Malaysia Scale Hobby Show 2016

Over the weekend of June 4 and 5, the Malaysia Scale Hobby Show organized by World Hobby Miniatures made its debut in the Malaysian state of Penang to emerge as South East Asia's premier scale modelling event. It attracted numerous participants and model manufacturers from not only Malaysia, but also China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and even Spain - sealing its mark as the quintessential Asian military scale modelling show ever organized. Indeed when it comes to modelling events, it appears that Malaysia has arrived!

The event was held in the ballroom of Cititel Hotel Penang - right in the heart of Georgetown Penang and gracing the opening was Penang's State Minister of Tourism, YB Danny Law Heng Kiang. Though the lighting for the event was much less than desired, the set up, the central location of the venue,atmosphere, camaraderie and not to mention the exchange rate of the Malaysian ringgit pretty much made up for that.

Prominent guests to the show included world renowned figure sculptor Song Young-Bok of Young Miniatures, Taiwanese master modeller Fan Cheng-Pin (whose elaborately hand painted scheme of a 1/35 scale Hungarian Air Force Mi-24 Hind “Csőrike 2” earned him the Best Of Show for 2016  at the Moson Model Show in Hungary).

Veteran armor and diorama modeller Masahiro Doi-San,whom I have not met since 2007.

Also perhaps one of the very exceptionally rare and beautiful female military modeller Tamaki Maekawa-San with her well executed hypothetical diorama of a Japanese King Tiger. 

Due to unforeseen circumstances another veteran diorama and armor modeller Norio Takemura-San had to depart early from the show to attend a family matter - but he has since made a pledge to return for next year's show - until then.

Fernando Vallejo's demonstration on weathering techniques.

Pongsatorn's demonstration on 1/35 scale figure sculpting. 

Allan Yong's demonstration on atmospheric painting.

I was fortunate to have been invited to present two live-demonstrations on figure painting alongside with Spanish modeller Fernando Vallejo of AK Interactive on weathering techniques, Japanese aircraft master modeller Shinji Hasegawa on aircraft weathering, expert scale figure modeller and sculptor Pongsatorn Kanthaboon from Thailand on sculpting miniature figures and Malaysia's very own master figure modeller Allan Yong on storytelling and atmospheric painting.

Joining me in Penang were fellow Singaporeans, Jemmy, Benjamin, Loy and my old buddy Julian from the MWorkshop.

Also another fellow Singaporean buddy Paul Quek of Miniature Alliance - whom I have known and looked up to since my secondary school days more than 25 years ago.

It was also a delightful experience for me to meet some of the very talented modellers from this part Asia as well - some whom have been around for a long time and some who are newly emerging. Needless to mention, the Malaysians were very well represented and one of the many exceptional works hails from Loo Chee Kheong of the Kuala Lumpur model club. Loo is an all rounder whose dioramas, ships, figures, planes and armor are thematically based on the Malayan Campaign.

Excerpt from one of Loo Chee Kheong's diorama showcasing his thematic display of the Malayan Campaign.

Allan Yong with his display of award winning figures.

Malaysian armor modeller Sam Soon and diorama maker Nicholas Ong.

Another exceptional diorama of the Malayan Emergency on display by the Malaysian veteran diorama master Richard Foenander. 

More highlights from the show...

Tamaki, Masahiro, Allan and Ming of World Hobby Miniatures.

With Pongsatorn, Allan and Young

Pongsatorn,Young and Min appreciating the fine work of Tid Chorirat Greetaworn from Thailand.

Giang Xuan Le of Paracel Miniatures and Masahiro Doi deep in conversation.

Shinji Hasegawa undertaking a one day aircraft build and paint challenge.

Malaysian master aircraft modeller Jacky Wong with his 1/32 scale B-17 bomber fitted with LED lights and electric powered propellers. Literally the coolest model on display!

Hong Kong Models 1/32 scale B-17 in its bare form at the manufacturer's display.

Display by Tiger-Model

Besides scale modelling agenda, there was also a lot of activities to do around Penang - predominantly the food.....

Scenic day trip to Penang Hill

The sandy beaches of  Batu Ferringhi

 No trip to Penang in June cannot be complete without trying the Mao Shan Wang durian!

Young taking a big bite into a freshly made crispy roll of paper Thosai - not before devouring a plate of Maggie Goreng and Tissue Prata.

Traditional Nanyang style breakfast with Nasi Lemak, congee and the famous Jalan Penang "Lor Bak" (Ngo Hiang).

Lor Bak dipped in a gravy sauce. Looks thick but it actually has a very light taste.

Our spectacular lunch recommended by Allan Yong at a nearby food center. Hainanese styled chicken, seafood crispy noodles, Penang laksa, Lor mee washed down with Teh Peng (iced milk tea) and water melon juice.

Saturday night's dinner at the famous Gurney Drive....

Penang Assam Laksa

Penang Char Kway Tiao with Satay

For Sunday morning's breakfast....

....nothing more satisfying than to start the day with a delicious bowl of Hokkien prawn noodles.

Finally an honorable mention to Ming for his tireless undertaking of putting this world class event together; without whom it will not be possible. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the other modellers from the Penang club for their warm welcome and gracious hospitality. And for all modellers living in this part of the world, if the Shizuoka hobby show is too taxing on the wallet, the Malaysian Scale Hobby Show is definitely a very close second in terms of location, great food, and most importantly, affordability! 

It has been a remarkable experience for me and here's looking forward to the next installment of the Malaysian Scale Hobby Show in 2017!

Calvin