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NST Online: StreetsJohor

Posted: 12 Jun 2011 11:54 AM PDT

FLORAL FINESSE

2011/06/12
By Shenton Thomas

Ikebana society in Johor Baru celebrates its 20th anniversary with grandeur and pomp

THE Ikebana International Johor Baru Chapter 235 celebrated its 20th anniversary in Mutiara Hotel with grandeur and pomp, recently.

The Pearls Galore-themed celebration was also organised to remember the tsunami victims in Japan.

The guest of honour was the consort of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah who graced the opening ceremony.

Later, a Japanese tea ceremony was held which was attended by the chapter's members, headed by its current president and founder Tunku Shahariah, the eldest daughter of Malaysia's first Yang di-Pertuan Agung, Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

Chapter 235 committee member Datin Ong Kid Ching said the tea ceremony involved a ceremonial preparation of 'matcha' or finely-milled green tea.

"Learning how to make the tea is easy but it requires the understanding of the four basic elements in tea-making ceremony, which are namely harmony, respect, purity and tranquility," she said.

Tunku Shahariah, who performed a traditional song under the royal yellow umbrella, described the event as a milestone in the history of the Johor chapter.

"These ladies are intelligent and talented," she said, hoping that the chapter will continue to live on for the next 20 years.

Immediate past president Shirley Cheah concurred with Tunku's statement, saying that "it will be something to remember for a long long time".

Present was another guest of honour from Japan, K Mikimoto & Co Ltd VIP relations officer, Yasua Suzuki, who presented a pearl brooch called the 'Happy Tree' to the chapter.

The company is a world renowned cultured pearl jeweller and the sponsor of the brooch.

Suzuki said he met Tunku in Kuala Lumpur 26 years ago and has been in friendly correspondence with her every now and then.

"This is my second visit to Johor. When Tunku invited me here, she told me she wanted to help the victims in the recent tsunami disaster. That deeply touched me," said Suzuki, adding that he would like to visit Johor again.

He added that Tunku played a vital role in the establishment of Chapter 235.

He lauded the hospitality and kindness extended by the people during his brief stay in the city.

The pearl brooch was sold at an auction held later for RM5,500.

Also present were Japan's consul to Johor, Katsuya Nakazono and Singapore's consul to Johor, Lim Hong Huai, Japan Club of Johor Baru executive secretary, Takeshi Nishikawa, Indonesia's Deputy Consul to Johor, Ibu Woro Sawitree, and representatives from the Penang and Kuala Lumpur Ikebana chapters.

The third guest of honour from the Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, Komon Christopher Lim, said his presence was a sign of his avid support for the Johor chapter.

A Komon is a master in the art of Japanese floral arrangement.

Komon Bernard Tay, also from the Singapore chapter who had exhibited his floral arrangement along the hotel's foyer, said Ikebana is for both the young and old.

"We provide lessons for beginners as young as eight years old. I once met a practitioner of the art from Australia. He was 90 years old then," said Tay.

He added that Ikebana is a kind of de-stressed therapy.

"Have you noticed that people smile whenever they look at flowers, no matter how stressed they look?" he said.

The night was filled with colourful activities which kept the guests and visitors amused and happy.

A solo singer serenaded the guests with melodious English and Japanese songs followed by music accompanied by a traditional angklong musician.

An Ikebana demonstrator from the Penang Sogetsu School, Komon Saito Risho wowed the guests as she deftly completed six beautiful arrangements within 30 minutes.

Some happy guests also returned home with lucky draw gifts.

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Flat tenants laud new service office

Posted: 12 Jun 2011 05:39 AM PDT

2011/06/12
By Shenton Thomas De Silva

LPJ flat residents in Taman Air Biru are happy with the services provided by the new communications office in Block 11 managed by the Johor Port Authority.

THE Johor Port Authority (LPJ) opened its communications office in Block 11 at the LPJ flats in Taman Air Biru, Pasir Gudang, recently, to service its 3,000 tenants.

It will collect rentals, and handle complaints and tenancy matters.

Tenant Arzanizam Mohamad, 38, said the office is convenient for tenants, particularly during weekends.

"The office makes it easy for me to pay my rent in the weekends as I cannot take time off when I'm at work," said Arzanizam.

The flats are mostly occupied by the port workers.

Security officer Raqib Mohd, 27, said: "The service provided by the office is good for the tenants who comprise workers in industries that are supporting the Johor Port."

LPJ general manager Nik Aziz Nik Hussin said the new office has a responsibility towards the community. "The LPJ Taman Air Biru flats committee has been organising community programmes. We are reciprocating their efforts by serving them better," he said.

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Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Isnin, 13 Jun 2011