The Box by P H H L

My world is a box.I dream of being brave,I dream of being free,All the colours do I see,In my world of a box It keeps me happy,It keeps me safe. Yet, why does it seem so out of place? There stands a door.How did I not see it before?Should I open it? And so I…

Dreaming the World by Austin Loo

High above the clouds,eyes scanning the viewof lush rich greenand boats so few.As clouds parted,I see a landfilled with steel treesand thick grey breeze. Through the chaos, something was glimmering.A clear blue river,with light streaks shimmering.Eyes begin to linger,trailing the blue path,catching the new scenesof ice and sand. As I go further,my eyes were lockedto…

Dear diary, I met a boy by Jade

Dear diary, I met a boy.That’s how it starts,A time, a place, a feeling,Like nothing could tear us apart. Together, we ventured into the unknown,Hand in hand, hearts soft,On a path that could never have been foretold.Living together, a reality from a dream,Home felt closer than it seemed. In a world far from home,A new…

VIII by John Smith

Dear X, I stand tall as the waves brush through the shore, dragging everything away with a relentless pull. My thoughts shattered as the harsh water collided with the rocks, melting into a singularity. But do you remember? Instead of turning the pages, you chose to tear them apart, piece by piece—heaven-made torture, one might…

Monch! Jangsajang Deopbap, SS15 – Artisanal Soy, Savoury Joy!

Nested in the perpetually bustling food haven of SS15, Jangsajang Deopbap opens its doors for all K-lovers to enjoy. Step in, and be greeted by the comforting commotion of a busy restaurant, packed with working adults and young students alike, joined by their shared love for Hallyu. Sit, and you’ll hear iconic K-pop hits from…

Monch! Amalgamating Cars, Tofu, and Manga – Fujiwara Tofu Shop, USJ 1

Fujiwara Tofu Shop located at an unusual spot, amidst production factories and car workshops, hosted us at their eclectic and one of a kind restaurant curated for the complete immersion into 90s Japanese culture. When Japan was in an agonising economic turmoil, the anime sub-genre of media thrived and gained worldwide recognition due to its…

Monch! A Day in Taman Hati: Terrariums, Treats, and Tranquility

Meet Jan Zainal, a once IT consultant in the bustling city turned full-time fairy garden of the one and lovely Taman Hati Studio and Cafe, occupying a humble space in SS2, Petaling Jaya. When asked about the reason for her departure from a 20-year career in the industry, her response was simple: she was offered…

Monch! A Cute and Cozy Place – Solace BB

solacenoun1 : comfort in grief : alleviation of grief or anxiety2 : a source of relief or consolation Let me paint you a picture, it’s raining, you’re feeling tired from all the work you’ve done all semester and all you really need is a comfortable place to rest and relax with a cup of coffee…

Monch! Reprieve from Asphyxia – Core Cafe

Core cafe – a quaint repository of life in an otherwise quiet section of the bustling city. At first glance, the minimalistic and rustic design of the cafe is sure to catch your eye. With its impressive arrangement and juxtaposition of geometric shapes, it is a prime site for your next aesthetic Instagram post! Walking…

Colours of the Racialized Labour

I recall that when I used to work as a convenience store cashier back in Korea, customers from outside Korea visited the store from time to time, mostly late at night. They came by the counter, handed me a pack of gum, and asked me whether it had pork inside. Finding a product that did…

Yi SoYeon, Vanajah Siva, and You

Until today, women live in a man’s world and are killed by men every day. And I, down on this planet, think about women I know or don’t know. The woman who could have been. Women who are born from the stars but are living on the Earth. Post-2008, the name Yi SoYeon was expected…

Monch! Championing Gastronomic Currency: Anything Cafe

Trendy pinterest-esque cafes are taking over the city (rightfully so)! Anything Cafe tucked away in a new up and coming Glenmarie district surprised us with a delicate amalgamation of modern Japanese cuisine and traditional Malaysian delicacies. The modern and trendy outlook made clear by the organised mess of posters plastered across the walls around the…

MONCH! A Coffee Madness Medley: MÄD Coffee

Dearest Readers, Settle in with us, your loveliest editors, in a minimalist yet warm and earthy cafe established by a mother-and-daughter duo, MAD Coffee. Located in IOI Rio, Puchong, the cafe is a hidden trove of chiffon cakes and unique drinks, perfect for afternoon tea-time with your girls or a whole-day grinding session, as they…

Doing Language As a Colonized 

After I spent some years in Malaysia as an international student from Korea, I created my LinkedIn profile, opting to list my pronouns as she/her. I also included my English name alongside my Korean name, considering it a strategic choice in the job market. Now, my pronouns are not in my LinkedIn profile anymore because I…

I, MY: Introducing a New Writing Corner

**This article marks the launch of a new writing corner, “I, MY.” The corner’s primary aim is to invite international students in Monash to share their experiences as foreigners in Malaysia. It’s open to everyone, with the overarching goals of fostering better inclusion, encouraging greater interaction, and deeper understanding within yourself. Submissions can be made…