A family's pride

The Muzium & Galeri Tuanku Fauziah (MGTF), originally known as the USM Museum & Art Gallery when it officially opened in 1982, is a little gem within the University of Science Malaysia campus in Penang. I first learnt of this museum a few months ago when I attended a talk at the nearby Centre for Global Archaeological Research. But yesterday on a revisit to the University, I took the chance to see whether the place was open to the public. Yes, they welcomed all visitors, not only university staff and students.

There’s currently an ongoing exhibition of photographic works by Puah Chin Kok, inspired by his late mother. Originally from Teluk Intan, Puah now lives in Kuala Lumpur where he runs a commercial photography studio, mostly serving clients in the arts and creative sectors.

The exhibition features a series of photographs documenting the everyday interiors of homes in Chinese new villages. From these modest spaces, families once struggled and sacrificed to improve life for the next generation. Many gave up their own chances at education, yet still placed immense importance on their children’s schooling and future success. These images offer a quiet but powerful window into their lives and values.

In Puah’s own words:
“In 2015, when my mother decided to recuperate from her illness at my house, I took a series of photos of her previous dwelling, two of which I enlarged and hung in her room. One shows the family altar in the living room, engraved with the words Jin Yu Man Tang (金玉滿堂), upon which trophies and medals were placed. While recovering, she would gaze at the picture and comment in Hokkien: ‘Jin sui’ (They look marvellous). After her passing, I realised those photos weren’t just of trophies. They captured her life: her love and commitment to raising her children, her perseverance, pride, sacrifices and dreams. What began as a remembrance of my mother has since evolved into something larger. By speaking with other Malaysian-Chinese families who’ve made similar sacrifices for their children’s future, I hope to honour the spirit of an entire generation.”

The exhibition runs until 28 June 2025.

Oan Seng Hua's house, Sekinchan, Selangor

Teong Lian Howa's house, Sabak Bernam, Selangor

Chin Yean Pin & Teoh Gaik Keow's house, Gurun, Kedah