Calligraphy veteran bows out after 30 years

KOTA KINABALU: Chinese calligraphy artist N. Poolohgasingam is a familiar face at events in the city, especially during Chinese New Year.

For decades, the man known as "Huang Poh Lo", has drawn Malaysians and tourists alike with his calligraphy, charming and entertaining them with his talent and bubbly personality.

"I want to make my customers happy through performance calligraphy. I've performed at hotels and banks, bringing joy to people.

"It's both an achievement and a contribution to society and art. Seeing repeat customers and their satisfaction is incredibly rewarding.

"I believe I have earned a reputation. One of my clients told me his child, who was 10 years old when he first watched me doing calligraphy, is now in his 40s."

However, the former businessman said this year's Chinese New Year would be his last public appearance after 30 years of calligraphy.

Poolohgasingam's dedication to calligraphy stems from his passion for cultural expression, but the past few years have been especially difficult.

While performing live calligraphy at a shopping mall last year, he suffered a minor stroke — a setback that followed previous health challenges, including complications from melioidosis and fall injuries.

These incidents forced him to reconsider the physical demands of public performances.

As a result, Poolohgasingam has shifted his focus to selling his artwork online.

This move, he says, allows him to continue sharing his art and earning a living while prioritising his health and wellbeing.

"I've had to learn this as I grow older. It's all about branding — building a name that resonates with people. A good artist, like a good dancer, needs to adapt and refine their craft to stay relevant," he said.

Reflecting on his 30-year journey, Poolohgasingam said he regretted not learning calligraphy from a proper teacher.

"I started on my own, without a teacher to guide me. That was my biggest mistake. When you're self-taught, you don't always understand the methodology — the stages of learning, one step at a time.

"If you criticise yourself too much or try to fix mistakes without proper guidance, it can feel like boxing... you might break yourself rather than improve.

"Learning the basics is crucial. Without it, you develop strokes that are hard to unlearn. Good teachers show you the right way, and the right way is the path to good learning," he said.