"Same Same: A Dan Lain-lain Project"

Back in early May when I was in Chiangmai for a Consultation, I came across this phrase "samesame" emblazoned across souvenir t-shirts that were being sold on the streets. I didn't know what it meant or symbolised, so I figured that it must be one of those slangs that the locals used (although for God knows what!). :-)

And then two weeks later, I came across an "advert" (if you can call it that) on Facebook, inviting mixed-race families of Malaysia to contribute their stories and photos of: how did they meet, what were their biggest joys, obstacles, adventures, misunderstandings, etc., while being in a mixed-race relationship. To my pleasant surprise, the project was called...SAME SAME! Was this fate or what? The project is the brainchild of Lithuanian photographer Paulius Staniunas and aims to celebrate Malaysia's cultural and racial diversity.

Coming from a mixed race family, I was intrigued with this project, and promptly submitted a photo of my sister, cousin and me to Paul, explaining how the three of us are of mixed raced and often get questioned as to which race we belong to. Lo and behold, our picture was posted on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/samesameproject/photos/pb.1555171511367613.-2207520000.1439280391./1659929877558442/?type=3&theater)

What happened next was simply amazing!! Paul then contacted me, asking if by any chance I was based in Penang. He explained that he was planning to have a photo/story exhibition of mixed race families, individuals, couples, in Penang, in conjunction with the George Town Festival, and asked if I would be interested to take part. Joe Sidek, the festival director, had heard of his project and has asked if he could do a similar project focusing on the people of Penang. (For full background info of the "Same Same: A Dan Lain-lain Project", go to http://www.samesame.my). 

Having learnt more about the whole project, I of course wholeheartedly jumped on the bandwagon to be part of this amazing endeavour. Emails were exchanged, dates were discussed...and finally, my family and I met Paul and his friend, Alex who was helping him in the project. The two of them were very engaging and friendly as they interviewed my parents on their background, how they met, the complete love story. They even got my dad to admit that he stole my mum from another guy (much to my sister's and my surprise)!! Haha!!

A month and a half later, and the beautifully taken photograph and well synthesised story of my family is now on display at Dewan Sri Pinang, together with 30 other photographs and stories of mixed race families from Penang. 

It was/is indeed such a pleasure and honour to be part of this project and I am excited to see how the entire "Same Same: A Dan Lain-lain Project" unfolds. If the exhibition in Penang is anything to go by, I'm sure the entire project will be something spectacular to look forward to! :-)