WORLD> Asia-Pacific
Malaysian Int'l Fireworks Competition to kick off
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-12 12:04

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian International Fireworks Competition (MIFC) will kick off in Putrajaya, the administrative center of Malaysia on Tuesday night, local media reported on Tuesday.

The night sky above the administrative capital will be set ablaze in bright colors dancing in rhythm to pulsating music, the New Straits Times said.

One of the national team members, Soo Kok Lian, 27, said it took them approximately three months to choreograph the pyro- musical synchronization to their satisfaction.

This year's competition would be hosted on a much grander scale compared to last year, said Official MIFC producer Global 2000 Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, Joe Ghazzal.

"Last year, we lined shells containing fireworks across a span of 100m, but this year, we would be lining the shells across a span of 250m.

"The sound system will be further enhanced enabling those standing even a kilometer away from the PICC to hear the music clearly," he said.

Ghazzal, who is also the chief judge of the 2008 MIFC, said the four participating countries would be judged based on five different aspects, including the choice and variety of colors, the originality of the display units and the correlation between fireworks and music.

Following Malaysia's display on Tuesday night, China will put on its show on Saturday, while Canada and Spain will light up the skies on August 20 and 24 respectively.

Last year's winner, Australia, will end the competition on August 29.

This event is officially organized and hosted by Malaysian Tourism Ministry.