31/08/2025

ON SUNDAY August 31, 2025 II theSunday Special

Reimagining patriotism in a digital age

generation after, but that does not mean that this lack of shared pain makes them less patriotic. The Gen Zs have found their ways of appreciating their roots, paying tribute to the struggles of their ancestors and showing love to their beloved country, Malaysia. Do not be surprised, but a lot of these showcases of patriotism occur online. For Tanestrran Chandran, he spent one-third of his life abroad, going to school in New York City, but not in the slightest does it make him less of a Malaysian than other youths his age. Now that he is entirely back in the country, Tanestrran always keeps himself updated with all the FXUUHQW D̆ DLUV DQG ORFDO QHZV “Reading the paper today, it makes sense that we all want to be nationalists. As Malaysians, we have to think about where we stand amidst what’s going on in the world today,” said Tanestrran. Being the youngest son of Malaysian designer extraordinaire Bernard Chan dran, there is no escaping the fashion world for this 24-year-old. While his deep LQWHUHVW OLHV LQ WKH ¿HOG RI SV\FKRORJ\ KH has been channelling his creative instinct collaboratively with his brother Terimu nite Chandran in menswear fashion under the local brand Figure. “ 7KHUH KDV EHHQ D ORW RI :HVWHUQ LQÀX ence across the world. Western culture has, in a way, demonised patriotism. While globalisation is a good thing, I

From fashion runways to social media trends and photography exhibitions, Malaysia’s youth are merging tradition with technology to celebrate Merdeka in fresh, creative ways BY HANNEF ESQUANDER T IME has changed, but our love and appreciation for the land beneath our feet remain the same. The nation that shaped us into the people we are today taught us how much of an impact one can make, only if they stick together. Malaysia has had its fair share of ups and downs. We are proud to say that through it all, we have always been there. The younger generation might not have the same story about war with all the UHOHQWOHVV VWUXJJOHV DQG VDFUL¿FHV WKDW RXU grandparents had to go through to tell the

Happy Merdeka . Always be proud because our country is full of potential. With our culture and innovation, all we have to do is trust our people because we are just as good, if not better than, the rest of the world.”

Tanestrran believe that national and cultural identity is also important to keep. It is all about the sense of belonging to a group of people and heritage,” he explained. Merdeka is a celebration of patriotism – but how much do we truly care about our country and our people? Every 31 August is a time for us to unite as a nation. Yet, in today’s world, Tanestrran feels that

patriotism has been neglected and left behind, with some people hardly paying it any attention. “I’ve gained my own perspective from all the time that I spent in the US. Now that I’m back here, I have seen it from both sides. Patriotism is something that people should not be ashamed of or shy away from. It’s beautiful.”