There
was no better way to close 2023 than to have another Heritage Walk, this time
with foreign students who were in Johor under Antarabudaya Malaysia, a
student exchange programme formerly known as the American Field Service (AFS).
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| One for the album: Our group at the foothills of Bukit Timbalan with the iconic Sultan Ibrahim Building as a majestic backdrop |
When
Bee Lian reached out to me with the proposal to do this Heritage Walk, she said
that a guided Walk with me around our city’s heritage quarter was an ideal
activity for the students while they were here over the Christmas holidays.
She
explained that the group will comprise students from the United States of
America and Venezuela, aged between 16 and 17, along with members from their
host families at ages that ranged between 10 to 60.
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| With the group at the start of our Heritage Walk |
In
response to my query, she confirmed that the group was truly an intercultural
one, made up of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.
From
experience, I knew that the group should be kept small so I told Bee Lian to
limit the number to only 12 participants.
By
keeping the group small, participants will benefit from the Walk experience when
everyone can be within earshot to hear my commentary.
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| Participants checking out the Contents in Book Three of My Johor Stories |
On
the night before our Walk, I reminded Bee Lian about our outing planned for the
next morning and her reply was very encouraging. She said:
“Everyone
is very excited! Foreigners want to know more while locals are curious to find
out how much they really know. But I am pretty sure nobody knows much about
Johor history and heritage.”
Early
the next morning, we woke up to a heavy downpour. While Bee Lian was concerned
about the inconvenience due to the wet weather, I assured her – because I was
earnestly praying – that heaven will cooperate to keep the rain away until our
Walk was over.
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| A "we-fie" of the group while walking on the promenade at Jalan Wong Ah Fook |
I
was prepared for delays due to the rain during this monsoon season but it was
moments later when a young man approached and introduced himself as Solomon
Khit, an AFS volunteer who was joining our Walk.
While
waiting for the others, we chatted and was pleased to learn that Solomon was a
student with the Newcastle University campus here. The mention of this
university reminded me of Dr Ed Ong, a lecturer who was among the speakers with
me in our 2019 TEDx Talk and it was fun to discover that Dr Ed was a mutual
friend.
We
happily folded up our umbrellas as the drizzle had already ceased.
Our
chat was interrupted by the next arrival, a lady who asked me to guess who she
was… And I guessed right. She was Bee Lian.
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| At one end of the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk, next to OCBC Bank |
Our
Walk started along the promenade by the Segget River at Jalan Wong Ah Fook
before turning into Jalan Segget and the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk towards the
Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum.
It
was my pleasure to lead the group to the foothills of Bukit Timbalan for a good
view of the façade of our iconic Sultan Ibrahim Building and shared with them,
the uniqueness of the Johor Military Force and the beauty of Johor’s Street of
Harmony.
Throughout
the Walk, I was pleased to note that the participants listened attentively to
my commentary and cooperated by keeping close together as we moved safely from
place to place.
.jpg) |
| Participants listening to my commentary at the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum |
In
My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People, I
documented stories on heritage traders who are still doing the businesses that
were started by their forefathers and was happy to let the group have an
experience of them.
After visiting the Johor Old Temple and the Indian Heritage Centre, we walked down Jalan Trus to visit a heritage trader, Sin Keng Wah traditional mattress-makers.
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| An Abbey Road (Beatles!)-inspired shot captured at Jalan Ungku Puan, Johor Bahru |
It was uncanny that at the end of our Walk, just minutes after we parted ways, it started to rain again.
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| A fun-photo memento at the Indian Heritage Centre |
When
I sent a Thank You message to Bee Lian, I also asked her to follow-up with the
students to give some feedback about their Walk experience.
Over
the next few days, I received the students’ comments and am pleased to share their
views about my Heritage Walk:
“The
Heritage Walk was definitely enlightening. Bits and pieces of the history of
Johor Bahru are well connected to match up with the glory today.”
“I
was enthusiastic to learn that the late Johor sultans actually developed Johor
by inviting the immigrants from China and India here, and the roads were named
after the leaders among the clans in memory of their contributions.”
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| Participants watching a demo in making a traditional cotton-stuffed cushion at Sin Keng Wah Kedai Tilam, Jalan Trus |
“I
enjoyed it a lot. Each place was new and interesting. My favourite part was
when Peggy was talking about how Singapore and Malaysia were once one country
and how other cultures came here.
“I
think you should do this (heritage walk) for the next students because its
really helpful to understand the history of Johor and Malaysia.”
As
I read each feedback comment, I could not help but felt much encouraged.
Another
Heritage Walk was indeed a good way to close an eventful year while looking forward
to more exciting projects for My Johor Stories in the new year.
Happy
New Year 2024, everyone!
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Florence Liew and Tan Bee Lian
Wow so beautiful
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