The Princess Galayanivadhana Institute of Cultural Studies, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Province, Thailand has organized cultural events to highlight dedication and contribution of Princess Galayanivadhana to the university and institute.

One of the main event was a joint exhibition of 14 artists from Thailand with artists from Malaysia (10) and Singapore (11). It was officiated by Mr. Chuan Lek Pai (ex- PM of Thailand) on June 5th at the Southern Thai Gallery.

The invited artists from Malaysia were Dr. Mohamad Najib Ahmad Dawa, Abd Rani Majid, Chong Hip Seng, Heng Eow Lin, Low Kong Wen, Patrick Lasak, Tan Kai Sheuan, Renny Cheng Sing Ching, Tew Nai Tong and Me.

Among the Singapore artists invited were Goh Beng Kwan, Koeh Sia Yong, Chew Swee Fah and Low Puay Hua.

Among the Thai artists were Kamol Kongthong, Thanakorn Boonrat, Satawat Chuaynum, Muhammad Rojana-Udomsat and Muhammadtoroyee Waekeji.

After the show I was invited by one of the Thai artist Muhammadtoroyee (@ Fauzi) to visit his house and studio. I accepted his sincere invitation and even extended my stay to 2 days at his house. There were many unfinished large scale paintings at his house. Although he is quite young, he has won several open shows in Thailand.

He had introduce me to Nik Rusli, a Thai but studying at UIA, Malaysia. Both of them had brought me around to visit many beautiful locations and historical places in Pattani. Believe me, I had a very good time. Thank you both for your great hospitality. My salam to all your kind parents.

The expedition (May 22-25) organized by The National Department for Culture & Arts State of Johor and The Union of Art Societies of Malaysia (GAP’s) with the co-operation of Johor State Government and The District Office of Mersing.

It was participated by 36 artists representing their Art Societies from almost all states in Malaysia (including East M’sia).

The expedition was officiated by YB Puan Asiah Md Ariff (Exco Rural Dev & Territory, Art, Culture and Heritage of Johor). Activities included briefing on Endau-Rompin National Park, dialogue, visiting Nature and Research Centre (NERC), visiting favourite spots such as Pantai Burung and Kuala Jasin by boats and mild jungle trecking. Participants had their time sketching, painting or taking photographs. It was fully sponsored by the organizer.

The follow-ups will be an exhibition in Johor Bharu somewhere in November.

Information
The Endau- Rompin National Park area straddles the two states of Johor and Pahang. It is special because it is one of the oldest and the few remaining areas of vast virgin lowland rain forest in the world, well known as a sanctuary for wildlife, home to many rare and unique species of plants and animals and ecological habitats.

For more information contact:
Johor National Park Corporation
JKR 475, Jalan Bukit Timbalan,
80000 Johor Bahru
Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Tel: 07-2237471 / 07-224225
Fax: 07-2237472
E-mail: jnpc@johorparks.com
Website: www.johorparks.com

After 3-hour journey ( 56km) through oil palm plantations and forests by 4WD from the nearest town, Kahang, we reached the Park entrance of Endau-Rompin National Park at Peta.

We were stationed at Visitor Complex. Among the facilities here are chalets, dormitories, cafeteria, surau (prayer room), multi-purpose hall. Boat service from Peta village to nearby area provided by local villagers.

Watercolor Artist is one of the most popular arts magazine in the world, published six times a year in February, April, June, August, October and December by F+W Media, Inc.

I’m very grateful to be the lucky few featured in the magazine, June Issue. (Probably the first Malaysian.)

Thank you to everybody at WA especially to Kelly Kane, the editor who had spent much of her time for me.

Truly, arts know no boundaries.

This is Ismail Kadir from Malaysia, one of the best watercolorists in the world and one of my new great friends. We were immediately drawn to each other through our work and personalities. I hated to leave without spending more time with him.

At my gallery, during his visit to Malaysia prior to his exhibition
@ National Art Gallery

With Professor Cheng-Kee Chee during Invitational China Watermedia Masters Exh. 2007 .