Sarawak Open Bonsai Championship happening Sept 3 - 9

Attention Bonsai lovers! 

The Sarawak Open – Bonsai & Suiseki Championship is happening tomorrow from September 3 to 9, 2024 at the La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan!

Organised by the Sarawak Bonsai Association and sponsored by Hock Seng Lee (HSL), the Sarawak Open 2024 is bigger than ever, with 120 entries received, as well as international experts joining this year’s judging panel.

“Moving the show to mid-year means the trees will be in full bloom. Typically after the wet season, Bonsai trees aren’t at their best. But now, during the dry season, the trees are at their most beautiful,” enthused Johnson Jong, President of the Sarawak Bonsai Association. According to Jong, there will be plants from all corners of Sarawak, from Kuching and Sri Aman to Miri. 

“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 Organising Chairman, Hayes Teo. 

Organising Chairman of Sarawak Open - Bonsai Competition, Hayes Teo.

Four grand awards will be presented at the end of the championship, with the judging panel comprising specialists from the Malaysia Bonsai and Suiseki Society (MBSS) and the Sarawak Bonsai Association. Meanwhile, Taiwanese Bonsai experts, Zhang Yong Shou and Xu Rong Chang, as well as Rudi Julianto and Budi Sulistyo from Indonesia will also be part of the panel!

Bonsai lovers are welcome to check out the free exhibition at La Promenade Mall, which trees ranging from miniatures under a foot to XL trees several metres tall! The trees will be accompanied by a ‘Suiseki’ exhibit, which features the ancient Japanese and Chinese traditions of stone appreciation. 

“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,” expressed HSL Executive Director, Tony Yu. 

For more info, visit lapromenademall.com.my and hsl.com.my or follow @lapromenademall on social media.