time and season and it was told that not many would witness it. |  TerengganuApparently we came at the right time to witness how the Uncle traditionally bend wood with fire. We were at the right time and season and it was told that not many would witness it. |  TerengganuWho needs a Mercedez when you can ride in a boat! ;) |
 TerengganuA place anyone should come and visit - Duyong Art Gallery |  TerengganuHere at Duyong Art Gallery, someone will share with you how there is so much definition and symbolism and history behind the structure of this house. |  TerengganuThe Old Town of Duyong, is said to have been like a small Malay royal palace in ancient times. Located on the island of Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Another home restored by the Terengganu Museum. |
 TerengganuThe Old Town of Duyong, is said to have been like a small Malay royal palace in ancient times. Located on the island of Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Another home restored by the Terengganu Museum. |  TerengganuThe Old Town of Duyong, is said to have been like a small Malay royal palace in ancient times. Located on the island of Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Another home restored by the Terengganu Museum. |  TerengganuThe Old Town of Duyong, is said to have been like a small Malay royal palace in ancient times. Located on the island of Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Another home restored by the Terengganu Museum. |
 TerengganuPulut Nyior is a MUST TRY in Terengganu! Trust us! |  Terengganu |  TerengganuPulau Duyong |
 TerengganuPulau Duyong |  Terengganuhttps://www.facebook.com/sagawarisan/ |  TerengganuThe moment we found out there is a Nyonya community in Terengganu! Who knew? |
 PenangOur passionate Penangnite who took Faye around the showcase every element of Rojak (which is the entire Penang itself!) |  PenangMet Thulaashi, the miracle Tsunami baby. |  PenangThe Rojak Man!!! Best food ever!!! |
 JohorJacq Hanna, Arnold and I in front of the famous SMK Infant Jesus Convent in Johor Bahru. |  JohorMet up with Esther who helped us to find more food for us to eat, create our artworks and eat again! (Ohmehgerd) |  JohorMet up with Esther who helped us to find more food for us to eat, create our artworks and eat again! (Ohmehgerd) |
 SabahKDCA's beauty pageant is super pack man! |  KK, SabahLearning more about Sabah's food in D'place, KK, Sabah |  Inanam, SabahWe rolling with Ruby Subramaniam to our adventure to Kundasang and Ranau. |
 SabahOur first time witnessing a Rafflesia flower! |  Kundasang, SabahNew Zealand... we mean! It's Kundasang |  Ranau, SabahOur first experience of 'Nasi Linopot' that is famous in Ranau! |
 Ranau, SabahOur first experience of 'Nasi Linopot' that is famous in Ranau! |  Ranau, SabahOur first experience of 'Nasi Linopot' that is famous in Ranau! |  18768639_10211240674185444_7020065197324 |
 KedahOur tiring one day trip ended up with a free meal! |  IpohIpoh flee market with Matt La Brooy |  IpohKeilly Castle, Perak with Matt La Brooy |
 Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |  Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |  Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |
 Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |  Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |  Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |
 Kuala LumpurUs behind the scene |  39257594_10156184265902529_2720489464186 |  39066560_10156177934827529_1819934194873 |
 39017860_10156177934912529_6241669013982 |
550 ARTWORKS
MADE in MALAYSIA
This is not about food art. This is conceptual work, portraying the story of a few young Malaysians who went on a journey around Malaysia to rediscover our diverse people and culture. A journey that aims to transform the idea of being colour-blind to colour-embracing (from 'Malay', Chinese' 'Indian' and 'lain-lain' to Malaysian), in a time where the call for unity has never been more profound. In their travels they found that we are all 'Rojak' (mixed) that speaks about the beauty and diversity of our country and identity. They realized that after almost 60 years since Malaysia was formed, Malaysians are still ignorant about the many other people and cultures in their own land.
PS: All food were eaten, packed, documented, delivered to bless others and causing us to gain terrible weight for the entire year!!! With the works we've done so far, we've only managed to cover a portion of Malaysia in it's entirety! That means that there is so much more to discover! Now, you can play a part in helping us uncover the hidden gems that Malaysia has to offer! Find out how.
© The Rojak Projek
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Pssst... If you've noticed, some of our food originates from different parts of the world like China, India, Thailand and Indonesia. It ties back to our roots, our history and where we're from and it's definitely part of our identity! Malaysian food however is a very interesting combination as a result of the intermingling of our taste buds. Most of our food in Malaysia is not the same. We have unique flavours and we believe our food takes it to the next level. Despite our differences, Malaysians are often seen together eating food from each others cultures. It's truly and uniquely something that unites us all!
IF YOU LIKE TO SHARE AND SHOWCASE THESE ARTWORKS
EMAIL US AT THEROJAKTEAM@GMAIL.COM
Our Final Chapter (2018)
We're recording down our last leg till Malaysia Day (16th September)
12th August, Sunday, 5:00 pm @ KLCC
"DEAR MALAYSIA,
My girlfriend, Deanna, and I are coming to K.L. for 3 days from Aug 11-14 (this Sat - Tues), and have decided to do a meet up to talk about travel, take selfies and make a fun video together!" - Drew Binsky's facebook
Faye Lim and Jagjeet Singh 'gung-ho' their way to KLCC in hopes to get The Rojak Projek's unity message featured in Drew Binsky's video. We tried to share our concept with him our but... someone cut us off... Damn-it! After trying to be 'thick-skin' for a second round, we managed to get a little of his attention to set a meeting. Thank God we knew Pixie Cigar (from his video) to remind him that we were going to meet up the next day. We also had the help of Max Junior from Sabah who 'thick skin' his way, offering to help drive him to our location as we were being interviewed by Astro Awani that day! Yeap, we got his attention through the crowd and as shown in the video below, he already has a strong sense of what The Rojak Projek has been talking about all this time... even before meeting him.
OMG... We got Drew Binsky's interview on the same day as Astro Awani!
13th August, Monday, @ Pickle & Fig, TTDI
2pm - 3pm
with Drew Binsky
3pm - 6:30pm
with Astro Awani
It wasn't easy! Drew was busy and he thought we were interviewing him! Oh nooo! At 10:30am, Faye had to call and clarify hoping to still get the chance to be interviewed by him as there's an important message about diversity we were hoping to share! He gave us 20 seconds to convince him, and we managed to through sharing our story and our journey!
Special thanks to both Drew Binsky and our new Sabah friend, Max Junior who took the initiative to help drive him to us!
By 3:00pm, as mentioned earlier, we had a pre-arranged interview with Astro Awani. They were so kind to give us the opportunity to allow younger Borneons to share their stories (Terence Tapah, Emily Elizabeth, Niney Chong and Kendrick Ng), while also speaking to those we met along our journey as to why they decided to help us with this project around Malaysia (Arnold Louis, Jacq Hannah, Jagjeet Singh and Joselyn Chong). Faye and Rachel were the last to share their experiences, unfortunately not joined by Jon Cool, who was stuck editing the final documentary.
Let's just say that this marks a special day, brave hearts spoke and fiercely, The Rojak Projek chooses to stay steadfast in our purpose and hopeful in our vision. We look to our fellow Malaysians with joy and pride, speaking their minds. To find out more on what our fellow Sabahans and Sarawakians shared, click here. To find out what Co-Founders Rachel Lee and Faye Lim had to share, click here.
Special thanks to Nuradilla Noorazam and Rizal Rahim from Astro Awani for the interview.
