When Uniquely Welcomes Truly Asia

We've heard or read how some say that Malaysians find Singaporeans kiasu (scared to loose). We've also heard on how Singaporeans find that Malaysians are jealous of them.

Uniquely Singapore Welcoming Malaysia, Truly, Asia
Now, put all those behind... for this time round, these two unique nations are shaking hands. In fact more than that, the Singaporeans are welcoming the Malaysians with wide open arms for 3 days & 2 nights!

Aptly titled Titian Budaya (Bridging Cultures), the Malaysians are here in the island city to share their culture, heritage and arts to a Singapore audience.

A Bagful Of Goodies - FREE!
Amongst the many things, there is the visual art exhibition displaying the works of S. Amin Shahab. Then there is also the Malaysia Film Week with the best Malaysian blockbusters being screened - all free!

This was really a good opportunity to catch these big Malaysian blockbusters! There are 9 of them including film like Duyung, 1957: Hati Malaya and Congkak! Now, that is one bagful of goodies! Apparently, I heard that the tickets were all snapped up when the counters were open on 8 May!

Night To Remember
Too bad I have to give that a miss due to work. But, I took the time off yesterday to witness and be part of very special event also organised by them - the Titian Budaya Gala Night. Hey, how could I miss the first of its kind for Malaysia-Singapore!


Crowd at entrance - see all the batiks!


We were greeted by batiks

Now, what made this event special was that it was held at the Main Auditorium in non other than Singapore's durian, the Esplanade. And like what Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, the emcee, mentioned, "Mana ada tiket percuma di Esplanade?" (Where got free ticket in Esplanade?). Of course, that was a good drawing point... who wouldn't want a free performance - if it's a good one of course!


The Malaysia flag when the Negaraku was played

But that's not the highlight. The main highlight is that the Malaysian contingent actually brought amongst the best singers (current) from Malaysia. They may not be the biggest stars (no Datuk Siti or for that matter Siti Malaysia... or Michael Wong etc), but they did bring in some stars alright.

Reality TV Come Reality
There was winner for One In A Million, Suki who sang a Mandarin song. This was good as the Malaysians actually showcased all 3 major races and even the ethnic groups from Sabah & Sarawak (there were the ethnic dances too).

And of course, there was crowd puller, Jaclyn Victor, winner of Malaysian Idol who sang her hit Gemilang (Glory). Interestingly, she sang this song accompanied by the Malaysian Traditional Orchestra - that means with traditional music instruments and Western instruments. It had a very unique feel - still powerful but a lil mellower. I like it because it shows how modernisation can be accompanied with our heritage.

Jaclyn didn't stop there. Her rendition of Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love was very impressive too! Obviously, Jac has the voice-lah!


Can you see Jaclyn Victor here? :)

But not to be outdone was AIM 1997 winner, model-singer Camelia. I'm a fan of her as well as I think she too has a good voice. She was put to test when she sang Greatest Love Of All. There was a Malaysian feel (her voice) which in a way made it unique though some may prefer the clearer version of Whitney's.

Maiya Rahman & Andrew Lum (New Asia) made the team from Singapore. And just like the Malaysian Traditonal Orchestra, New Asia had a very good blend of East meets West.

*Just on a sidetrack, how many Malaysian singers can say they took centrestage in Singapore's Esplanade? Now Jac, Camelia, Suki & gang can add that to their resume!

Enemies No More
The rendition of Ibukota Permai (KL) & Singapura Singapura made the final goodbye leaving a very happy & jovial atmosphere. It did show that these two countries can be happy neighbours... now who says that these 2 countries can't be friends? :)


Malaysia & Singapore's Flags - side by side

*On a sidetrack, I'm proud to see the talented Malaysians - this just reaffirms that Malaysians got talent!
*Datuk Mahadzir Lokman & Jaclyn Victor are in the 50+1 Malaysians.