JOHOR BARU: Preschooler R. Shavenran wants to give Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar a super bike model he helped make on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday today.

       In addition to the motorcycle, the five-year-old and his classmates also made a replica of the crown arch that was built in front of the Istana Bukit Serene here.

       Shavenran said he was excited to play a part in the arts and crafts project as he shares a similar interest in high-powered motorcycles as the Ruler.

       “I helped to paint the orange stripes on the motorcycle and also pasted some red stars on the crown model.

       “My mum and dad always drive past the big crown (arch) and now we have a mini one in my school,” he said at the preschool located in Taman Mount Austin here.

       Asked whether he knew what the arts and crafts project was for, Shavenran quickly raised his hand and said: “For the Sultan’s birthday, and I want to give the models to him as a present!”

       Six-year-old Emma Lydia Barnes, who studies at the same school, said she hopes to visit the crown arch soon after listening to Shavenran’s experience.

       “I will ask my parents to bring me there to see the real thing. It must be really pretty,” said Emma, who is from Britain.

       The preschool’s human resources manager Norhafira Mohd Din, who headed the project, said the crafts were made from recycled materials such as cardboard boxes and paper, in line with their green concept.

       The main purpose of the project was to give the little ones an early exposure to Johor’s history, she said.

       “About 12 kids were involved in the project and they were very excited as we turned a children’s bicycle into a super bike model.

       “In conjunction with Tuanku’s birthday, we wanted to show the kids his interests to let them see another side of him.

       “With the help of the teaching staff, it took about two weeks to prepare the materials and complete the project in time for Tuanku’s birthday celebration,” she said, adding the models would be displayed at the preschool for a month for the occasion where parents can view them too.

       Norhafira added that for last year’s celebration, the children painted Johor’s 10 district flags and decorated them with their painted palm prints.

       Sultan Ibrahim’s birthday is celebrated on March 23.