Even extreme weather conditions couldn't stop Malaysian ice sculptor John Yong Chong Ming from achieving his dream. The 61-year-old braved the freezing temperatures of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to emerge victorious at the Mazaalai International Ice Sculpting Competition held from January 23 to 26.
Despite suffering frostbite on his ears, Yong remained committed to his craft. His intricate sculpture of a rhinoceros beetle impressed the judges, securing him the first prize. He triumphed over 27 skilled competitors from countries including the United States, Russia, China, and Mongolia, taking home RM10,400 (approximately 8 million Mongolian tugrik) in prize money.
Winning the competition marked a major milestone for Yong, who has spent over 35 years honing his skills as a chef artist.
"When they announced Malaysia as the winner, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I never expected to win, especially against such talented artists. The Mongolian sculptors had a natural advantage, working with ice regularly in their climate. I only had a single chainsaw, but I did my best, and I am proud to have represented my country," he said from his home in Taman Kosas, Ampang.
His winning sculpture, a rhinoceros beetle delicately perched on a sunflower with its horns cradling the sun, was completed in three and a half days. Yong dedicated eight hours daily to bring his vision to life, assisted by an art graduate from Ulaanbaatar.
What set Yong's work apart from other sculptures ranging from warriors to abstract designs was its complexity and structure. The challenge lay in ensuring balance, as the design required a small base to support a towering structure.
"The judges appreciated the detailed craftsmanship and the balance of the sculpture. Many artists created flat designs, but I focused on a 3D perspective, which helped me stand out," he explained.
Yong's journey in sculpting began in childhood, but his career took shape in the hotel industry, where he trained under skilled kitchen artists. Over the years, he has worked with various materials, including butter, marzipan, wood, and sand. Among his career highlights was collaborating with Junichi Nakamura, a world-renowned Japanese ice sculptor, in Berlin during the early 2000s.
Ice sculpting, according to Yong, is an art that demands precision and patience. "The ice must be flawless. If there are cracks, I request a new block. While some artists use printed templates, I prefer drawing grid lines directly onto the ice to guide my proportions. The process is meticulous, as ice can crack or shift at any moment."
Yet, its this ephemeral nature of ice sculpting that fascinates him. "It changes by the minute as it melts. With lighting, it takes on a whole new look. Even after its gone, you can always create something new," he said.
Yong has participated in numerous competitions across China, Russia, the United States, and Slovakia. His accolades include the Prime Ministers Golden Hand Trophy and the Most Outstanding Artist award at Culinaire Malaysia in 1993. In 2002, he led a team that created the Classical Dining Table, the largest ice sculpture in Malaysia, earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.
In 2023, he secured third place at the 3rd International Ice Festival Madrid. Looking ahead, Yong is preparing for an even bigger challenge representing Malaysia at the World Ice Carving Championship during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
For Yong, every sculpture is more than just frozen art, its a testament to his dedication and passion. "I may not have been great in academics, but God gave me the gift of working with my hands, and I will keep creating as long as I can."
Source: TheStar
