36. Selina Siak Chin Yoke, breast cancer survivor, on Malaysian culture and history

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I am interviewing survivors and sharing their stories. Today, I am joined by Selina Siak Chin Yoke (石清玉) who shares her survival story. She went from a theoretical physicist, investment banker, and quant trader to a best selling author. Ironically, had it not been for cancer, she might have delayed her passion of writing. She was born in Singapore at a time when Singapore was part of Malaysia and still a swamp. A time when there were racial riots on the island between the Chinese and Malays. Although her books are fiction, the stories depict real places and historical events during those times. Selina educates me on the history of Malaysia, formerly Malay, and explains the controversies and struggles that are still prevalent today. Her first novel, The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds (The Malayan Series, #1), was published on November 1, 2016 and made an immediate emotional connection with readers. It debuted as an Amazon best-seller in historical fiction, was named by Goodreads as one of the 6 best books in the month of its release, and has been favourably compared to the work of Pearl S. Buck and Amy Tan. New novel: When the Future Comes Too Soon IF you enjoyed this conversation, my favor as usual is to please continue to share this podcast with others. It would mean so much if you also rate it and leave me feedback. If you would like to help keep this podcast going and support the work I do, visit my website or Patreon.com/sifumimichan to become a patron of the show. For comments or suggestions reach out on social media @sifumimichan Discussed in this episode: Orang Asli People  History of Malaysia Malaysian Cuisine   Where to see Selina in Orlando: DEC. 1, 7 p.m. (Winter Park, Florida) Event: Book chat with the Winter Park Presbyterian Church Book Club Location: Winter Park Presbyterian Church, 400 S. Lakemont Ave., Winter Park, FL 32792 Website: http://winppc.org/book-club/ DEC. 4, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sanford, Florida) Event: Book chat with the Rotary Club of Sanford Florida Location: Sanford Chamber of Commerce, 400 East First Street, Sanford, FL 32771 Website: http://www.rotarylunchbunch.com/  DEC. 5, 6 p.m. (Altamonte Springs, Florida) Event: Speaking engagement with the National Association of Professional Women, Orlando Chapter Location: Total Wine, 160 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL Website: https://www.napw.com/chapters/orlando-chapterDEC. 6, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Winter Park, Florida)Event: Speaking engagement with the Florida Writers Association, Orlando chapter