It is meaningful to me because this was passed down to me by my mother. When I was younger, I would spend many days during fasting month helping her to use this tool to 'sepit' or 'pinch' the kuih to create the patterns on the kuih. I was quite good at it so I helped my mum with all the kuih. And these kuih would usually be sold or given away to relatives and friends. These are core memories for me because I got to spend time with my mother doing something enjoyable together.

In Chinese culture, the number nine (九) means longevity and reaching great heights so having nine layers is symbolic.

It is meaningful to me as I recall when I was a kid, my brother and I had this little habit of peeling and eating the layers one by one. It wasn’t just a snack. It was part of our happy childhood routine. Before cupcakes, tarts and cheesecakes were a thing, this was the treat.

To me, Nine Layer Kueh is more than just food. It reminds me to slow down and enjoy life, one layer at a time.

it's a symbol of Chinese culture and it represent unity and prosperity

old time food that has the same name everywhere you go but have slight differences as different people have different recipes

Although the cane may seem like a harsh symbol, to me it represents a part of my upbringing within an Asian family where discipline was seen as a way to guide children. It holds special meaning because it reflects the values my parents believed in — respect, responsibility, and learning right from wrong. While I don’t fully agree with the method now, I understand that it came from a place of love and high expectations. The cane reminds me of how much my family wanted me to grow into a good person, and how our culture sometimes expresses care in very strict ways. It’s not just about punishment — it’s about tradition, discipline, and the intentions behind it.

Wearing baju kurung, especially during festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, weddings, or national celebrations, signifies pride in one’s heritage.