AS THE Chinese community joyfully celebrates the ‘Year of the Horse’, a Chinese New Year Open House was held at the residence of the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Zheng Xianglin.

Gracing the occasion were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, accompanied by the Ambassador of China and spouse, later toured the Su Embroidery exhibition outside the residence to witness the art of embroidery by Su Embroidery artist, Wang Xuezhen.

It is stated that her work not only reflects Su embroidery’s unique artistic style of ‘precision, fine-ness, grace and neatness’, but also shows the culture of China.

Speaking to the media, Xuezhen shared that she fell in love with the art of embroidery in her childhood and has since undertaken various professional training to enhance her knowledge in the field.

“I hope that my work can inspire the Bruneian people to be engaged in embroidery as it is an interesting skill besides painting,” said Xuezhen.

The artist has been in the embroidery industry for around 31 years. One of her favourite pieces is the ‘Mosque by the river’, where she has embroidered the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque as detailed as possible.

During the occasion, a lion dance performance was also conducted by youths of the China-Brunei Friendship Association to further enliven the celebration.

Also at the open house were Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources; YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, a Legislative Council member and prominent businessman; as well as foreign envoys and other distinguished guests. - Borneo Bulletin (12 February 2014)