Reflections on the MBSS Exhibition & Workshops – A Public Visitor’s Perspective

Reflections on the MBSS Exhibition & Workshops – A Public Visitor’s Perspective

Caveat!!! I eventually attended the event as an MBSS Public Visitor. In no way that my opinions were representative of the wider positives that the Brothers and Sisters had achieved for the entire event, putting in over 1-2 years of hard work to reach this quality. They did a great job and if there were areas of improvements, it would be pointers that i personally hold and not a view held by the wider audience.

I had originally planned to enter one of my trees together with a close friend. Unfortunately, after I decided to repot the tree, it was no longer in suitable condition for the exhibition. That was entirely my responsibility and probably lacking in skillset.

The Assessment & Registration Process

As an aspiring exhibitor, I found the assessment process to filter suitable trees a little disorganised. We were directed back and forth between multiple parties (three to four different people), and the process dragged on for a few weeks. Eventually, we learnt that an assessor was required to qualify the tree. Botak Ayed did an excellent job — he promptly made his way to our home to assess the tree.

The trees we originally wanted to enter were accepted. However, we only found out quite late that exhibited trees must not have any wires. Because of this, we had to pivot to another tree (which eventually received a Merit Award). My own Black Pine was accepted since it was not wired.

Even after trees passed the initial assessment, the owners still had to go down to the venue on 26 August to queue, pay, register, and set up the display themselves. Registration only began at 10 pm, after which we had to set up the trees immediately. Personally, I felt that registration and payment could have been finalised earlier — ideally when the assessor confirmed that the tree met the criteria.

Exhibition Logistics

I was present the whole day on 26 August. Although the instruction was to register and deliver trees only after 10 pm, some people attempted to bring their trees in throughout the day. This caused a few altercations between Pavilion Security and the organisers/tree owners. Clearer communication and stricter adherence to the schedule would help avoid such situations.

The same issue occurred on collection day. Owners were given only a two-hour window at closing, yet some disregarded the rules and collected their trees earlier, disrupting the exhibition.

Daily watering was carried out regularly and sufficiently for most trees. However, volunteers occasionally missed some pots and kusamonos. When watering was done, it was often quite generous, and the resulting runoff was not cleaned up. This left water stains on the display stands — some of which were premium or antique pieces that could be damaged by prolonged moisture.

Judging

The judging was very professional. Having judges from the global scene really raised the bar. Most regions were represented as much as possible, which helped create a more balanced and impartial evaluation. Relying solely on experts from one country (for example Japan) can sometimes favour trees or display styles that those judges understand best. An international panel helps mitigate that.

I returned every morning from 27 August to 2 September to tend to my friend’s tree. Security was consistently alert and professional. They recognised me after a few days and kindly allowed me to wipe down the display (especially the stands that had been flooded) and ensure the kusamono was properly cared for and watered.

Another item that I like to understand is also the Champion Trees or tree that had won the Grand Awards – it will be nice to understand what was done well in those trees that they were able to attain the recognition. This is probably not something that is done but it could be useful for enthusiast to pick out the pointers on areas where everyone can do better and work towards it.

Areas of Strength

- Competition fees were fair and acceptable

- Having assessors helped maintain high-quality standards

- Watering was generally regular and sufficient

- True international panel of judges

- Security was good and vigilant

Areas for Improvement

- Key rules (such as no wires) and general judging criteria should be communicated much earlier

- Allow sufficient time for assessors to visit and make decisions

- Complete registration and payment before delivery day

- Establish and enforce clear, pre-agreed timings for delivery and collection

- After watering, volunteers should check that water is not pooling on the stands

- Ensure kusamonos are also properly watered

- Sharing of the Champion Tree that got the major awards, what they did well to attain the awards.

The Workshops

As a public visitor, I attended several workshops and seminars:

- Master Kunio Kobayashi (28 & 29 August)

- Dany Bonsai (29 August)

- Chieri Shimizu (30 August)

- Mauro Stemberger (31 August)

- Sim Kha Hooi (1 September)

The fees were fair (even more so for MBSS members), and the quality of the workshops was genuinely world-class.

However, I noticed that the Masters and their teams were not always well supported. Master Kobayashi and his crew had to carry pots, stands, and suiseki themselves. Being of advanced age, Sensei Kobayashi was still lifting books, pots, and stands while his team handled other items. On one occasion, his grandson had to contact me via Instagram for help because security would not allow him to bring a trolley of trees into the Pavilion due to language barriers. Fortunately, I had met EiSho the day before and was able to assist.

Dany Bonsai requested a translator, which appeared to be a last-minute arrangement. A volunteer did his best, but some information and participant questions were inevitably lost in translation. Mauro also had to move trees by himself. Sim Kha Hooi’s demonstration was delayed by nearly two hours because the demo tree was not available. I appreciated the support from everyone, and noted that Teh of Hoyu Bonsai Soil generously sponsored a large juniper for the demo at his own cost.

I also observed (though I cannot fully confirm) that some guests appeared to “gate-crash” workshops without having paid. In sessions that required participants to bring a tree, it might be helpful for the organisers to offer trees for sale as part of the workshop package. Attending a workshop only to be crowded out by others, or having to borrow tools, can be disruptive for those who came prepared.

Areas of Strength

- High-quality speakers and Masters were invited

- Excellent content and demonstration quality

Areas for Improvement

- Workshop timings were often back-to-back, leading to sessions running overtime

- More organisational support for the Masters and their teams would be appreciated

- Reliable translators for non-English-speaking Masters (e.g. members of Team Kobayashi)

- Better control of workshop registration and payment

- Consider providing or selling suitable trees/tools for workshops that require them

Overall, it was a valuable experience with many high points. The international standard of judging and the quality of the Masters’ sessions stood out. With clearer communication, better logistical planning, and stronger support for the invited artists, future events can be even smoother for both exhibitors and participants.