Kuala Lampur, Jan. 1 -- I found out about the appointment the same way I find out about most things these days. Not with fireworks, not with a ceremony, but through a short conversation with the Vice-Chancellor at Bangunan Canseleri that ended almost as quickly as it began. A sentence was said. A responsibility was placed. And then life carried on as usual.

Later, a poster appeared. Nicely designed, with the university crest, my name in full, and a title that looked heavier when printed than it did when spoken aloud. Director of Penerbit Universiti Malaya (UM Press). Effective 1 January 2026. The kind of announcement that invites congratulations, assumptions, and quiet recalculations from people who read it.

Some messaged to say "Tahnia...