Scaling bonsai heights

One of the entries in the Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship 2024.

THE art of bonsai cultivation in Sarawak has flourished, driven by the Sarawak Bonsai Association’s ongoing efforts.

This year, the association hosted its largest-ever Sarawak Open Bonsai and Suiseki Championship, attracting a record 200 entries and featuring international judges from Taiwan and Indonesia.

For the first time, five bonsai pots from Indonesia were entered, marking the event’s growing international reach.

“Each year, we continue to elevate the show’s scale and quality,” said organising chairman Hayes Teo.

Striking bonsai plants on display at the show. — Photos by ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

Most entries hailed from across Sarawak, while the inclusion of international participants signalled aspirations for the event to become a global showcase in the future.

International judge Ho Hsi Chin from Taiwan praised the event’s calibre.

“I expected a small exhibition, but this exceeded my expectations.

“It’s on par with national-level shows,” he remarked.

This year’s championship received a record 200 entries from all over Sarawak.

Ho explained that judging criteria for bonsai include the tree’s age, shape, and the balance between aesthetics and nature.

“Bonsai must strike a balance between artistic expression and natural beauty,” Teo added.

“We want to impose an artistic style but ensure the tree still looks natural.”

The competition featured bonsai across categories such as Extra Large, Large, Medium, Small, and Prospect.

Judging in progress for the bonsai championship.

Johnson Jong was crowned overall champion, while major awards went to Thomas Wong (most potential), Chai Ted Foh (most creative), and Tony Yu (HSL award).

Held at La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan from Sept 3-9, the event also featured a suiseki exhibition, showcasing naturally-shaped stones admired for their aesthetic appeal.

Judge Mike Siow from Kuala Lumpur noted that suiseki stones are judged on quality, shape, and natural beauty, with categories like landscape, figurative, and pattern reflecting the stone’s form.

“Stones in the landscape category resemble natural features like a waterfall, cliff or mountain. Figurative stones look like humans or animals.

Bonsai plants come in many shapes, including the cascade shape.

“In the pattern category, you can see an image or pattern on the stone,” he said.

Siow said he judged a good stone on its quality, shape and colour.

“There should be no man-made alterations to the stone; it must remain entirely natural,” Siow said.