Bonsai, suiseki competition at La Promenade kicks off today

KUCHING (Sept 3): The ‘Sarawak Open – Bonsai and Suiseki Championship’ returns to La Promenade Mall this year, kicking off today and running until Sept 9.

It is set to feature beautiful trees, as well as free master-classes conducted by international experts.

Sarawak Bonsai Association (SBA) president Johnson Jong, in a statement, said this year’s championship had received over 100 entries.

“It is set to showcase the most stunning bonsai plants and ‘suiseki’ rocks.”

Jong also expressed his gratitude to Hock Seng Lee (HSL) for the group’s unwavering support in the art of bonsai in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, HSL executive director Tony Yu hailed La Promenade Mall as ‘a suitable venue’ for the contest in view of its extensive landscaping, which includes tree-lined boulevards with over 1,500 trees of various species.

“We are proud to be associated with such a beautiful and environmentally-friendly event.

“It is so great to see growing interests and genuine appreciation for greens from the community,” said Yu.

Event-goers can look forward to seeing bonsai demonstrations conducted by renowned experts from Taiwan and Indonesia.

The exhibition is organised by plant sizes, ranging from delicate miniatures to large trees, alongside a ‘suiseki’ display celebrating the ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions of ‘stone appreciation’.

Meanwhile, event organising chairman Hayes Teo described the bonsai lovers as ‘among the most dedicated hobbyists’.

“It takes years and decades for a plant to become a bonsai.

“Participants transport the trees themselves, demonstrating their love for this art,” said Teo.

The championship’s panel of judges comprises specialists from Malaysia Bonsai and Suiseki Society (MBSS), Sarawak Bonsai Association, as well as international experts, so as to ensure a thorough and diverse evaluation process.