By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 2: La Promenade Mall will host the 3rd edition of the Sarawak Open—Bonsai & Suiseki Championship from Sept 3 to 9.
The organiser, Sarawak Bonsai Association (SBA), revealed at least 120 entries have been received. The association is running the championship with the sponsorship of Hock Seng Lee (HSL).
In a statement today, SBA president Johnson Jong said they saw a growth in participants this year and thanked HSL for the assistance.
“This year, we have even more than last year, even though we originally planned for a smaller show,” said Jong.
“On behalf of SBA, I would like to thank HSL for being a keen supporter of the art of Bonsai in Sarawak. Entry to the event is free at this beautiful mall.”
Jong believed this year’s Sarawak Open would showcase the most stunning trees ever seen, in the region.
“Moving the show to mid-year means the trees will, be in full bloom.
“Typically, after the wet season, Bonsai trees are not at their best. But now, during the dry season, the trees are at their most beautiful,” Jong said.
Plants will come from across Sarawak, from here to Sri Aman and Miri — all transported to La Promenade via lorries and pick-ups.
“Bonsai lovers are among the most dedicated of any hobbyists out there. It takes years and decades for a plant to become a Bonsai. Participants transport the trees themselves, and this shows their love for the art,” said event organising chairman, Hayes Teo.
Four grand awards will be presented, with the judging panel comprising specialists from the Malaysia Bonsai and Suiseki Society (MBSS) and the Sarawak association.
Two Bonsai experts from Taiwan—Zhang Yong Shou and Xu Rong Chang— will join the judging panel this year.
The exhibition at La Promenade Mall, known for its landscaping, is divided according to plant size.
They range from miniatures under a foot to XL trees of several metres. The trees will be accompanied by a “Suiseki” exhibit, featuring the ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions of stone appreciation.
The event will also feature beautiful trees and free masterclasses by foreign experts.
HSL executive director Tony Yu expressed delight and said La Promenade is the perfect venue.
“La Promenade is best known for its landscaping. Inside La Promenade, we have tree-lined boulevards with over 1,500 trees of various species. We have a landscape team of almost 30 people.
“HSL supports the Sarawak Open because it is our flagship property’s signature green.
“We are proud to be associated with such a beautiful and environmentally friendly event. It’s so great to see growing interests and genuine appreciation for greens from the community,” Yu said.
For more details, visit lapromenademall.com.my and hsl.com.my, or follow @lapromenademall on social media. — DayakDaily
