Art today is strongly rooted in local traditions, location and happenings as well as influenced by the great changes all over the world. The advent of the Internet has made art accessible to all in terms of visual research and enjoyment as well as in commerce. With globalization, the world is seeing more art and artists moving around, within nation, and across countries and continents. There is also much more exchanges and networking, with art expositions or art fairs, art biennales or triennales, art auctions and other regional art forums.

It is good to note that Malaysia has taken the lead in providing a creative and economic platform for contemporary art aspirations and expressions to meet in Kuala Lumpur, through the International Art Expo Malaysia. The first in 2007 was an unqualified success with more than 100 booths taken up by artists and art galleries/ entrepreneurs from 18 countries. The event will add to the prestige of Malaysia as an exciting arts and culture hub in the region, and also be a big boost to art tourism.

As the custodian of Culture, Arts and Heritage the Ministry has always encouraged and supported creative initiatives and expressions which not only benifit Malaysia but also the world at large.

I wish the organiser of the 2^nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008 greater success.

Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim
Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Malaysia.

On behalf of Ministry of Tourism, it gives me great pleasure to say a few words of message in conjunction with the 2^nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008.

Through the years, Malaysia has gradually gained popularity as an attractive destination to savour the latest in art, fashion and in music. I am proud to note that the International Art Expo Malaysia which is now in its second year is expected to be a grander affair than the previous year and at the same time will complement the 2008 Calender of Event and in our efforts in promoting Malaysia.

As such, I am confident that this event with the many well-known international participants will also create greater awareness and stimulate more interest about travelling to Malaysia.

On that note, I would like to congratulate the organiser, Art Expo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and the people behind it for the initiative taken.

To all our foreign guests, may you have a pleasant stay in Malaysia Truly Asia.

" THE TIME IS NOW, THE PLACE IS MALAYSIA."
" MALAYSIA TRULY ASIA."
" MALAYSIA WELCOMES THE WORLD."

Datuk Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor
Minister of Tourism Malaysia.

The role of the National Art Gallery of Malaysia has since its inception, been dedicated to collect, conserved and to display some of the best art works Malaysian artists have to offer. This role which it has played for 50 years cut across generations, gender, and ethnicity and throught its collections the National Art Gallery of Malaysia seeks to preserve and elevate both the integrity of Malaysian art as well as Malaysia's standing in the eyes of the world.

The steady increase of the sales of Malaysian artworks over the decades in a positive outgrowth. The purchase of works by local and foreign collectors in particular and a growing number of art lovers from emerging middle class with disposable income in general, signals that Malaysian art has indeed arrived and deserves the recognition bestowed upon it.

Therefore it is heartening to see the emergence of organisers of such prestigious event such as the International Art Expo Malaysia in taking bold steps to bringing some of Malaysia's best artworks to another level.

The immense success of the 1^st International Art Expo Malaysia 2007 held at Matrade, gamering participation from artists, galleries and art entrepreneurs from 18 countries is a clear indication that there is indeed appreciation and a growing demand for works of art from within and abroad. It helps to promote Malaysian arts to a world wide audience and positions Malaysia as a destination where interesting and exciting artworks of distinctive quality are created and made available.

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia applauds the earnest and colossal efforts of the organisers and extend our sincere wishes for the continued success of the 2^nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008.

Dr. Mohamed Najib bin Ahmad Dawa
Director of National Art Gallery Malaysia.

NOTHING gives me greater satisfaction and pleasure than to invite and welcome again participants for the 2^nd International Art Expo Malaysia (AEM) 2008 in Kuala Lumpur.

There may be satisfied repeat exhibitors, more than half of whom I have got positive feedbacks from last year. There will be new players, or reputable art entrepreneurs who are new to the increasingly affluent South-east Asian market. All in the pioneering spirit of creating new niche in art commerce, appreciation, promotions and networking.

The first International Art Expo Malaysia last year attracted more than 200 artists and galleries from 19 countries taking up 104 booths at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre. There were various activities planned like tribute pavilions for master artists, demonstrations and even a dailyguitar cum singing performance.

The countries which took part in the Art Expo Malaysia 2007 comprised Britain, China, Cuba, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Korea (South and 'North'), Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

The works were of an astonishingly high standard, representing some of the finest creative expressions and manifestations from East and West, and all pregnant with unique strokes and symbols.

This year's 2^nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008 promises to be a grander and hopefully more enjoyable event. It will again be held at the Matrade Exhibition and Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur from November 26 to November 30, 2008.

Already more artists and galleries from other countries have tentatively expressed interest this year, and we hope to have a wider, quality and diverse field. It is often a revelation to have works from some remoter or 'obscure' country to see, if at all, the different culturally underpinnings behind their works. There is so much we can learn from one another in this 'shrinking' globalised world.

Bringing the great contemporary expressions from all over the world to Kuala Lumpur will also help expose art lovers who are Malaysians or expatriates based in Malaysia or those passing by to keep up with trends and to collect art from eclectic, diverse sources.

It will also be a boost to tourism, especially the fledgling arts tourism which has been honed into an art by our neighbours Singapore and Bali in Indonesia.

Rest assured that every effort is being made and will be made to facilitate a stress-free congenial marketplace for art commerce and an informal forum for exchange of ideas and friendships.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank YAB Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi; the Minister of Tourism YB Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and the Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage YB Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim for their support.

Selamat Datang!

Sim Tiak Choo, Vincent (PJK)
Organising Chairman of 2^nd International Art Expo Malaysia 2008.