Delicate, vibrant blossoms contrast with the ancient, gnarling tree branches spreading to the edge of the painting. Blooming in the cold winter months, the plum blossom is a symbol of perseverance and fortitude in traditional China. One of the four noble 'gentlemen' plants, the plum blossom is a classic theme in traditional ink painting. In the inscription he wrote: “Do not dislike the elderly man’s state, do not laugh at the lady whose lipstick applied is not red enough, it is full of the feel of spring (and breeze), in fact only look out for great things.” Cheng’s elegant poetic inscriptions in Xing Cao script enhanced the aesthetic value of the artwork, providing insight to the artist’s ideas and mood. In 1981, the artist embarked on a tour around the globe — Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Island nations, Central and Southern America, the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, lndia, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines and other countries. Cheng took photographs and with keen observation, he made a number of sketches from photo and memory, capturing the divergent cultures, landscapes, flora and fauna. A master of the Lingnan school in Malaysia where he was under personal tutelage of Professor Zhao Shao-ang, the renowned master of Lingnan School, China; other mentors include Reverend Chuk Mor and Taiwanese professor Liang Han Cao. Cheng pursued degree in Diplomacy and studied calligraphy in Taiwan. His solo exhibition includes The Art World of Cheng Haw Chien, National Art Gallery Malaysia (2010), and at the prestigious Huizhou Museum, Guangzhou, China (2018).