A drum performance during the cafe’s opening ceremony kept guests and the public mesmerised.
JOHOR BARU: The state government is prepared to support entrepreneurs in developing and creating their own brand, which has the potential to go international.
With the current development that is taking place in the state, especially Johor Baru, any efforts and initiatives to promote the culture and urban heritage through tourism are most welcome, said Johor Domestic Trade, Tourism and Consumerism committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong.
He said that hipster cafes are also a trend among youths and therefore the Drums Cafe, featuring the 24 Festive Drums as a theme, is in line with the current trend where this also mirrors the elements of Johor, which is the birthplace of the traditional musical instrument.
“We fully support the initiative by the owners of the cafe which combines the trendy concept with the traditional musical instrument as it also helps in promoting the state’s cultural and urban heritage in a creative way,” Tee said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the Drums Cafe grand opening ceremony at Jalan Ibrahim here on Saturday.
Tee (second from right), Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association president Datuk Seri Tey Kim Chai (fourth from right), 24 Festive Drums founder Tan Chai Puan (fifth from right), Lee (third from right) and Chong (sixth from right) posing with the drums during the cafe’s opening ceremony. — Photos: NORBAITI PHAHARORADZI/The Star
He said that the existence of such cafes could also become one of the tourism products and be promoted to domestic and international tourists to enhance business activities and stimulate economic growth in the state.
Tee added that cafes with Chinese cultural and urban heritage could also attract more visitors from China, Japan, Taiwan and other places to come to Johor, adding that the recently launched direct flight between Guangzhou, China and Senai International Airport would also help in achieving the target.
From the records, Chinese tourists coming to the state has increased to 797,000 in 2015 from only 650,000 tourists recorded in the previous year, he said, adding that they targeted some one million Chinese visitors this year.
Meanwhile, the owners of Drums Cafe Lee Sheah Liang and Chong Hai Liang said that the cafe was decorated with designs including 12 drums hanging from the ceiling, Chinese calligraphy telling the history of the 24 Festive Drums as well as the Chinese character for drum made from 1,700 drums adorning a wall.
“Apart from enjoying our signature food, yong tau foo, brought to Johor Baru all the way from Ampang, patrons can also enjoy our desserts and coffee while learning about the history of 24 Festive Drums based on the wall decorations and articles.
“We also hope that this cafe can become a platform for drummers from all over the world to get together as the 24 Festive Drums is rooted in Johor.”
