Thai - Malaysia - Singapore Art Exhibition

The Princess Galayanivadhana
Institute of Cultural Studies,
Prince of Songkla University,
Pattani Province, Thailand has
organized cultural events to
highlight dedication and
contribution of Princess
Galayanivadhana to the
university and institute.

One of the main event was a
joint exhibition of 14 artists from
Thailand with artists from
Malaysia (10) and Singapore (11).
It was officiated by Mr. Chuan
Lek Pai (ex- PM of Thailand) on
June 5th at the Southern Thai
Gallery.

The invited artists from Malaysia were Dr. Mohamad Najib Ahmad Dawa, Abd Rani Majid,
Chong Hip Seng, Heng Eow Lin, Low Kong Wen, Patrick Lasak, Tan Kai Sheuan, Renny
Cheng Sing Ching, Tew Nai Tong and Me.

Among the Singapore artists invited were Goh Beng Kwan, Koeh Sia Yong, Chew Swee Fah
and Low Puay Hua.

Among the Thai artists were Kamol Kongthong, Thanakorn Boonrat, Satawat Chuaynum,
Muhammad Rojana-Udomsat and Muhammadtoroyee Waekeji.

After the show I was invited by one of the Thai artist Muhammadtoroyee (@ Fauzi) to
visit his house and studio. I accepted his sincere invitation and even extended my stay to
2 days at his house. There were many unfinished large scale paintings at his house. Although
he is quite young, he has won several open shows in Thailand.

He had introduce me to Nik Rusli, a Thai but studying at UIA, Malaysia. Both of them had
brought me around to visit many beautiful locations and historical places in Pattani. Believe
me, I had a very good time. Thank you both for your great hospitality. My salam to all
your kind parents.

Langkawi Scene w/c 55 x 75 cm 2009
(This was one of my two works exhibited at the show)

I was very happy to meet Senator Dato' Anusart Suwanmongkol at
the exhibition. He is an art enthusiast and the owner of the biggest hotel
in Pattani Province, The Senate. He had invited me to visit his hotel and to look at
his art and craft collections. I've met him again at the cultural show in the heart of the town.
(L-R: Fauzi; Dato' Anusart; Me)

Fauzi, Nik Rusli and me visited TS Hotel and was assisted by Benjamin
to view many art collections of Dato' Anusart. The works were very fine,
from local and Malaysian artists.
(L-R: Fauzi's friend; Benjamin (Dato' 's PA); Me, Fauzi's Friend; Nik Rusli & Fauzi)

Fauzi's father, very warm- hearted and hard working farmer

Origami Workshop

Kota Bharu (Malaysia) and
Kasaoka (Japan) have been
declared a Twin City since
1992 (?). Many cultural
exchange programmes have
been held. Recently a group
of artists from Kasaoka
arrived here (KB) with the mission
to promote their cuture.

This morning an origami
workshop was conducted at
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan.
It was attended by many
art lecturers, staffs and
students from UMK and art
enthusiasts.

The programme was sponsored by ROHM Wako Co Ltd (Japan) which has its branch
at Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. It was facilitated by Mr Azman Mohd Daham,
the PR of Kota Bharu Municipal Council.

With the master of origami, Ms Tokitomo (right).
She has been practicing it for more than 40 years and
has conducted many workshops internationally.

Trying my hand. The process were folding, tying, clipping or whatever method
to prevent dye from contacting the cloth, submerged in clean water for a few minutes,
submerged in dye solution for 30 minutes, rinsed and dip into clean water again,
open up and let it dry. Many unexpected design appeared. Practice makes perfect!

L-R: Mr Yeo See Shuang (Director Rohm-Wako Electronics (M'sia) Sdn Bhd,
Prof Ab Aziz Shuib (Dean @UMK), Me, Mr Yosuke Yoshioka (Honorary President
Rohm Wako Co Ltd (Japan))

Live Telecast @ TV1

On May 27, several GAP's
members were invited to
Radio & Television Malaysia,
Channel 1 (Angkasapuri) to highlight the
Endau-Rompin Sketch
Expedition during a slot
in Selamat Pagi Malaysia
(Good Morning Malaysia).










Seated L-R: EH Chee (member/assistance), Me (committee/demo), Mohd Shaimi Hashim
(Deputy Head), Dato' Tg Alauddin (Head), Patrick Lasak (member/demo), Ab Ghani
Ahmad (member/demo)
Standing L-R: Raduan Norudin (Ass Secretary/Tv personnel), Producer, Tv assistance

Dato' Tg Alauddin & Mohd Shaimi briefing on the expedition
(Photo: Raduan)

Live telecast: Painting demonstration @ Studio 2, TV 1
(Photo: Raduan)

Endau-Rompin Sketch Expedition

The expedition (May 22-25)
organized by The National
Department for Culture &
Arts State of Johor and The
Union of Art Societies of
Malaysia (GAP's) with the
co-operation of Johor State
Government and The District
Office of Mersing.

It was participated by 36 artists
representing their Art Societies
from almost all states in
Malaysia (including East M'sia).

The expedition was officiated
by YB Puan Asiah Md Ariff
(Exco Rural Dev & Territory,
Art, Culture and Heritage of Johor). Activities included briefing on Endau-Rompin
National Park, dialogue, visiting Nature and Research Centre (NERC), visiting favourite
spots such as Pantai Burung and Kuala Jasin by boats and mild jungle trecking.
Participants had their time sketching, painting or taking photographs. It was fully
sponsored by the organizer.

The follow-ups will be an exhibition in Johor Bharu somewhere in November.

Information
The Endau- Rompin National Park area straddles the two states of Johor and Pahang.
It is special because it is one of the oldest and the few remaining areas of vast virgin
lowland rain forest in the world, well known as a sanctuary for wildlife, home to many
rare and unique species of plants and animals and ecological habitats.

For more information contact:
Johor National Park Corporation
JKR 475, Jalan Bukit Timbalan,
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Tel: 07-2237471 / 07-224225
Fax: 07-2237472
E-mail: jnpc@johorparks.com
Website: www.johorparks.com

After 3-hour journey ( 56km)
through oil palm plantations and
forests by 4WD from the nearest
town, Kahang, we reached the
Park entrance of Endau-Rompin
National Park at Peta.

We were stationed at Visitor
Complex. Among the facilities
here are chalets, dormitories,
cafeteria, surau (prayer room),
multi-purpose hall. Boat service
from Peta village to nearby
area provided by local villagers.

@Kuala Jasin. Front L-R: En Yunos Hj Abu Bakar (Deputy Director JKKN Johor), Hj Abu Bakar Mohamed Salleh
(Diector Johor National Parks Corp), Staff, Exco's husband, YB Puan Asiah Md Ariff (Exco)
En Abdul Hamid Hj Muhamad (Drector JKKN Johor), Me

Painting @ Visitor Complex

Painting @ Kuala Jasin
On the right was Dato' Mahsun ( Deputy Head of GAP's)

Boating from Peta Village to Kuala Jasin.
Behind me was Dato' Tg Alauddin (Head of GAP's)