Helang Books

20/11/2023

Sick of not being able to attend discourses about the hijab and Muslims in Singapore because they were always held “closed-door” and among selected few? Fret no more! Come join us in an open discussion about the hijab led by Lepak Conversations founder Yulianna Frederika.
Hijab has got to be the most contested five-letter word for Muslim women in Singapore. The Muslim headscarf or tudung in Malay, is not a mere piece of clothing covering the head. Contrary to the stereotypical notion that veiled Muslim women are oppressed and backward, their stoic wearing of the hijab symbolises an act of freedom to exercise their individual choices in expressing their religious beliefs and personal conviction. It is also a valiant display of faith, commitment and steeled determination, albeit expressed at times in the face of cynicism, criticism and to some extent, discriminatory behaviour or practices. Why then do hijabis (women who wear the hijab) hold on strongly and steadfastly to their headscarves?
This book tells the stories of Muslim women who navigate the ever-changing geopolitical landscape of the society and communities in which they live, while proudly donning the hijab in private and public spaces.
https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/hijab-swf-book-launch-tickets-750853502037?aff=odcleoeventsincollection

15/11/2023

14/11/2023

10/11/2023

Happening tomorrow!
There’s also the Braille version of our book which we will gift to our blind friends. Come support our event. Lots of interesting activities, and you can also engage the blind masseurs to soothe your tired muscles. Show your support and love to our blind community 🫶🏼

09/11/2023

Never ‘nasi ambeng Peranakan’. What’s so special about the ‘nasi ambeng’? Why do we eat it on a ‘dulang’ or round tray? What’s the significance of the many dishes? Read our ‘Nasi: When rice grains cry’ book. We guarantee that you’ll crave the 12 rice dishes after reading the book!
*photo taken at Hidayah Amin (in blue; her form teacher in headscarf)’s secondary school friends’ annual ‘nasi ambeng’ gathering. Everyone contributed a dish or two!

08/11/2023

We got our F&G copy of the sixth book in our ‘I am Unique’ series and we are excited! The book is also Sarah’s first picture book since she graduated from Leeds Arts University. We are happy to give young talents a platform to showcase their creativity. Come to the ‘Understanding Glaucoma’ event this Saturday and show your love and support to the blind community in Singapore.

07/11/2023

Congrats to our illustrator Ai Khim for being one of the nominees of 2023 ‘Singapore 40-over-40’. We are proud of you!
We are happy that you’re part of the Helang family who cares for the society. Continue to soar Khimmy! Life is just beginning at 40 😉
https://www.singapore40over40.com/

01/11/2023

Hijab has got to be the most contested five-letter word for Muslim women in Singapore. The Muslim headscarf or tudung in Malay, is not a mere piece of clothing covering the head. Contrary to the stereotypical notion that veiled Muslim women are oppressed and backward, their stoic wearing of the hijab symbolises their freedom to exercise their religious beliefs and conviction. It is also a valiant display of faith, commitment and steeled determination, expressed in the face of cynicism, criticism and to some extent, discrimination. Why then do hijabis (women who wear the hijab) hold on strongly to their headscarves?
This book tells the stories of Muslim women who navigate the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, while proudly donning the hijab in private and public spaces.

31/10/2023

We made it on the longlist!
Congrats to our 8 authors for showing us what it means to have the Spirit of Singapore. We have already won. Majulah Singapura!
*thanks Hock Yew for the beautiful illustrations and Mas Shaari for the lovely book design

30/10/2023

Photos and videos from ‘Nasi: When Rice Grains Cry’ book launch are up! See photos on Helang Books' Facebook album.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=HelangBooks&set=a.847768354015583
Watch videos on Helang Books' YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc_-5tnN3B0&list=PLJzbBzankISnvd1O0XLhyMZO3vet89gxb

28/10/2023

Wahhh, our book is on same self space with Malaysia’s former Prime Minister and family. Have you read our book which won the 2021 NUS Singapore History Prize yet?
*thanks for snapping the photos in MPH KL.

27/10/2023

Listen to Candy, one of the authors of ‘My Name is Adam. I have Type 1 Diabetes’ book, talk about living with diabetes.
https://www.8world.com/singapore/beattheodds-ep4-2277676

24/10/2023

Want to learn more about glaucoma and blindness? Do come to ‘Understanding Glaucoma’ event. Lots of interesting things to do and learn. And yes, we will be doing a book reading of ‘My Name is Ling. I am Blind.’ This is the sixth book in the ‘I am Unique’ series. See you there!

24/10/2023

You’ve read our Gedung Kuning book. Now visit the museum to learn more about Haji Yusoff, the creator of the haj belt, and about Kampong Gelam the Pilgrim Hub. See you at the Open House this Saturday!

22/10/2023

‘Nasi padang’ is not field rice. We don’t use quinoa lah. And oh yes, ‘nasi ambeng’ is definitely not Peranakan.
For more information, read ‘Nasi: When Rice Grains Cry’ book.
Video of our rice book launch is up on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc_-5tnN3B0&t=9s

05/10/2023

We asked Mohamad Jafri Janif, the rice book illustrator about his feelings when he first received the book: “Simple but attractive. From the hardcover to the gold print I can see it is expensive. But to me everything has its story. Nasi print in gold means how valuable rice is. White present purity and its colour. And the spine, if we think deep, it can be Nasi or weaves of grains. It looks basic, just like Nasi. I just can’t stop observing it. 😁 I really like it 😁”
Spot on! Sometimes the thing (like rice) that we take for granted is as priceless as gold.
*the gold-plated leg bangle is a gift from Ratianah Tahir
See you at the book launch this Sunday!

02/10/2023

Happening this Sunday. See you at the book launch!

28/09/2023

Join us this Saturday!

11/09/2023

Remembering Riz Sunawan…
Join us.
*Session will be held in Malay.

09/09/2023

Psst... remember the rice controversies -- ‘nasi lemak' quinoa rice, 'nasi ambeng' peranakan, 'nasi padang' or field rice? The horror!
Come dehusk the mysterious kidnapping of our Malay rice dishes. Got 'pulut kuning' you know. Jom!

09/09/2023

Snapshots from last Wednesday’s storytelling session. The kids even made cards with comforting words for Riz. Awww…

05/09/2023

Happening this morning!
Join Hidayah Amin and the former host of Aksi Mat Yoyo, Jasmin Samat Simon for an exciting storytelling session in the Malay language.
About Jasmin - https://www.beritaharian.sg/gaya-hidup/jasmin-samat-tinggalkan-dunia-teater-perjuang-nasib-gelandangan-di-rantau
Register at go.gov.sg/ceritakitacckpl
See you there!

27/08/2023

We were at the yesterday and happy to meet other Malay publishers whom we are friends with. What a pleasant surprise to meet Nazlyna, an old friend of our boss. Naz made board books teaching Malay language to kids. Her company ‘Maknak’ means “Ma, I want.” We especially love this title coz Hadi is the name of our boss’ brother. Pls support Nazlyna’s young publishing journey. Do visit her booth at Wisma Geylang Serai today or visit her online shop.

25/08/2023

Join Hidayah Amin and the former host of Aksi Mat Yoyo, Jasmin Samat Simon for an exciting storytelling session in the Malay language.
About Jasmin - https://www.beritaharian.sg/gaya-hidup/jasmin-samat-tinggalkan-dunia-teater-perjuang-nasib-gelandangan-di-rantau
Register at go.gov.sg/ceritakitacckpl
See you there!

03/08/2023

Have you read our children’s books?

Author Hidayah Amin with artist Tan Ai Khim, presenting their bilingual book Hang Nadim and the Garfish (Hang Nadim dan Todak).

27/07/2023

Regram from
This short film was inspired by a photo in our Gedung Kuning book.
“Do you know what this old Malay ritual is about? Why did I decide to do a short film about this? Come watch it (and other Y2K short films) at Singapore Shorts ‘23 on Sat, 19 Aug. Get your tickets here: https://asianfilmarchive.org/event-calendar/singapore-shorts-23-now-thats-what-i-call-y2k-shorts-programme-2-qa-session/ “

17/07/2023

Regram from
In Berita Harian today — my article about our museum in Malay.
“If you don’t write your story, someone else will write it for you.”
*Official opening is postponed due to clash with National Day Rally. We’ll update on new date.
https://www.beritaharian.sg/setempat/tubuh-muzium-bagi-paparkan-kisah-warisan-kampong-gelam

09/07/2023

Regram from

Read about our museum in today’s Chinese newspaper, Lianhe Zaobao.
“A new generation of custodians passing down the heritage of Malay culture.
The Daughter of Kampong Gelam, Penning her Loss.”
The writer did a word play on ‘Helang’ (eagle) and ‘Hilang’ (loss) saying how my publishing career started from a place of loss, but ultimately took off like an eagle.
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/lifestyle/history-heritage/story20230709-1410981

29/06/2023

Here’s wishing all Muslim friends, readers and clients a blessed Eid-ul Adha.

28/06/2023

Regram from Hidayah Amin:
It’s sad how some people can twist facts and then demean those who speak the truth. And then, they cowardly refuse to meet the same people they had belittled for fear of the truth being exposed. Status, wealth and perceived influence are not a measure of character. Integrity is. Shame on you, the people without integrity. Shameless are also the people who believe them.
Read Straits Times article: Wrangling over artefacts belonging to Malay pioneer Haji Yusoff Mohamed Noor
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/wrangling-over-artefacts-belonging-to-malay-pioneer-haji-yusoff-mohamed-noor

25/06/2023

Together with Maya Gallery, we are happy to collaborate in this meaningful project.
Hidayah, we know you love the film, ‘We bought a zoo’. But YOU set up a museum! 💕
‘A museum for my Kampong Glam heritage story’
The Sunday Times, 25 June 2023, A22
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/a-museum-for-my-kampong-glam-heritage-story

23/06/2023

Why ‘Helang’
Helang is Eagle in the Malay language. Helang is pronounced as ‘her-lang’.
There are two stone eagles guarding the gates of Gedung Kuning, the childhood home of our Publisher. The eagle symbolizes wisdom, courage and foresight; it is able to see things from a wider perspective.
Photo credit: Ibrahim Tahir

23/06/2023

Why ‘Helang’

Helang is Eagle in the Malay language. Helang is pronounced as ‘her-lang’.

There are two stone eagles guarding the gates of Gedung Kuning, the childhood home of our Publisher. The eagle symbolizes wisdom, courage and foresight; it is able to see things from a wider perspective.

Photo credit: Ibrahim Tahir

17/06/2023

The Riz Sunawan Bursary
We donated SGD35,000 from ‘My Name is Riz. I have Motor Neurone Disease’ book sales to LBKM, a charity that gives out bursaries and scholarships to needy students. Read about it in Berita Harian today (pg 4). $12,950 from the total amount of $47,950 has also been donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association of Singapore.
Thank YOU for buying the book and contributing towards a good cause. We look forward to your continuous support for our books and projects!

https://www.beritaharian.sg/gaya-hidup/dermasiswa-riz-sunawan-bantu-pelajar-bidang-media

Watch video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CtlUTmyuaKB/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

07/06/2023

Agung Wicaksono, Deputy for Funding & Investment of Nusantara National Capital Authority was in Singapore today with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Agung will be presenting our books to Bapak Presiden as author Hidayah Amin’s maternal ancestors hailed from Solo. Also just like President Joko, Hidayah’s granduncle studied in Gadjah Mada University. Books served as a form of soft diplomacy, n’est pas?

28/05/2023

The bomoh and his pendamping (companion). Scary!
Have you read about 75 hantu(s) in our Malay Culture book?
Would you like to read more hantu tales? Let us know by liking this post!