THE Malaysian Buddy Bear was unveiled at the Pavilion shopping centre on Thursday to much fanfare and excitement.
Displayed prominently at the fountain outside the main entrance, the Malaysian Buddy Bear sculpture features four Malaysian children of various races playing together happily, all of them dressed in traditional costumes in the colours of the Malaysian flag. Other classic Malaysian symbols, such as a wau, a hornbill and a rafflesia flower, are also featured.
The Buddy Bears are a series of life-sized bear sculptures, aimed at promoting living together in peace and harmony. There are 147 Buddy Bears on display outside Pavilion, with 143 of them representing a different country from around the world.
Malaysian version: Imuda (left) examining the Malaysia Bear specially designed and painted by him. Beside him is Dr Klaus Herlitz, initiator of United Buddy Bears World Tour. The Malaysian Buddy Bear was designed by renowned artist Imuda, who said that he painted a smile on the bear to represent Malaysian friendliness.
“The designs represent the peacefulness and unity of our culture,” Imuda said.
The Buddy Bears will be on display in KL until Feb 15 next year, before being moved to India. The display in Kuala Lumpur marks the first time they have come to South-East Asia.
Members of the public were impressed by the Malaysian Buddy Bear, many of them posing and taking photographs with it.
“It is a good representation of our country’s culture,” said university student Kate Lee, adding that she was very impressed with the various designs on the many different bears.
“I particularly like the orang utan,” said accounts executive Assari Ismail, 32. “And the colour is very striking.”
Tourist Tineke de Ronde, 58, visiting from the Netherlands, said the bear featured very recognisable symbols of the country.
“It’s a lot nicer than the bear from the Netherlands,” she joked.
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