The most beautiful house in Penang is located in Jesselton.
The house has been around for many many years and up till today… it still looks as beautiful and well-kept as it was when it was first built.
That house belongs to successful businessman Tan Sri Fumihiko Konishi who owns Texchem Berhad which also happens to own companies like Sushi King (Yes… he’s the franchiser of Sushi King… NOT the Franchisee).
It’s inspiring to hear of success stories like that.
The story goes that Tan Sri came to Penang many many years ago and fell in love with the place.
He then decided to stay and build his empire and build his empire he did!
Now every once in his lifetime, a poor Penang boy will have a chance to taste the life of the rich and famous and last weekend… that boy was me.
Through a friend, I was invited to a big garden party at Tan Sri’s house.
A house that I’ve been so used to seeing from outside the gates.
I arrived in the evening of the Garden Party to find a whole lot of cars parked at the side of the road outside the house.
Ashamed of my tiny car, I parked somewhere far far away and walked towards the front gate praying that the guards won’t change their mind and send me away in the last minute.
Just as I reached the front gate… it OPENED FOR ME.
Note: This pic of the gate opening was taken earlier in the day before the party started
I was on a natural high as I walked into the beautiful compound which was filled with cars of the guests of the party.
When I reached the back where the Garden Party was being, a beautiful woman greeted me and took me to my seat.
Many of the seats were empty when I arrived but were quick to fill up.
The party started with an opening speech by a refreshing and inspiring speech by Tan Sri.
After his speech, an entire orchestra played music in the background while the rest of us guests rushed to get our food (ladies went first but the men joined the queue shortly after).
The place was packed, there must’ve been over 500 people there.
So pack that you would imagine a garden party like this in Malaysian weather would feel like we’re all packed into a microwave… but this party had many of these outdoor air-conditioners to keep everyone as cool as they could get.
It turned out to be quite a fun party
In the end, the guests (which were mostly business associates and golfers) got together with the Tan Sri to dance the night away.
Ahh… I went home that night… sober (even though wine was served).
But I managed to take a few last pictures of the beautiful house before I left that night.
Ahhh… the life of the rich and famous… something I’m sure many of us hope to be a part of some day.
Timothy Tiah – Co-Founder of Colony, Kuala Lumpur Co-Working Space
