Episode 4: Dina Zaman - The One Who Inspired Me to Write

What a privilege it was to have a conversation with Dina Zaman for this episode. 

Dina is a Kuala Lumpur-based writer and researcher. She is a co-founder of IMAN Research, a think tank focusing on socio-political and security matters, and a founding member of the Southeast Asian Women Peacebuilders. She has written extensively for the Malaysian media and is currently a regular contributor to The Star, Malaysia, and The Jakarta Post.  Dina is the author of three non-fiction titles - I am Muslim (Silverfish Publishing), Holy Men, Holy Women (SIRD) and Malayland (Ethos Books and Faction Press). King of the Sea Redux will be published by Clarity Publishing.

In this episode, I got to learn about her origin story in the world of writing, Dina's fascinating pivot into research and the non-profit sector, and the motivations behind her compelling explorations of religion, race, and culture in Malaysia through her writings. I hope you will get a glimpse into her unique creative spark and heart  as a true storyteller. It is indeed a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of Malaysia's vibrant tapestry! 🇲🇾✍️🎧

Chapters

• 3:54 "I am a late bloomer"
• 17:00 The professional pivot
• 27:30 Writing about race, religion and culture in Malaysia
• 35:33 Staying true to her voice as a storyteller
• 45:03 Advice to new writers