“Camaraderie in the Land of Hornbills” – An Exhibition by Artists from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand

Opening Speech by YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow

Chief Minister of Penang

“Camaraderie in the Land of Hornbills” – An Exhibition by Artists from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand

13 April 2019

 

Good afternoon to all / Salam Sejahtera.

          First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our artist guests who have travelled all the way to be with us today.  This exhibition showcases outstanding works by renowned artists from three countries.  Today, they come together from different places in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia to be with us to celebrate.  How wonderful!  Malaysia welcomes you! Penang welcomes you!  “Camaraderie in the Land of Hornbills – An Exhibition by Artists from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand” officially opens today in Soka Gakkai Malaysia Penang Culture Centre.  On behalf of the Penang State Government, I wish to convey our heartiest congratulations!

          As we all know, Sarawak is a state in Malaysia, which is rich in culture.  People of various ethnic backgrounds live together in the same huge ecosystem.  Exchanges among traditions and customs have given fruition to a colourful canvas of cultures.  Besides, this paradise of tropical rainforest is also home to many precious and unique living beings.  However, for us who reside in the Peninsular, Sarawak is a place where we are equally familiar with as well as curious about.

           The theme of this exhibition is based on ‘the Land of Hornbills’ – Sarawak.  Sixteen passionate artists embarked on a journey to the Land of the Hornbills and were deeply touched by the splendor they immersed in.  All these are captured in their artworks.  The mysterious attractions of Sarawak have been unveiled and her hidden beauty discovered. This exhibition can be described as jointly ‘Made in Sarawak’.

          Penang is also a city rich in culture and art.  At present, although embellished with modernization, she still breathes the air of classics and historical aura, living up to its name as a World Heritage.  Today, with the camaraderie of these sixteen artists, we are fortunate to have the culture and art from the Land of the Hornbills displayed here in Penang, another land with an exuberant ambience of art.  This is what makes the exhibition refreshingly significant and beautiful.  

Just like how Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda once said, “Culture is the humanistic bond that connects the hearts of people.  It is the path to spirituality, the path to peace. Therefore, cultural and art exchanges and development should be given the priority to be promoted fully.”

          Congratulations to Soka Gakkai Malaysia (Penang) for organizing such a significant exhibition, consolidating the remarkable artworks of sixteen artists under one roof.  Again, I would also like to wholeheartedly thank all the artists from different countries for travelling all the way here to make this exhibition a success.  In line with the mission of Soka Gakkai which is to promote culture, social well-being and education, towards the harmony and prosperity of the country, it is with great hope that more of such activities of peace, education and culture will be organised in future.  This is very instrumental in building an energetic, peaceful and prosperous society, which to me, cannot be overlooked as they increase liveability to enhance the quality of life and from the exhibition we are having today, it reflects on the diversity of recreation through arts & culture which is emphasized in my vision Penang2030.

          Lastly, I hope through this exhibition, we will call forth the latent artist residing in the hearts of Penangites.  I wish “Camaraderie in the Land of Hornbills – An Exhibition by Artists from Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand” a great success.  

I hereby declare this exhibition officially open.

Thank you.