KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship Show can be expanded to become a national or international event.
This will encourage more people, locals and foreigners, to participate, said Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
In this respect he said his ministry will assist the entry of Bonsai and Suiseki participants from outside Sarawak to compete.
He does not see any problem to participation from outside provided instructions set by the enforcement authorities are adhered to.
“It is true that the enforcement authority has quarantine conditions if they want to bring in plants from outside Sarawak, but this is only subject to those who enter to participate in the championship.
“So we will wait for the organisers (Sarawak Bonsai Association) in addition to facilitating their management in organising a prestigious international event,” he said.
He said this when asked about the ministry’s efforts to help the bonsai event to grow nationally and internationally today.
He believes the championship can be raised to a higher level.
“The community’s interest in bonsai has grown and when it grows, they will definitely like to compete so we don’t want the championship to be limited (to Sarawak only).
“We have previously organised an international orchid competition and there were many participants from Taiwan, Indonesia, and many other countries competing.
“So I believe it can be implemented similarly in the bonsai championship,” he said.
About 185 plants were entered for the Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship Show at the La Promenade shopping centre.
A total of 22 winners received recognition in their respective categories, with three recipients receiving the prestigious awards.
Johnson Jong won the most potential award while the HSL award went to Lee Kuok Hua. The best performance award and the most creative award went to Wong Teck Choi.
The organising chairman of the championship, Hayes Teo, said the event is the best platform for people to immerse themselves in the art of bonsai.
He expressed his appreciation to Hock Seng Lee (HSL) for their contribution in ensuring this champonship runs smoothly.
Also present was HSL Executive Director, Tony Yu.
