The plum blossom and bamboo belong to a union called the Three Friends of Winter. While most plants fade during winter, these hardy plants survive amidst the frost and bitter cold. The evergreen bamboo represents an indomitable spirit as the plant survives in all kinds of conditions. Known for its ethereal beauty and fragrant scent, the plum blossom flowers during the cold winter months, and is an important symbol representing perseverance and hope. The theme of bamboo and plum blossom were a favourite among northern Song dynasty painters. Chung Cheng Sun founded Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) in 1967. He established the International Contemporary Ink Painting Association in 1982. He devoted his time here and worked tirelessly to modernise Chinese ink painting and to promote the development of Malaysian Chinese culture and facilitate international exchanges. A graduate from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Singapore, his works have been showcased in international exhibitions held in more than 20 countries. He is considered one of the world's 100 important Chinese artists and is also listed as being in the top 50 artists by the China National Academy of Fine Arts. His solo exhibition Background was held at Pinkguy gallery in 2018.