Category: Traditional Trades

Driving along Federal Route 1, the oldest highway in Peninsular Malaysia, while passing by Machap, an eye-catching colourful castle-like building stands at the roadside. Both its interior and exterior are ornamented with vibrant ceramic pieces arranged in floral designs, a gorgeous restroom offering convenience to travellers passing by on their long journeys. Established 70 years ago, Aw Pottery Studio occupies about an acre, ceramic products are sighted everywhere, in the garden, restroom, workshop, till the showroom, the entire site is full of artsy feel.

Mr Albert Aw is one of Aw Pottery Studio’s current proprietors, his father the late Mr Aw Eng Kwang being the founder. Born in a family of potters, the late Mr Aw mastered the family trade as well as the architecture of wood-fired kilns from a young age. As he migrated southwards from TeoChew to Malaya during World War II in search of a living wage, he chose to settle down in Machap which has rich clay soil. Utilizing the abundant natural resources and his own skills, he built a pottery kingdom alongside the spectacular restroom with brightly-hued ceramics.

The range of colours projected on ceramic pieces are not from the clay itself, but a vitreous substance applied on the surface of unburnt earthenware. The glaze is made up of various minerals mixed together at a certain ratio, and then brushed onto the semi-completed ceramic ware. After the kiln firing process, the glaze will be fused onto the ceramic. Glazing is crucial in adding colour as well as increasing density in order for the ceramic to be more durable and attractive. On the other hand, unglazed ceramics such as flowerpots are porous, allowing water and air movement through the sides of the pot. Initially, the glaze was made from wood or rice bran ashes, nowadays powdered feldspar, limestone or granite are used with the addition of chemicals to lower their melting point. The mixture of different minerals result in different colours after chemical reactions during kiln firing.

In coincidence with the rubber industry spurt in Peninsular Malaya back in 1949-50, Aw Pottery Studio started out manufacturing ceramic latex cups. Ever since, the pottery studio developed into supplying multi-coloured ceramic ware to restaurants and hotels. At its prime between 1960-70, Aw Pottery Studio employed up to 200 employees, working together in an orderly manner. Having the upper hand, the late Mr Aw exported ceramic ware overseas, at the same time gradually shifting the main production line into China due to considerations in environment and other factors. Furthermore, the entire family emigrated to the United States in the 80’s.

Apart from his commitment in advancing the pottery industry, the late Mr Aw was also a talented sculptor, having joined and organized exhibitions in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. His artworks are being exhibited in museums, among them his masterpiece, the bust of Tunku Abdul Rahman. In remembrance of the late Mr Aw, his daughter Miss Aw Lee Lang set up a museum in the studio grounds to showcase his remaining sculpture works, including a replica of his masterpiece.

At present the Machap studio is still in operation, however business is not as good as before, and even facing staff shortage, only a handful of senior staff remain on duty. A few years ago, Mr Albert’s youngest sister Miss Aw Lee Lang returned to Malaysia to restore and rebrand Aw Pottery Studio, promoting ceramic works as well as offering opportunities for the general public to experience hands-on pottery lessons where they may bring their handicraft home.

From utensils to artworks, Aw Pottery Studio’s journey of transformation depicts the innovative spirit across two generations in their pursuit of living culture and beauty. Through making pottery, one may slow down their hectic lifestyle to relax, finding pleasure in creating pretty and functional ceramic ware using their own hands. Succeeding their late father’s passion in pottery, the second generation of the Aw family revived Aw Pottery Studio to restore its former glory.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Amelia Lim
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Angels Dream

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Peninsular Plantation Pineapple Estate at Simpang Renggam was pioneered in 1954, by philanthropist Tan Sri Lee Kong Chian under Lee Rubber Co (Pte) Ltd (formerly known as Nam Aik), cultivating up to 400,000 pineapple plants on over 6,000 acres of land. Pineapple planting was among the main source of income for the population in the area, during the 60’s economic boom, hundreds of plantation workers were being employed, not only local villagers but also labourers brought in from neighbouring regions. At the crack of dawn, as workers make their way to work via the narrow mud road, they inhale rich coffee scent wafting from Fang Hui Coffee Shop located within the plantation.

Being the largest scaled pineapple estate of the nation, the owner of Peninsular Plantation took efforts to make sure that workers from outstation could live at ease in this remote land, hence allocating part of the plantation land for building hostels, a school, temples, and shops, shaping a small yet complete neighbourhood. With their welfare being well taken care of, most workers are willing to settle down and secure work in the plantation while living in a helpful and harmonious community.

Among the two rows of old shops in Peninsular Plantation, Fang Hui Coffee Shop has been in operation since the pioneering of the pineapple estate, managed by two generations of the Wong family for over half a century, without being sold. The shop name “Fang Hui” literally means coffee aroma wafting throughout the plantation. 61-year-old Wong Swee Wan is the second-generation heir, who grew up and spent the better part of his life in the coffee shop operated by his father, from being a student to getting married and having children, he relied on inherited coffee-making skills and the shop in raising his four children.

The smooth and rich Hainanese coffee is made using pure white coffee beans specially roasted by Uncle Wong’s friend, processed without the addition of condiments such as butter or sugar. The homemade kaya sandwiched between crispy charcoal-toasted bread is personally cooked with care by Uncle Wong on his weekly day off, promising the best taste and quality. Regular customers could order takeaway coffees in metal tins instead of common plastic bags, which is an amusing sight. Apart from that, Uncle Wong also sells fresh fruits such as pineapples and guavas in his coffee shop.

Unlike most coffee shops in town, Fang Hui is situated within the plantation, not likely to be passed by unless going in or out of the pineapple estate. Initially the coffee shop catered for staff to have tea during their break time, familiar plantation supervisors show up daily regardless of the weather. Now that there are fewer Chinese workers and more foreign workers, other shops either close down or sell-off, however the coffee shop operation is not affected. To date, Fang Hui retains its simple and traditional style and features, for instance the original signboard with 60 years of history, as well as rarely seen classical heavy wooden plank shutters which Uncle Wong and his wife need to cooperate to move them aside one-by-one during opening, then place them back during closing.

Take a seat in the classical shop front, take a sip of the Hainanese coffee made by Uncle Wong, savour not only the rich aroma but also the unique sensation of life in the plantation.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Drone : Daniel Lim
Video Editor : Michael Lerk
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Happy Memories from FeltMusic

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD

Utilising raw materials available locally, amid semi-completed and woven rattan products, long, thin rattan strips are neatly arranged on the floor. In the workspace, 80-year-old Grandma Lai Ah Moi attentively weaves rattan products using both hands and feet. Chop Yen Choon in Simpang Renggam, Johor, is the originator of the local rattan industry, operated by Grandma Lai and her husband Mr Chua for decades while raising their children. The old Mr Chua passed away 3 years ago, his son Chua Boon Ho succeeded the rattan workshop, while large and complex items are crafted by an Indonesian lead worker with more than a decade of experience.

In the 1950’s, pineapple planting was initiated in Simpang Renggam, thus derivative industries blossomed, such as pineapple processing manufacturers, iron smiths, and rattan weaving. Due to strong demand of rattan baskets during harvest in the pineapple plantations, the local rattan industry developed rapidly. From hand-carried baskets in the earlier days to baskets being worn on the back nowadays, pineapple plantation owners order thousands of rattan baskets annually, being a long-term regular customer of Chop Yen Choon. The rattan industry in Simpang Renggam flourished in the 70’s to 80’s, woven rattan products were being widely used in all sorts of trades. For instance, the extensive usage of rattan dustpans besides being a daily necessity, breeders can use it to scoop chicken droppings, while construction site workers can use it to scoop sand and soil. Since rattan products were greatly sought after, local housewives weave rattan products during their free time for side income. Even though plastic products then gained popularity and gradually replaced rattan products, customers still prefer the better flexibility of rattan dustpans.

Grandma Lai and her husband took over the rattan workshop from their brother-in-law 40 years ago, she was also a rubber tapper therefore she weaved rattan in the afternoon upon returning home. Without receiving any proper training, she took apart rattan products woven by others in order to research and gain insight on how to weave, putting in painstaking attempts to acquire this self-taught skill. Initiating a business is always challenging, when Grandma Lai first started selling rattan products, she went door-to-door convincing others to purchase her rattan dustpans at RM1.50 and rattan baskets at RM6. The amount of efforts she put in were greater than revenue, it was difficult to make ends meet, however she did not ever think of giving up. She continued to strive, working hard together with her husband. Their business improved, employing dozens of workers during its peak.

Under the influence of his parents, Chua Boon Ho mastered the basics of the rattan industry from childhood. Afterwards, with familial support, Boon Ho and his brothers went outstation during their youth on a journey of learning and broadening horizons, venturing into different industries or even starting their own businesses. Thanks to the stable operation of their parents’ rattan workshop, the Chua siblings have sufficient time and space for progress beyond, therefore Boon Ho truly appreciated the solid endeavors of his parents. Due to their advancing age, Boon Ho decided to return and take up the family business. Demands for traditional rattan products dropped over changing times, declining business volume and lack of staff are among the dilemmas which Boon Ho overcame. In honour of relationships over decades since the previous generation, Boon Ho did not implement drastic price increments, he simply maintains breakeven without causing financial burdens to his clients. Being brought up by weaving and selling rattan products, the affection of familial bonds aspired Boon Ho to share and spread the precious experience and knowledge inherited from his parents, transforming rattan products from daily necessities into decorative items, so that younger generations still get to recognize and admire rattan products.

In the historical trail of Simpang Renggam’s development, pineapple plantation and the rattan industry are closely interwoven into magnificence showered by laboring sweat. Sweet remembrance of his late father entwined like rattan vines, Boon Ho thankfully gives back to his parents’ nurturing grace, persevering to sustain the family-run rattan workshop.

Text: Daniel Lim & Pua Hui Wen

有你 UNI Production
Producer : Mok Yii Chek
Coordinator : Daniel Lim
Cinematographer : Amelia Lim / Evon Pang
Video Editor : Evon Pang
Production Assistant : Michael Lerk
Music : Morning Dew from SerenityStudio – Youtube

COPYRIGHTS 2020 ECHINOIDEA SDN BHD