REPORT FROM OUR INTREPID SHOW-CRAZY FAN
JIMMY NG
This aptly described the scene I witnessed during the final days of the Bangkok
International Motorshow (BIMS) 2009. I was a bit hesitant when Mel told me that
he’d done the report on the show just 2 days before I embark on my journey. Well
a show’s a show, not much could be said of the same event more than once
right? Just how wrong I was proven here. I guess none of the major publication
folks foresee that as the event draws to a close the action gets hotter...and hotter.
I have in the past been rather critical to the point of cynical about our local
motorsport industry including the way how international motorshow events were
being organized. OK, perhaps this has to do with my personal quest to establish
myself as the foremost “over-analyst” and “purist authoritarian” on regional
motorshows. (Before you start, yes I know I still owe readers a survival guide for
enthusiasts hoping to go over to Japan for the next TAS. Just hang in there and
keep in constant expectation.).
Now that our much awaited KLIMS 2009 unsuspectingly died of unnatural
causes, it made me think if it is still on schedule would it come close to being as
interesting as BIMS 2009? For a nation which (at the point of this writing)
embroiled itself in political chaos brought about by a minority group of
shameless followers of an ousted fugitive leader, BIMS organizers can pride
themselves as having done a superbly good job. Whereas our local motorshow
coordinators shun the duty to fulfill a void, our northern neighbors bite the bullet,
braced themselves with courage and in the end reaped much rewards.
Nationalistic euphoria reckoning aside you will find some very distinctive
essence that was displayed by the organizers. I have compiled them below.
For a start, BIMS organizers addressed patrons as “distinguished guests”! This
may seemed trivial but when was the last time you were being honored on such
polite terms? The usual “ladies & gentlemen” oration would be sufficient.
However rendering it with a bit of class to show great appreciation of your visit
elevated social etiquette and brought delight even before you step into the
exhibition halls. Secondly, PA (public announcement) in three languages
contributed to the international flavor. Besides the local Thai language, German,
Japanese and certainly English speaking guests felt much more at ease with
constant information on the exciting events taking place knowing full well exactly
when and where they were held. Press and media guests (yours truly included),
were given a free hand to roam around the venue and use the amenities
including a peek of the studio area where photo-shoots were conducted on
selected stunning models. Here aspiring shutterbugs could glean a few tips on
really what it takes to produce world class pictures.
In addition, BIMS 2009 exhibitors caught the bug of gift giving. Freebies hunters
would thrive by answering some trick questions. Alas with a limited vocabulary
not beyond “Kop Khun Kap” I missed the opportunities to grab some chic T-
shirts, umbrellas and sun shades. At least the neat mineral water packed
exclusively for Toyota was within reach. Now how thoughtful would that ? Thirst
quenching water doled out freely just in time after a long indulgence and gaiting
around capturing charming faces in my camera!
BIMS 2009 would have already been on the radar screen of major publications
even before it started. Many journalists would have came and gone. Yet few
would have thought the “dance” action packed more punch during the final
weekend. Excellent choreographed moves performed by young energetic
dancers mesmerized all in attendance. Besides the last weekend coincided with
a public holiday, huge crowds came and excitedly thronged all the stages. A
board clock ‘ticked’ away to indicate when the next show starts. Variety of
performances from lithe acrobatic shows, swinging musicians hoist midair,
‘broadway’ akin musicals drama and much more rolled out one after another. We
were in a big carnival realm milieu by fantastic acoustics and sharp surreal
experience. Wow! Patrons were indeed thrilled to the bone for a mere 100 Baht
entrance fee. No, 100 Baht (roughly equivalent to RM10) too expensive, some
may lament? Well what about spending the same on a BIMS 2009 DVD that
come together with a complimentary visit pass? Indeed, this and other goods
were available to patrons visiting the stalls selling in-house merchandize.
Have I forgotten to mention something? What are benchmarks of all motorshows,
the KPIs (key performance indicators) of success and the main pullers or
attraction? Obviously all the gleaming machines took centre
stage…accompanied by its more illustrated models. In Thailand the land of
smiles and friendship it is degrading and dishonoring to label beauty as mere
show queens or dancers. They are elevated to the status as “angels” and simply
“pretty”. No stigma on these and no cult followers swarming around looking for
autographs. Indeed they are friendly and accommodating. The local protocol still
holds true however. You shoot your picture, say thank you and move on. If they
like you perhaps you may just be fortunate to be given slightly more privileges. I
was on hand to capture some of these moments. It was a breeze working these
models as they could strut with poise and confidence allowing you to capture the
best angles.
Really, our local motorshow organizers have much to absorb and assimilate. Let’
s come clean, if we Malaysian who are so proud of our achievements in the
motor industry cannot hold its own international exhibition annually to show case
them, then we should be embarrassed. Say what you want, but if our neighbors
could maintain the momentum in the face of heavy political and financial
uncertainties, we should feel further ashamed. As KLIMS 2009 remains in ashes,
BIMS 2009 raised to the occasion. That left every Malaysian right smack of real
guilt and remorse.
Here’s to my next assignment…….stay tuned.
Jimmy Ng Self-proclaimed regional motorshow analyst and authority
JIMMY NG
This aptly described the scene I witnessed during the final days of the Bangkok
International Motorshow (BIMS) 2009. I was a bit hesitant when Mel told me that
he’d done the report on the show just 2 days before I embark on my journey. Well
a show’s a show, not much could be said of the same event more than once
right? Just how wrong I was proven here. I guess none of the major publication
folks foresee that as the event draws to a close the action gets hotter...and hotter.
I have in the past been rather critical to the point of cynical about our local
motorsport industry including the way how international motorshow events were
being organized. OK, perhaps this has to do with my personal quest to establish
myself as the foremost “over-analyst” and “purist authoritarian” on regional
motorshows. (Before you start, yes I know I still owe readers a survival guide for
enthusiasts hoping to go over to Japan for the next TAS. Just hang in there and
keep in constant expectation.).
Now that our much awaited KLIMS 2009 unsuspectingly died of unnatural
causes, it made me think if it is still on schedule would it come close to being as
interesting as BIMS 2009? For a nation which (at the point of this writing)
embroiled itself in political chaos brought about by a minority group of
shameless followers of an ousted fugitive leader, BIMS organizers can pride
themselves as having done a superbly good job. Whereas our local motorshow
coordinators shun the duty to fulfill a void, our northern neighbors bite the bullet,
braced themselves with courage and in the end reaped much rewards.
Nationalistic euphoria reckoning aside you will find some very distinctive
essence that was displayed by the organizers. I have compiled them below.
For a start, BIMS organizers addressed patrons as “distinguished guests”! This
may seemed trivial but when was the last time you were being honored on such
polite terms? The usual “ladies & gentlemen” oration would be sufficient.
However rendering it with a bit of class to show great appreciation of your visit
elevated social etiquette and brought delight even before you step into the
exhibition halls. Secondly, PA (public announcement) in three languages
contributed to the international flavor. Besides the local Thai language, German,
Japanese and certainly English speaking guests felt much more at ease with
constant information on the exciting events taking place knowing full well exactly
when and where they were held. Press and media guests (yours truly included),
were given a free hand to roam around the venue and use the amenities
including a peek of the studio area where photo-shoots were conducted on
selected stunning models. Here aspiring shutterbugs could glean a few tips on
really what it takes to produce world class pictures.
In addition, BIMS 2009 exhibitors caught the bug of gift giving. Freebies hunters
would thrive by answering some trick questions. Alas with a limited vocabulary
not beyond “Kop Khun Kap” I missed the opportunities to grab some chic T-
shirts, umbrellas and sun shades. At least the neat mineral water packed
exclusively for Toyota was within reach. Now how thoughtful would that ? Thirst
quenching water doled out freely just in time after a long indulgence and gaiting
around capturing charming faces in my camera!
BIMS 2009 would have already been on the radar screen of major publications
even before it started. Many journalists would have came and gone. Yet few
would have thought the “dance” action packed more punch during the final
weekend. Excellent choreographed moves performed by young energetic
dancers mesmerized all in attendance. Besides the last weekend coincided with
a public holiday, huge crowds came and excitedly thronged all the stages. A
board clock ‘ticked’ away to indicate when the next show starts. Variety of
performances from lithe acrobatic shows, swinging musicians hoist midair,
‘broadway’ akin musicals drama and much more rolled out one after another. We
were in a big carnival realm milieu by fantastic acoustics and sharp surreal
experience. Wow! Patrons were indeed thrilled to the bone for a mere 100 Baht
entrance fee. No, 100 Baht (roughly equivalent to RM10) too expensive, some
may lament? Well what about spending the same on a BIMS 2009 DVD that
come together with a complimentary visit pass? Indeed, this and other goods
were available to patrons visiting the stalls selling in-house merchandize.
Have I forgotten to mention something? What are benchmarks of all motorshows,
the KPIs (key performance indicators) of success and the main pullers or
attraction? Obviously all the gleaming machines took centre
stage…accompanied by its more illustrated models. In Thailand the land of
smiles and friendship it is degrading and dishonoring to label beauty as mere
show queens or dancers. They are elevated to the status as “angels” and simply
“pretty”. No stigma on these and no cult followers swarming around looking for
autographs. Indeed they are friendly and accommodating. The local protocol still
holds true however. You shoot your picture, say thank you and move on. If they
like you perhaps you may just be fortunate to be given slightly more privileges. I
was on hand to capture some of these moments. It was a breeze working these
models as they could strut with poise and confidence allowing you to capture the
best angles.
Really, our local motorshow organizers have much to absorb and assimilate. Let’
s come clean, if we Malaysian who are so proud of our achievements in the
motor industry cannot hold its own international exhibition annually to show case
them, then we should be embarrassed. Say what you want, but if our neighbors
could maintain the momentum in the face of heavy political and financial
uncertainties, we should feel further ashamed. As KLIMS 2009 remains in ashes,
BIMS 2009 raised to the occasion. That left every Malaysian right smack of real
guilt and remorse.
Here’s to my next assignment…….stay tuned.
Jimmy Ng Self-proclaimed regional motorshow analyst and authority
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