Boleh! the Podcast

Mitch Chilson is a mixed martial artist and ONE Championship color commentator. Also known as “The Dragon,” he has worked extensively in the fitness industry as a fighter, coach and personal trainer.

Yeoh Li Tian is Malaysia’s #1 chess player. Awarded International Master at the age of 18, he is the first ever Malaysian to qualify for the FIDE World Cup.

Danny Lim is a renowned journalist and author. Over the past twenty years, he has written articles for media giants such as The Sun, The Edge and BBC. His latest literary masterpiece unravels the tale of one of Malaysia’s most infamous urban legends, Botak Chin. 

Ashwin Gobinath is an award winning audio engineer, drummer, and arts advocate. His technical expertise and musical talents have made him a sought-after collaborator in the music industry, and his commitment to promoting and preserving Malaysian arts has earned him a respected place in the community. Ashwin is a passionate advocate for local talent and creativity, and is dedicated to empowering the next generation of artists and musicians. With his impressive achievements and dedication to his craft, he is a true leader and role model in the world of music and the arts.

Irene Ang, iconically known as Rosie in Phua Chu Kang, is a Singaporean actress and businesswoman. Not only that, but Irene is also the founder and Chief Executive of FLY Entertainment, a Singapore based talent management agency.

Yogi B is an established hip hop artist in Malaysia. He is largely known and celebrated for pioneering Tamil hip hop and has been crowned as the first Tamil hip hop artist. In this episode, Yogi B takes us through his humble beginnings and shares with us his future plans. 

Before Moana Ishak started working in a drone company, she herself flew the skies. In this episode, Moana shares her journey of becoming a pilot, her experiences in the cockpit as a captain for AirAsia, and how she handled the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry.

Ahmad Zakii Anwar is an internationally-renowned artist and one of Malaysia’s most celebrated. As a self-proclaimed realist, he reveals his fascination with duality and the origins of his sensual still-lifes, and discusses the exploration of his personality through his work.

Dr. Ranjit Singh Malhi is a historian and the author of “Sikhs In Malaysia: A Comprehensive History”. In this episode, he shares what drove him to record the history of his community and chronicles the many contributions of Malaysian Sikhs to the nation.

Marina Mahathir and Zainah Anwar are activists who gained prominence for their respective work in HIV/AIDS awareness and women’s rights. They chat with Ambiga about Sisters in Islam and Musawah, journalism in Malaysia, and the victims of polygamy.

Karu Selvaratnam is an Olympian with exceptional multi-disciplinary talent. The Malaysian legend looks back on his accidental start in athletics, discovering his ambidexterity and his time in the Royal Malaysian Navy.

At the outset of the Second World War, Doris van der Stratten, an Australian housewife, survived a massacre, endured a five-month trek through the jungles of Malaya, incarceration with POWs to then become the mistress of the Japanese Commander of Kuala Lumpur, before finally and fatally encountering the Japanese military police – the dreaded Kempetei.  After the war, and seeking justice and revenge for war time atrocities, the British and Australian authorities instituted a series of war crime trials.  One of the earliest to appear before the courts was Lt Shuzi Murakami, a Kempetei officer charged with the brutal murder of Doris while under interrogation at the Kempetei headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.  This play tracks the trial, and uses much contemporary material, as it explores its explosive outcome and the underlying issues of betrayal and treachery – but also bravery and tenacity against the odds.

At the outset of the Second World War, Doris van der Stratten, an Australian housewife, survived a massacre, endured a five-month trek through the jungles of Malaya, incarceration with POWs to then become the mistress of the Japanese Commander of Kuala Lumpur, before finally and fatally encountering the Japanese military police – the dreaded Kempetei.  After the war, and seeking justice and revenge for war time atrocities, the British and Australian authorities instituted a series of war crime trials.  One of the earliest to appear before the courts was Lt Shuzi Murakami, a Kempetei officer charged with the brutal murder of Doris while under interrogation at the Kempetei headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.  This play tracks the trial, and uses much contemporary material, as it explores its explosive outcome and the underlying issues of betrayal and treachery – but also bravery and tenacity against the odds.

At the outset of the Second World War, Doris van der Stratten, an Australian housewife, survived a massacre, endured a five-month trek through the jungles of Malaya, incarceration with POWs to then become the mistress of the Japanese Commander of Kuala Lumpur, before finally and fatally encountering the Japanese military police – the dreaded Kempetei.  After the war, and seeking justice and revenge for war time atrocities, the British and Australian authorities instituted a series of war crime trials.  One of the earliest to appear before the courts was Lt Shuzi Murakami, a Kempetei officer charged with the brutal murder of Doris while under interrogation at the Kempetei headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.  This play tracks the trial, and uses much contemporary material, as it explores its explosive outcome and the underlying issues of betrayal and treachery – but also bravery and tenacity against the odds.

As the managing director of The Body Shop, Datin Mina Cheah runs a business that prioritises current social issues. In this episode, she speaks about her unconscious philanthropy and the responsibility of businesses to do more than just profit.

Khoo Salma Nasution is a writer, conservationist and historian turned environmental activist. She sits with our hosts to discuss what makes Penang unique, Peranakan history and the reclamation project she's campaigning against.

Douglas Lim has been providing Malaysians with the medicine of laughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. The comedian and actor chats with our hosts about his start in the stand up scene and the 'King of Malaysian Comedy' title.

Renowned fashion designer Datuk Zang Toi is a name you've seen on the runway and in magazines. In this episode, he recalls life in Manhattan, working with Mary Jane Marcasiano, and the decision to make a name for himself.

Andrew Barber is a diplomat turned amateur historian and author. From writing accessible history to chronicling the story of Doris Van Der Stratten, he speaks in-depth about his interest in Malaysia and the country's history.

Gaythri Raman is the Managing Director of LexisNexis Southeast Asia. With a passion for the rule of law, she candidly shares about her start in LexisNexis, meeting Aung San Suu Kyi and playing a role in the transition towards democracy in Myanmar.