MALAYSIA: ARTIST June Yap believes that everyone should learn art to enhance their creativity and open their eyes to the world.

"It is about how one can use their artistic eye combined with a platform, like photography and floral arrangement in my case, to express their creativity," said the 55-year-old at the opening of her exhibition "The Art of Flowers - June Yap Solo Exhibition".

Kuala Kubu Baru assemblyman Wong Koon Mun, who was representing Wanita MCA chief Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, launched the opening ceremony.

The art exhibition, hosted by Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM), aims to raise funds for the SGM Culture and Education Fund and Klang Pin Hwa High School Education Fund.

The exhibition showcases 102 pieces of Yap's artworks that are sectioned into different medium: floral arrangements made from recycled materials, those using glass or vase as its base, paintings, and photographs of fresh flower arrangements.

The highlight is her collection of 77 pieces of floral arrangements made from recycled materials, which took her four months to complete.

Her focus on the theme "celebrations" expresses a mixture of eastern, western and Malaysian culture and styles.

"I used a lot of recycled materials for this exhibition, which I have amassed over the past 10 years,” said Yap.

"Some were items that people would usually throw away, such as painting frames and decorations, while the flower materials were sourced from wholesale flower shops.

"Being in the textile business also allowed me access to a lot of leftover paper rolls.

"Instead of throwing them away, I decided to utilise them. It is a way of showing my love for the environment."

Yap said she has been doing floral arrangement for more than 15 years and the artworks at the exhibition represents about five years' worth of work.

Her passion for the arts encompasses fields in floral arrangement, painting, photography and dancing.

On why she chose to give back to SGM and her alma mater, she said: "I believe in SGM's philosophy of promoting peace, culture and loving the environment.

"I also want to give back to my school as a token of appreciation for the education I received.

"During an exhibition held in South America last year, I managed to raise RM21,000 for my former school."

SGM president Koe Teng Hong commended Yap on her capability, energy and determination, as well as her generosity when it comes to charity.

"What is touching is that she is accomplished in many fields, but never forgot her alma mater," he said.

"This attitude of feeling and repaying gratitude expands on the Chinese saying of 'receiving the gift of a drop of water, repaying with spring water' is something people should learn from."

The exhibition is on until tomorrow (Jan 11) at Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL.

The exhibition is open to the public from 11am to 6pm daily. Admission is free.

For details, call 03-2141 2003.