As
June turned into July, I was in the thick of completing the manuscript for a
book project and hardly had time to look at all my emails.
![]() |
Sebastien Falletti in the lobby of the Johor Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum |
When
Grace expressed her delight that My Johor Stories was connecting Johor
with journalists abroad, I could not help but recall that in January 2020, Johor
and My Johor Stories were featured in the South China Morning Post after
I met with a couple who visited Johor Bahru in search of, literally, her grandfather’s road!
In
recent years, I had the privilege to meet with media guests of Anantara Desaru
Coast Resort & Villas to share with them, more insights into Johor culture
and heritage to help them flesh out their write-ups with more content.
![]() |
Online info on Sebastien Falletti |
When
I opened the email in my In-box, I read that the email from Sebastien was
copied to Grace at BrandCulture PR Communications, who supported My Johor
Stories in past PR activations.
In
his email, Sebastien wrote:
“Dear
Peggy Loh, I hope this message finds you well in Johor Bahru. I read with great
interest, some of your articles about the history of Johor as I am preparing a
story about the fast development of the city.
I
am contacting you to inquire if you would have a moment for an interview later
down this week.
For
your information, I am the Seoul-based correspondent for Le Figaro, a
leading daily newspaper in France. Thank you for your kind consideration.”
![]() |
His name cared with the Korean version on its reverse side |
“Founded
in 1826 as a satirical weekly before becoming a daily newspaper in 1866, this
publication is regarded as one of the oldest and most prominent daily
newspapers in France, renowned for its comprehensive coverage of news and its
conservative editorial stance.”
In
response to my reply to his email, Sebastien wrote:
“Thank
you for your kind and positive reply. I am indeed planning to visit Johor and I
will be delighted to meet you in person to hear your stories about old and new
Johor.”
![]() |
Signing the guest book |
As
I read his questions provided to help me prepare for the interview, I thought
it was best to arrange our meet-up at the lobby of the Johor Bahru Chinese
Heritage Museum where I could make reference to the relevant visuals on display
there and show him various places-of-interest in the morning light.
When
there was a delay in reply to my message, I guessed that he must be in-flight
travelling from Seoul to Singapore and waited to hear from him.
Later
that night, he replied to confirm the details of our appointment in Johor Bahru
and I smiled when I read what he said, “Hi Peggy, Greetings from Singapore.
Sorry I was in the plane.”
We
discussed about his border-crossing from Singapore to Johor and was glad that
he was prepared to encounter human and vehicular congestion at the
check-points.
That
morning was bright and sunny when we (finally!) met at the lobby of the Johor
Bahru Chinese Heritage Museum.
In
a brief intro, Sebastien reiterated that he was based in Seoul, Korea, as the
Asia Correspondent for Le Figaro and presented me with his name card. [The
reverse side of his name card was printed in Korean language!]
Starting
with the proud legacy of the Johor Rulers, I was pleased to share with
Sebastien a brief history of how Johor Bahru transformed from a colonial
outpost to what it is now.
I
was ready to discuss what was so special about Johor with a sprinkle of human
anecdotes to give him a clearer picture of how the Johor Ruler established a
strong bond with the people who came to settle here.
Johor
Bahru’s Street of Harmony bears witness to how the Johor Ruler welcomed the people
to practice their own culture as they worked hard to develop the state’s
economy.
![]() |
At the main entrance to Istana Bukit Serene |
When
he saw the photograph captured of His Highness and Permaisuri Johor seated in
his car during the drive-about on his coronation day, Sebastian admired that
classic car and was aware that the Johor Sultan has a valuable collection of
cars.
After
an informative walk through the Museum, I invited Sebastien to sign their guest
book as a record of Le Figaro’s visit to Johor Bahru.
We
left the Museum and took a drive to let him see how the pepper and gambier
motif was adopted as a Johor icon and used throughout the city, on arches, lamp-posts
and the pillars of the fence around the Istana Besar or Grand Palace.
![]() |
Admiring the Jubilee Arch at the entrance to the Istana Besar or Grand Palace |
I
had the pleasure to show him the Coronation Arch and the main entrance to the
palace at Bukit Serene as well as the Jubilee Arch at the entrance to the
Istana Besar, and explained that the Grand Palace was used mainly for
ceremonial events.
While
our time together was not long, it was good that I had the privilege to clarify
some of his queries and helped him understand a little more about the proud legacy
that is being preserved for future generations in museums and galleries and also
documented in books.
Sebastien
said that his article on Johor will be published in Le Figaro in French, scheduled
for August and assured me that he would share the online link with me.
After
our meet-up, Sebastien went on to his next appointment in Johor before he left
for Singapore. Later I received his message which read like this:
“Thank
you, Peggy for your kindness and insights into Johor. It was a wonderful
discovery and you were the best guide.
I
just hit back to Singapore after an excellent day. I wish you all the best for
your next book! And for now, a good night.”
It
was my pleasure and privilege to help you with the relevant content, Sebastien.
Welcome back to Johor Bahru when you are visiting this part of Asia again.
No comments:
Post a Comment