YB Yeoh with other VIP guests at the launch ceremony
By V. Sivaji
The Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show is currently being held at The Wembley – A St Giles Hotel with the participation of more than 1,000 enthusiasts.
Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin launched the showcase which had attracted participants from 25 countries.
Also present was the Consul-General of Indonesia in Penang Bapak Bambang Suharto, Consul from the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, Kobayashi Masamori, Penang director for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Tourism Malaysia Northern Region deputy director, Siti Hajar Yunus among others.
In his address, Yeoh hailed the event as a platform to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the bonds of friendship among nations.
“The economic potential of the creative industry cannot be understated. They generate jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship and foster innovation,” he added.
On display were model aircrafts, battleships, tanks, transport planes, fighter jets, submarines, cruises, frigates, aircraft carriers, accessories for collectors, posters, stickers and other figurines.
Among the participants were from Singapore, Thailand, Poland, UK, Vietnam, Turkey, China, Japan, Taiwan Indonesia to name a few.
Organising chairman Choo Huang Ming said that the response has been overwhelming and the event is among the biggest in South East Asia.
Other than exhibitors, there was also a panel of judges to select the best models in the different categories.
Kmfei from Taiwan
One of the judges was Kampee Tupnoi from Bangkok, Thailand who was glad to make the trip here. He also enjoyed the sights and local food.
He has been involved in the hobby for the past eight years and travels to various locations to take part and also do judging.
Another exhibitor was Fei Kangming from Taiwan who creates his own abstract sculptures and models.
“All of my work is handmade from plastic and I have been involved in this vocation for the past 15 years. I consider this a sort of creative art and it is my full-time job.
“I have displayed my creations all around Taiwan and hope to make a trip to Japan next month,” he said, adding that he also teaches his craft to kids back home.
Another participant was from “stedi” products from China who also make and market their miniature products for like minded collectors.
Some of the Russian fighter jet models
