Introductory to Floral Arrangement by Mr Wong Mun Yee

Wednesday September 23, 2009

30 learn the joy of arranging flowers

By YIP YOKE TENG

A FLOWER contains a world, according to an inscription in the Buddhist sutras. Like a smile, a flower is a universal language that can purify the world as it brings joy, peace and comfort to those who look at it. It makes one happy, and that person makes everyone around them happy, too.
Those beautiful words, spoken by flower arrangement instructor Wong Mun Yee, brought a smile to the 30 participants at a workshop at the Ti-Ratana Penchala Community Centre in Petaling Jaya.

My creation: Juliet Tan showing her half-completed flower arrangement.

Wong then proceeded to teach the participants the basic forms of flower arrangement, patiently showing them, step by step, how various flowers could be grouped to become a sight to behold.
With them at the flower arrangement workshop held recently at the centre in Petaling Jaya were Chief High Priest of Malaysia Venerable K. Sri Dhammaratana, who urged the public to take part in projects conducted at the centre.
The workshop had another purpose. The participants were encouraged to share their newfound knowledge with others, especially women from the poorer or rural areas so that they could generate income from home while looking after their children.
“Ti-Ratana is not only for children; we are ready to give our service to all who need help.
“After this workshop, we hope you can impart what you’ve learnt to those who can use this skill to work from home,” he said.
Centre adviser Datin Catherine Lai shared the vision. “As a mother of two, I know how important it is to be hands-on in raising our children. A skill — be it art, craft, writing or others — will enable them to do so while helping them to making ends meet.”
She said the centre was also set up to help women to be self- reliant.

The right way: Wong (right) showing the participants how a stalk of flowers should be trimmed.

“Women are born to give and protect, so their survival instinct is immeasurable. As long as they are game for something, they can do wonders,” she said.
Among the participants was Puan Sri Wendy Ong, who had taken part in the centre’s ground-breaking ceremony two years ago.
“Each stalk of flower is beautiful on its own, but placing them together enhances their beauty. It is just like how Ti-Ratana has pulled in the knowledge of kind souls to benefit the entire community,” she said.
Apart from dhamma classes and arts and craft workshops, the centre also feeds the poor with hot food. It is seeking donations and contributions in any form to make its Meals on Wheels programme a reality.
“We hope to have a van that can go from place to place to dish out hot food to the needy. We want the food to be hot, so the van ought to be fitted with equipment such as a food warmer.
“We also hope to pass on a positive message through talks, hence we are in dire need of volunteers and donations for this programme,” Lai said.

The article above was featured in The Star newspaper on our recent activity at the centre on 'Introductory to Floral Arrangement'. It was a overwhelming success and and the participants was awed Mr Wong of Flora Mandavara. His artistic skill and words of wisdom which he shared in between the floral arrangement resulting in all the participant leaving the class with their own beautiful floral creation and words of wisdom for them to take home with.

We are deeply thankful for Mr Wong and the team of Flora Mandavara giving their time and effort in sharing this artistic skill.

Profile of  Mr Wong Mun Yee

Mun Yee is a self-taught flora designer and runs ‘Flora Mandarava’, his floral design business. Specializing in personalized & unique floral creations, Flora Mandarava aims to give that special touch to any wedding, corporate event, themed parties, home decorations, special occasions, celebration arrangements, and all things flowery! He derives great happiness in the delight his arrangements create in people. After all, flowers are a universal symbol of comfort and joy.

Mun Yee’s seed of interest in the world of flowers first took root through his admiration of beautiful floral creations. His passion slowly blossomed throughout the years, prompting a marvelous journey of learning and experimentation with floral arrangements (and gathering an impressive collection of finger cuts in the process).

Mun Yee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Advertising Major) from Charles Sturt University, Australia. He has been an active Buddhist since his secondary school days and  currently, he belongs to a team of Kalyana Mitras in Dhammaduta Youth (D2Y).

Besides his active participation in Dhammaduta work, Mun Yee’s interest includes arts, culture, nature & interior design. He is also an avid Chinese calligrapher, inspired by the writings & works of Malaysia's renowned Sangha calligraphist, Venerable Po Yuan (Paik Wan).  In 2005, Bro Mun Yee gave up his corporate career to pursue his passion as a freelance floral designer & is currently involved in managing Sukhi Hotu, the Buddhist bookshop in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.