By V. Sivaji
Being one of the largest hobbyist gatherings in the South East Asian region, the Malaysia International Miniature Hobby Show 2024 received overwhelming response from local and international participants.
The event is currently being held at the St Giles Wembley Hotel here in Georgetown.
State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai was on hand to launch the two-day gathering.
Accompanying him was the organising chairman, Choo Huang Ming and his committee members.
Also present was Consulate General of Japan in Penang, HE Kawaguchi Yoshiyasu, Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter) chairman, Dato Tony Goh, Penang Global Tourism CEO, Ooi Chok Yan, MOTAC Penang director Dr Annuar Mohamed, Tuan Jonathan Freddy Bagang among others.
A total of 20 foreign participants from countries like Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Macau, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Turkey, UK, Spain, Ukraine to name a few.
A total of 73 miniature model manufacturers also gathered.
On show are model fighter aircrafts, cruise ships, battleships, submarines, tanks, transport planes, posters, stickers, paint selection and other accessories.
A large turnover of enthusiasts were seen gathering at the various booths and displays.
For those who are knowleagle in the hobby, among the highlights of the models was the scale models of the Russian SU-30 fighter, MIG-25, American F-14, 15, 16 World War 11 Japanese fighter planes like the Zero, Mitsubishi, Nakajima, American WW 2 planes like A-20, A-24 and A-26 and range and the lot.
The showcase also included competitions for aircraft, ships and figurines assemblers and collectors.
Meanwhile, one of the displays is by ex-Malaysian commando, Saddam whose grandfather and father served in the armed forces.
They had served in the British army and the communist insurgency.
He brought along army uniforms, helmets, boots and other accessories. Hailing from Parit Buntar, Perak, Saddam also visits schools to teach the younger generation on the sacrifices and history of the army personnel.
He started his collection in 1998 and travels all over the country to share his experience and knowledge.
