Silk Lantern Publishing

Durian
Managing Director

Hatched in Africa under the warm sun and raised among books and basil, Durian’s path to becoming Managing Director of Silk Lantern was anything but conventional. A sulcata tortoise with an eye for detail and a love for the slow grind, his rise from quiet observer to symbolic leader was built on quiet persistence and an uncanny ability to flatten the right manuscript at the right time.

In his early years, Durian spent countless hours basking beside draft pages, instinctively developing a sense for narrative flow and the value of well-paced storytelling. Over time, he became an essential presence in the creative process – his silent feedback and consistent calm serving as an anchor during turbulent waters.

A turning point in his career came when he was formally appointed as the company’s figurehead in 2024, representing its ethos of patience, quality, and grounded vision. Though he moves slowly, his influence has been lasting – making Durian not just a leader, but a quiet legend in the literary underground.

Aya Hanayama
Publishing Director

Born and raised in Tokyo, Aya Hanayama developed a fascination with the world beyond Japan early in life, leading her to explore life abroad and immerse herself in the English language. Her journey into the public eye began as a magazine model, where she represented various Japanese fashion brands and built a strong appreciation for storytelling through image and style. 

Driven by a passion for cultural connection, Aya now dedicates herself to bridging Japanese and English – speaking communities – crafting bilingual content for businesses, brands, and publishers seeking to reach across borders with authenticity and clarity. Her work reflects a deep understanding of both languages and the cultural nuances that shape effective communication.

For the past decade, she has made Singapore her home, drawn to its vibrant diversity, warm weather, and welcoming people. In addition to her creative work, Aya teaches Japanese to young learners, nurturing a love for language and fostering early cross – ultural appreciation in the next generation. 

Toh Oon Hoe
Author

Born and raised in Singapore, Toh Oon Hoe’s love for storytelling and writing began at a young age, eventually launching him into a prolific career across both public and creative sectors. Over nearly a decade, he became a key voice behind Singapore’s government communications – authoring hundreds of educational articles for various statutory boards. He has also written extensively on cutting-edge topics, including numerous scientific articles on robotics and artificial intelligence, helping to make complex innovations accessible to wider audiences.

A defining moment came when a book he completed in 2022, 40 Years of Advancing Communities, was presented to Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat – marking a milestone in a career that has contributed to the preservation of Singapore’s evolving community narrative.

Ashley Loy
Creative Director

Born in Malaysia but having made Singapore his home, Ashley Loy is a seasoned graphic designer whose work has long served as the visual backbone for some of the nation’s most impactful non-profit organizations. With a career spanning over two decades, Ashley has lent his creative direction to a wide range of publications – from magazines and annual reports to large-format books – with over 1,000 titles to his credit.

Driven by a passion for purposeful design, Ashley has worked closely with community agencies, advocacy groups, and public-sector institutions to bring clarity, emotion, and dignity to the causes they represent. His ability to translate complex ideas into accessible visual narratives has made him a trusted collaborator across the non-profit sector.

Whether developing identity systems for social campaigns or crafting page layouts that elevate meaningful stories, Ashley’s work is guided by empathy, precision, and a belief in design as a tool for change. His portfolio is not just a record of publications – it’s a reflection of a quiet mission to use design in service of something greater.

Renee Bao Ruining
Editor

Born in China and now based in Singapore, Renee Bao Ruining is an accomplished editor and lead consultant with a focus on publications that navigate the delicate art of cross-cultural storytelling. With a background in communications and a deep appreciation for language and nuance, Renee has guided a range of editorial projects that bridge audiences across languages, geographies, and mindsets.

Her ability to shape content that resonates with diverse readerships has made her a valuable collaborator for authors, institutions, and businesses seeking to engage both Asian and international markets. Beyond the written word, Renee brings her poise and versatility to live settings as well – having served as an emcee for major events, where her clarity, confidence, and bilingual fluency make her a natural presence on stage.

Whether refining a manuscript or presenting to a live audience, Renee brings precision, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism to everything she does. Her work continues to support a growing wave of content that reflects not only quality but connection.