Come join Picnic in the Air at Senai

 

It’s already December and year-end celebrations in Johor will be boosted by a first-of-its-kind picnic experience dubbed Picnic in the Air 2025 hosted at Senai International Airport on 27 and 28 December 2025.

 

Picnic in the Air will introduce a fresh concept that combines cakes, creativity and community – in the spirit of Temasya Johor @ Kulai 2025 – which runs from 27 December 2025 to 1 January 2026, as an exciting catalyst for the Visit Johor Year 2026 celebration.

 

Organised by Destination Odyssey Travel Solutions Sdn Bhd (DOTS Event) in collaboration with Senai International Airport, Tourism Johor, the Kulai District Office and the Kulai Municipal Council, this event promises a weekend filled with culinary creativity, family-friendly activities and community spirit, all in a uniquely vibrant atmosphere.

 

For one special weekend, families, food lovers and travellers are welcome to enjoy a picnic experience in a cheerful open picnic space set against the backdrop of an international airport.

 

DOTS Event Chief Executive Officer, Olivia Ooi, said Picnic in the Air 2025 is not merely a food festival — it is a celebration of Malaysians’ love for food, creativity and togetherness.

 

“Holding it at Senai International Airport offers an extraordinary experience, bringing together people from various cultures through taste, stories and shared memories,” she said.

 

Over two days, Picnic in the Air 2025 will feature Malaysia’s best cake makers, pastry chefs and food artisans through a range of exciting activities such as cake competitions, tasting sessions and interactive showcases.

 

The first day, themed ‘All About Cake’ on 27 December, will highlight professional creativity and craftsmanship through a cake-making competition with several categories including Classic, Modern and Specialty Cakes.

 

Bakers are invited to participate in competition cake categories like Classic Celebration Layer Cake (round/square, 2–3 tiers), Modern or Theme Cake (3+ tiers; structural work allowed) or Specialty, Regional, Festival, or Cultural Cake (in any format).

 

Registration is still open. So bakers, register to join now and showcase your Caketastic creation to the world and stand a chance to win attractive prizes.

 

 

Dessert lovers may also join the Cake Lovers Sessions, a two-hour all-you-can-eat cake-tasting experience featuring creations from top bakers.

 

Come dressed in your best “cake-inspired outfit” and stand a chance to win our Best Dressed Competition.

 

On the second day, 28 December, the event will present ‘Kenduri Mangkuk Tingkat’, a special programme celebrating Malaysia’s culinary heritage and paying tribute to the traditional tiffin carrier — a symbol of family and home-cooked meals. The event will serve more than 30 iconic Johorean dishes, creatively presented in beautifully arranged tiffin sets.

 

Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of Johor flavours including Laksa Johor, Mee Rebus Johor, Mee Bandung Muar, Nasi Ambeng, Nasi Briyani Gam and many more, along with traditional kuih such as Kuih Dangai, Kuih Siput and Kole Kacang.

 

Through collaborations with local food experts and traditional cooks, the event aims to showcase Johor’s rich culinary identity in line with the Visit Johor Year 2026 campaign.

 

Visitors can also experience the Interactive Tiffin Exhibition, featuring stories of Johorean families, demonstrations by local makers and modern interpretations of the classic tiffin carrier. The exhibition bridges nostalgia and innovation — highlighting heritage, creativity and community values.

 

“The hosting of Temasya Johor @ Kulai 2025 is not merely a year-end event, but a curtain raiser for Visit Johor Year 2026.

 

Through its key component, Picnic in the Air, we are confident this programme will offer a tourist-friendly, refreshing experience while positioning Kulai as a major gateway into the state of Johor.

 

We welcome visitors from across Malaysia and abroad to experience Johor’s unique culture, food and hospitality,” said Kulai District Officer, Encik Fizwan bin Dato’ Haji Mohd Rashidi.

 

Meanwhile, Tourism Johor Director, Muhammad Nazrul bin Abd Rahim, reaffirmed Tourism Johor’s commitment to strengthening destination promotion and organising large-scale programmes that create a positive economic impact for local communities in Kulai and throughout Johor.

 

“With the support of Tourism Johor, Senai International Airport, the Kulai District Office, Kulai Municipal Council and our partners in the tourism, creative and culinary sectors, this festival welcomes the public to enjoy a fun-filled weekend with family and friends in Johor.

 

Alongside this festival, there will also be a tourist arrival celebration at Senai International Airport, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to warmly welcoming visitors and strengthening collaboration with tourism stakeholders in line with Johor’s target of attracting 12 million tourists,” he said.

 

The two-day Picnic in the Air event planned for 27 & 28 December 2025 is a ticketed event with activities arranged from 10am to 6pm, hosted at the picnic ground, Senai International Airport, Johor.

 

Tickets are available exclusively through etix.my

(https://www.etix.my/Event/PCCAKE25)

Cake Lovers’ Session (Day 1 – 27 Dec): starting at RM 58 per person

Kenduri Mangkuk Tingkat (Day 2 – 28 Dec): starting at RM 58 per person

 

Visit official website for more information at www.picnicintheair.com/

 

Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre opens

 

The soft opening of the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre on 30 November 2025 marked the Pulai Group’s entry into the Healthcare industry in Johor.

 

Signage enroute to the entrance of the
Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre

A bright and sunny morning augured well for the event as I arrived to join staff and invited guests to witness this significant milestone in the history of Pulai Springs.  

 

We first heard about the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre in May 2024 during the resort’s Raya open-house event. This project aimed to develop an Ambulatory Care Centre (ACC) that offered specialists and general outpatient consultations, and community-focused healthcare services in the rapidly developing Pulai region.

 

It was exciting to learn that the Pulai Group was venturing into healthcare from the hospitality industry and I eagerly anticipated further updates about this project.

 

Speech by Pulai Group Executive Director,
Nick Mah

Then in May 2025, when the resort hosted its annual Raya open-house, there was a brief update on the ACC with an invitation to a sneak peek into the healthcare facilities that were fast taking shape.

 

We were told that guests would be escorted over, group-by-group after the refreshments and when I heard the announcement for the first group to assemble up front, I did not hesitate to join them for a first peek into the ACC.

 

While the main infrastructure was already in place, there was still much to be done for the fitting-out but it was clear that Pulai Springs was committed to providing convenient, accessible and professional medical healthcare to the Pulai community.

 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the
front entrance to the Reception

Fast-forward to November 2025 when I was among the guests gathered for the soft opening event of the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre. As resort General Manager, Sunny Soo, warmly welcomed me upon my arrival, I took the opportunity to congratulate him and the Pulai Group for turning a vision into reality.

 

Many of the resort personnel were familiar with me as I have been a regular guest at the resorts’ events while my family and I frequently dined at our favourite Chinese restaurant, the Qing Palace. In fact, we continued to support the restaurant with takeaways during the long lockdown period due to the global pandemic.

 

A pair of dancing "lions" at the soft opening,
in true Chinese tradition

While the hum of gentle music played and conversations happened around me, I took a moment to reminisce about my relationship with this destination which started way back in the days when the main clubhouse was being constructed and the first press ads were designed to be published in the Singapore publication of the Straits Times.

 

At that time, I was Copywriter with Johor Bahru’s then leading ad agency. Our creative team was tasked with creating a series of full-page, full-colour press ads in the broadsheet newspapers to interest golfers and guests with the attractive facilities at the Pulai Springs golf resort.

 

Auspicious wishes from the dancing "lions"

I could still recall going to the meeting to present the design concept to the resort owners and feeling the thrill of getting our job approved for publication.

 

My reminiscing was not mere sentiments because when I met with one of the oldest staff members in the resort, Landscape Superintendent, Tey Chuan You, he could confirm that construction of the Clubhouse was ready around 1995.

 

Personally, I often joined my sister and her two sons to enjoy the swimming pool facilities at the resort since my brother-in-law was a member of the Pulai Springs golf resort.

 

The Pulai Group directors with resort GM,
Sunny Soo inside the healthcare centre

Back then when the boys were just kids, I would help my sister with carrying their swimming togs and snacks to the poolside. I remember they would poke fun at me – that from my casual dressing – I could easily be mistaken for their domestic helper.

 

A quick calculation of the span between 1995 and 2025 works out to some 30 years of my relationship with Pulai Springs as my two nephews are now already fathers of their own kids…

 

So there I was, witnessing the dawn of a new chapter as the Pulai Group expanded from hospitality into healthcare while preserving the warmth and service culture that Pulai Springs is renowned for.

 

“The launch of the Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre represents a meaningful milestone for the Pulai Group. As the region continues to grow, we recognize the community’s need for accessible, dependable healthcare. Our aim is to offer modern services while maintaining the comfort and hospitality that define Pulai Springs Resort,” said Executive Director of the Pulai Group, Nick Mah.

 

“The soft launch is only the beginning. Our long-term vision is to build a complete healthcare and wellness ecosystem that supports the community for many years to come,” he added.

 

Inside the treatment area

He emphasized that this soft launch was Phase One of the Pulai Group’s healthcare development roadmap as the adjacent land was earmarked for the future construction of a full-scale hospital that will provide more specialists services and increase the level of healthcare available to the community in this region.

 

In the long-term, the Group aims to create an integrated healthcare hub that will combine medical care, preventive healthcare, rehabilitation and wellness programmes. He also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the team behind the project in Phase One that has turned their vision into reality.

 

In the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Pulai Group was represented by Directors, Nick Mah, Chris Mah and Robert Kroehnert with resort GM Sunny Soo.

 

The panel of experienced doctors introduced included Dr Teo Pock Chin, Consultant Orthopedic, Dr Saguna Raman, Clinical Radiology, Dr Senthi Muthraman and Dr Zahra Amani, both Consultants in Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Dr Kelvin Tay, Medical Officer.

 

In true Chinese tradition, the event was graced by the presence of two dancing “lions” in full costume, accompanied by thunderous drum beats and clashing cymbals. This was followed by a traditional ritual of rolling fresh, whole pineapples into the front entrance of Reception, that symbolized the welcome of business success.

 

Patient registrations at the reception desk

Guests were then led into the healthcare centre for a preview of the facilities that supported general outpatient consultations, modern diagnostic services, preventive health screenings, professional medical services and care, as well as same-day results for selected screenings and diagnostic tests.

 

As I was leaving, I passed the clinic lobby and had to pause as I was pleased to see that patients were already registering themselves for medical consultations.

 

Pulai Springs Healthcare Centre is located at Persiaran Bukit Pulai Satu, 81300 Johor Bahru. Open daily 8am to 8pm. Specialists Clinics open from 9am to 6pm.

 

For enquiries, medical consultations, or to schedule medical screenings – that include tests with same-day results for selected services, Tel: +607 – 291 1999.

WhatsApp Tel: +6019 – 732 2121, Email: info.acc@pulaisprings.com

 

For more information, visit website: pulaispringshealthcare.com

Our tasting menu at Genki Sushi

 

Over the years, my media friends and I have been invited to countless food-tasting events by merchants and restaurants located in and around the city.

 

Facade of the new Genki Sushi outlet
at AEON Mall Tebrau City, Johor Bahru 

From humble kopitiam, casual cafes, fine-dine restaurants to renowned branded hotel restaurants, I have had the privilege to savour cuisine, both local and foreign, to share my review experiences with readers.

 

I am deeply humbled that readers value my comments about the food, beverage and service in these establishments and were encouraged to visit these destinations for their own dining experiences.

 

For this reason, I always remind merchants to serve me items listed on their menu and not “special” dishes with extras because I should share with readers, what was on the menu so that readers have an authentic view of what to expect when they visited that restaurant or café.

 

A serving of Trio Sashimi with packets of wasabi

For the food-tasting at the recently opened Halal certified Genki Sushi outlet in AEON Mall Tebrau City, we were served a set menu that featured a range of items like sashimi, sushi, maki, tempura, udon noodles, chawanmushi and miso soup, a fair combination of items for a tasting menu.

 

While the staff served us Japanese green tea in hot or cold choices, my media friends and I looked forward with eager anticipation to a fun dining experience that would be served from the brand’s famous conveyor belt.

 

There were two conveyor belts with the one
above that moved trays at super high speeds!

It turned out that there were, in fact, two conveyor belts – one above the other – where the one above was the tracks for a high-speed tray, reminiscent of Japan’s super-fast bullet trains. 

 

We read the words on a sticker posted on the side of the top conveyor belt that warned, “CAUTION: Remove plates only after Express Train completely stops; Keep hands away from rail track except when removing plates.”

 

This was fair warning for diners to be mindful of the modern technology involved for a safe and enjoyable dining experience here.

 

Look at that Salmon Xtra Long
piece of sushi!

Then speedy trays on the upper conveyor loaded with two, three or four of the same items whizzed pass our table to promptly stop at the appointed table (further down) where two, three or four diners were seated. 

 

It was impressive to observe how technology was employed to swiftly serve items to the appropriate tables. And once diners removed the items from the tray, the tray sensors would signal the tray to withdraw to the kitchen with a similar speedy zip.

 

On the table, there was a stack of small sauce plates for diners to help themselves to the shoyu or soya sauce and small packets of wasabi. There was also a square box of tissue paper for the diners’ convenience.

 

The first item to arrive by the speed tray was a Trio of Sashimi that comprised slivers of raw salmon, raw tuna and raw whole prawns to savour, dipped in a mixture of wasabi and shoyu.

 

A serving of Trio Salmon [Left] and
Aburi Garlic Butter Aka Ebi [Right]

Once again, it was good to dine with friends because we could exchange food items among us so that we can “help” each other do justice to the items we least preferred.

 

When the Salmon Xtra Long Sushi was served, that extra long piece of salmon was such a treat because it clearly extended more than double the length of the sushi rice!

 

Fans of prawns (like me!) were delighted to savour items like the Ebi Tempura with a side of dip sauce and the Aburi Garlic Butter Aka Ebi, or sushi topped with a split prawn drizzled in garlic butter.

 

Chicken Patty Sushi [Foreground] with
Spicy Ebi Tempura Maki [Background Left]

Another prawn item that we thoroughly enjoyed was a serving of three pieces of crispy, Spicy Ebi Tempura Maki on one plate.

 

Genki Sushi lived up to its reputation as a sushi place when we were served a platter each of three pieces of sushi with three types of toppings in a Trio of Salmon.

 

To showcase that Genki Sushi also served non-seafood sushi, we had the opportunity to taste their Chicken Patty Sushi, that was presented on a small nori sheet.

 

Half a portion of Yaki Black Pepper Beef 
Udon [Left] and tumbler of Chawanmushi

In addition to sushi, the menu at Genki also serves noodles like Yaki Black Pepper Beef Udon which was served in half a portion each, for our taste experience.

 

As the meal progressed, attentive staff were helping to remove empty plates and bowls. Then I asked for a copy of their menu and was pleased to see that the items in our tasting menu were identical with the items listed in their menu.

 

Our tasting experience continued with small tumblers of chawanmushi, smooth and savory steamed egg pudding filled with slivers of fishcake, crabstick and mushroom.

 

A serving of Salmon Head Miso Soup

The final item on the tasting menu was Salmon Head Miso Soup served in a bowl filled with chunks of deep-fried salmon and slices of daikon radish in a rich broth.

 

Oh… Did I mention that all the items in the tasting menu were served in individual portions to each one of us?

 

It was left to us to share the portions among ourselves so that we did in fact, taste and experience each item featured in what we deemed as a well-planned, food-tasting review experience.

 

The serving staff came to inform us that they had completed serving the day’s menu so I took the opportunity to thank them and commend the team for serving a generous menu with items that were from the menu for an experience of the “real thing” to share with readers.

 

The menu [Left] and promo poster [Right]

I am determined to share an authentic experience with readers and it was important that merchants know that the entire experience, not only about the food and service but also the ambience and even parking facilities, was essential for a recommended dining destination.

 

As we were preparing to leave, the serving staff reminded us to download the Genki Sushi app and register our membership to enjoy best deals and special promotions.

 

Then I recalled seeing a poster for an opening promotion that announced, Buy One Free One of Salmon Mentai Nigiri from now till end November 2025, and made a mental note to go online to check for any other on-going promotions.

 

Genki Sushi [Halal certified] is located in the Food Hall, Lot G132 on Level G of AEON Mall Tebrau City, Jalan Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru. Open daily from 1oam to 10pm.

Genki Sushi opens at AEON Tebrau City

 

When I think about sushi dining, my thoughts flash to a fun experience where I can pick and choose to eat a wide variety in small portions of sushi from a conveyor belt.

 

A thunderous drumroll to declare this new
outlet of Genki Sushi open at AEON Tebrau City

My dining experience will be even better (Read: guilt-free) when small portions are shared among fellow diners so that we can taste a wider range of sushi in one sitting.

 

So when I received the invitation to witness the new opening of Genki Sushi at AEON Mall Tebrau City, I did not hesitate to accept.

 

On the morning of this event, I made my way to the outlet, opened within the Food Hall located on Level G of the Mall. This event was a particularly significant milestone for the brand as this outlet had attained Halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

 

Genki Sushi served Halal at
AEON Mall Tebrau City

This new outlet at AEON Mall Tebrau City invites guests to rediscover the taste of Japan through Genki Sushi’s signature dishes, served with the same quality and freshness that the brand is renowned for – now accessible to a broader community of Malaysian diners.

 

It was good to meet with media friends gathered in front of the new Genki Sushi outlet where several senior management members of Genki Sushi Malaysia and Japan were identified by the yukata – designed in their corporate colours – they wore.

 

Among them were Yoshiko Soga, Franchise Business Department General Manager; Kazuaki Suzuki, Manager FC Business, Global Business Division’ Masashi Ogawa, Assistant Manager, Franchise Business; Bintang Satrio, Malaysian Market Auditor, Franchise Business; and Law Hwee Ching, Country Head of Genki Sushi Malaysia.

 

Check out my personalised keychain
created as a souvenir from this event!

The celebration was already underway as media guests were invited to join in a fun activity to create a fancy keychain as a souvenir for themselves.

 

Tables were also arranged for the media and guests from AEON Mall Tebrau City to participate in a maki-making activity under the step-by-step guidance of Sushi Chef, Ken G.

 

“Since opening here in AEON Tebrau City, we have felt a warm welcome from the people, and what makes today even more special is the fact that this Johor Bahru outlet has successfully attained the official Halal certification by JAKIM,” said General Manager of Maxim’s Malaysia, Patrick Kwok.

 

Genki Sushi management team

“For us, this achievement is a symbol of our promise to serve every guest with the same freshness, innovation and heartfelt Japanese hospitality that define Genki Sushi. It is also a representation of Maxim’s commitment of connecting people with great food,” he added.

Founded in Japan in 1968, Genki Sushi is recognized as a pioneer in the conveyor belt sushi concept in Malaysia, revolutionizing the way people enjoy Japanese cuisine.

 

The company was founded with the goal of making high-quality, authentic sushi more accessible to diners while offering a modern and efficient dining experience.

 

“This opening holds great significance to us. This newest Genki Sushi is our 227^th store worldwide under the Genki Sushi brand. While it is our sixth store in Malaysia, we are especially proud to finally establish a presence here in Johor Bahru,” said Yoshiko Soga.

 

Participants in the maki making activity

This milestone achievement reflects Genki Sushi’s broader ambitions across Southeast Asia as the brand continues to expand while maintaining the craftsmanship and hospitality that define its Japanese heritage.

 

The brand continues to innovate and expand its footprint, introducing new outlets and menu creations that cater to both loyal fans and new diners.

 

Then, taiko or Japanese drums were rolled to the front entrance of the outlet. Drumsticks were handed to senior management representative of Genki Sushi, Maxim’s Malaysia and AEON Mall Tebrau City who beat the drums to create a thunderous drumroll that declared this outlet officially opened.

 

Genki Sushi locations on the map

While guests were invited into the restaurant for a dining experience, some media guests and Mall representatives chose to start by taking part in the maki-making activity led by the Sushi Chef.

 

For these participants, there was much pride in completing one’s own-made maki and adding it to the exciting menu served by Genki Sushi to celebrate this outlet’s opening event.

 

[More about my dining experience in a separate story.]

 

Genki Sushi is located in the Food Hall, Lot G132 on Level G of AEON Mall Tebrau City, Jalan Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru. Open daily from 1oam to 10pm.

 

Drum show season ends with a bang!

 

On three consecutive days in one weekend, audiences at the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House were treated to two dramatic drum shows per day presented in the theme, Drums: A new beat beckons.

 

Onward to a resident drum show
featured at the Opera House

This series of shows in November 2025 was the final season of shows for the year as the artistes of Drum Up JB! gear themselves up for a new season of shows planned in the new year.

 

The mood was upbeat (pun intended!) as this particular weekend marked a significant milestone in the history of the 24 Festive Drums with the soft opening of the 24 Festive Drums Experiential Museum at the R&F Marina Place.

 

It was my privilege to join representatives from the Johor Chinese community and drum practitioners in the art of the 24 Festive Drums and witness this important event.

 

My Johor Stories books for
visitors from China

Over the years, I had the privilege to work with co-founder, Tan Chai Puan, to share reports on the 24 Festive Drums in the English media.

 

Tan, who is bilingual in Chinese and English, is a fountain of information about Chinese culture and heritage and was always generous in sharing such information with me to help flesh out my stories.

 

With his help, I was able to publish a large collection of stories on Johor Chinese culture and heritage in the English language so that the Chinese who do not read Chinese language, were able to learn more about their own culture.

 

When I was working on the manuscript for my book, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage, I decided to feature Tan, the cultural activist, as an exclusive story under the Portraits section.

 

My Johor Stories book for Sheena

In the first week after this book was launched in July 2017, this title went to the Number One spot of the MPH Non-Fiction Bestsellers list. It stayed on the Bestsellers list for consecutive weeks and months, and by year-end, my book was counted among the MPH Best Non-Fiction books in 2017.

 

When the global pandemic reached our shores in 2020, it was unsafe for social gatherings and events, so all drumming activities ceased.

 

During this time, Tan and the Association of the 24 Festive Drums kept the drumming momentum going by hosting online events to share about this unique art of drumming with drum enthusiasts both near and far.

 

These virtual events turned out to be an innovative way to reach drummers and drum enthusiasts globally, with very encouraging number of participants in each session.

 

My Johor Stories book for Gina

To commemorate the 32^nd anniversary of the founding of the 24 Festive Drums in 2020, a series of online events were organized with one of the sessions hosted in English, titled, So what is 24 Festive Drums?

 

Tan invited me to join him in this “live” sharing session as Moderator while he spoke about the art of the 24 Festive Drums in the English language.

 

While when I was working on the manuscript for Book Three of My Johor Stories, I decided to include the story on the art of the 24 Festive Drums in My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, among Johor brands that were proudly established in Johor, spread nationwide and even exported abroad.

 

My Johor Stories book for
visitors from Singapore

From its birthplace in Johor Bahru, this Malaysian heritage of the art of the 24 Festive Drums, went on to establish over 600 drum troops across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.

 

With the Malaysian government’s bid to have the 24 Festive Drums nominated to the 2026 UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, my story on this proudly Johor performing art – published in English language – provides essential information for drumming fans as well as visitors to Johor, to learn more about the origins of this artform.

 

When the Drum Up JB shows made its debut at the prestigious Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House in January 2023, I have had the privilege to partner with them to promote the art of the 24 Festive Drums through a pop-up store for My Johor Stories books, set up in the theatre lobby.

 

Happy to autograph my book for readers

During the pandemic years, all the MPH bookstores in Johor Bahru were closed so readers had to go online to buy my books. I know that many readers did not like to buy online but preferred to touch and flip through the pages of a book before they bought any books. So I got permission from MPH to keep a small stock of books to sell at such events hosted in Johor.

 

Audience members at the drum shows, keen to find out more about this art of drumming, would buy my books to discover more about the origins of the art of the 24 Festive Drums as well as other stories on Johor culture and heritage.

 

In the recent weekend, I had the pleasure to meet with visitors from China and Singapore who were in Johor Bahru to experience the drum shows.

 

My Johor Stories book
for Yong Lee Hua

Among the audience were parents of students who were in search of information on Johor culture and heritage and were relieved to stumble upon My Johor Stories because they wished to help their children who had to complete a school project on the topic of Johor culture and heritage.

 

I also had the pleasure to meet with Yong Lee Hua who was delighted to finally meet me in person as she and her sisters follow my stories posted in My Johor Stories blog.

 

As alumni of the IJ Convent Johor Bahru, she and her sisters often reminisce about bygone experiences – something we have in common – so we had a good chat while she waited for the theatre doors to open. [After the show, she came by to tell me that she was wowed by the drum show!]

 

This year’s Drum Up JB! performances aim to raise funds so that drum shows may become a permanent feature at the Opera House.

 

Dramatic drumming in front of the 
24 Festive Drums Experiential Museum

So just like watching ‘The Lion King’ in Broadway, or ‘Les Misérables’ in West End, when visitors come to Johor in 2026, they have to watch Drum Up JB! at the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House.

 

While the art of the 24 Festive Drums was recognized as a Malaysia National Heritage in 2009, we look forward with eager anticipation to the exciting year ahead as the Malaysian government had nominated the 24 Festive Drums for the 2026 UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.

 

For more information on how you can support Drum Up JB! to become the world’s first ever resident show in the theme of the 24 Festive Drums, visit the Facebook page for Drum Up JB or Tel: +6011 2086 0282 and +6016 916 8106.