More than 400 bonsai trees took centre stage as artists, judges and enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the 10th World Bonsai Convention 2026.
Held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from Aug 28 to 31, the convention marked Malaysia’s first time hosting the quadrennial event.
The exhibition, however, will be open to the public until Sept 6, with bonsai, suiseki and natural wood art on display.
Among the participants was Malaysia Bonsai and Suiseki Society (MBSS) vice-president Teoh Sin Keong, who has been involved in the art of growing and shaping miniature trees for nearly three decades.
Teoh, who submitted one bonsai tree for the competition this year, said his interest came from an appreciation of nature.
“I draw inspiration from nature, especially the plants and trees found in Malaysia.
“The shape of a bonsai depends on nature, so I follow its natural form,” he said.
Former school teacher Tan Tiung Woo, who is better known as Cikgu Tan in the bonsai community, took up the hobby in 1985.
“I’m happy to see the bonsai community growing in Malaysia. Back then, it was a very niche art.”
Tan said the bonsai community, once predominantly Chinese, saw more Malay participants after cucur atap (Baeckea frutescens), a species found in Terengganu, became popular as bonsai.
“The species was easy to source on the east coast, so it brought many new bonsai artists into the community.”
An experienced bonsai practitioner and event organiser in Penang, Tan entered more than 30 bonsai trees in this year’s competition and received more than 10 merit awards.
For him, bonsai is not simply about producing prize-winning trees, but also keeping the art form alive while making it a viable livelihood for practitioners.
“It would be good if every bonsai artist could earn a living from this beautiful art,” he said.
The convention drew about 800 delegates from 46 countries and featured live demonstrations, master classes, talks and educational sessions on bonsai, suiseki and natural wood art.
Suiseki is a Japanese word meaning “water stone” and refers to naturally shaped stones collected for their aesthetic qualities.
