SINCE its inception over three decades ago, Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival has evolved into much more than a mere spectator event for the thousands who attend.
For some, the annual affair serves as a vital sanctuary to reunite with old friends and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
For others, it remains a cherished space for families to bond over shared heritage.
StarMetro spoke to several participants to uncover what continues to draw them to this 31-year-old cultural landmark.
Cultural exchange
Among them was 60-year-old Samy Sayegh, who first joined the festival over 20 years ago and has been back time and again.
“I have returned more than 10 times so far and have got to know many people.
“For me, this is the perfect place to get to know other kite flyers and learn from each other,” said Sayegh, who travelled from Lebanon for the occasion.
Sayegh, who has been honing his craft since the age of eight, chose to fly a kite emblazoned with the cedar tree of his national flag.
“Such an event is also a good way for us to share our culture with the world while learning about the cultures of others.
“That is why I decided to fly the kite with my country’s flag, as it is a way for me to share with others about my home country,” he said.
This sentiment of global exchange was echoed by Yao Qing Shan, 56, from China, a veteran attendee of over 15 years.
When attending such events, participants get to improve their skills and share what they learned with other kite lovers, he said.
“I take part in at least 10 kite festivals every year and this is one of my favourites as it gathers people from every corner of the world.
“It is also the place for me to reunite with old friends that I have made over the last 15 years I have attended the festival,” Yao said.
Decades of dedication
Local enthusiast Danny Lau, 61, has similarly built a lifetime of memories at the site, having attended the festival for some 28 years.
A kite lover for over three decades, Lau considers the Pasir Gudang event a highlight of his calendar.
“I have been a kite enthusiast for over three decades and this is among the local kite festivals I have been attending every year.
“Over the years, I have met people from all around the world, and every time I come here, it is like a reunion.”
The festival also serves as a platform for storytelling, as evidenced by 37-year-old Dani Prabowo from Indonesia.
For him, the event is a stage to display the artistic depth of his homeland.
“Every year, we bring something that reflects our history and culture.
“This year, we decided to bring kites in the shape of the characters of a popular Javanese folklore known as ‘Punokawan’, which translates to four friends.
“For me, this is a way to share with others about Indonesia’s rich history and cultural diversity,” said Dani, who has been a regular for seven years.
His compatriot Agus Setiawan noted that the educational aspect of the festival was deeply rewarding.
“Many people have been asking us about the kites and that is what we want.
“We are happy and are in fact proud to tell them all about it as many may not know how diverse Indonesia really is,” the 47-year-old said.
New beginnings, old legends
While veterans dominated the field, the magic of the festival also captured newcomers like Australian Louise Kassler, 41.
Attending for the first time with her Hungarian husband Zoltan Nagy, Kassler was struck by the event’s scale and warmth.
“This is the first ever kite festival I have attended and it turns out to be a lot more fun than I had anticipated.
“Not only did I get to meet new friends, I also got to learn so much about other cultures and get to know people from all walks of life,” she said.
For the local community, the festival is a backdrop for personal history.
Factory operator Mohd Taufiq Mohd Taib, 36, has been a fixture at the event since his youth.
“I remember coming here with my friends after school just to look at the kites and hang out.
“It brings back a lot of nostalgic memories.
“Now that I have my own children, I bring them along to enjoy the view I got to enjoy all those years ago,” he said, noting that his children, aged eight and 10, have been attending since they were infants.
Similarly, civil servant Norliza Ramli, 34, uses the festival to strengthen community ties closer to home.
“I am here with my neighbours, who have now become my friends.
“Almost every year, we will come here with our children to spend quality time together.”
Gallery
Kites of various colours, sizes and shapes decorating the sky during the festival. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star
Colorful kites of various sizes and shapes decorating the sky at Bukit Layang-Layang.
