With the collaboration of the Malaysian Poetry Research Association (MPRA) and the Ipoh City Poetry Association (ICPA), SGM Perak co-organised the "Poetry and Art Exhibition" at its culture centre from September 19 to 21, 2009. The Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Lee Chee Leong was invited to launch the opening ceremony.

As Datuk Lee Chee Leong was indisposed, he was represented by City Councilor, Datuk Chong Wei Meng. Among the distinguished guests present were the President of MPRA, Mr. Chen Liang Chong; the Deputy President of ICPA, Mr Tai Kim Yee and other association representatives.

SGM Perak Chairman Lai Soo Ha in his speech pointed out that art forms are to be enjoyed as they can bring calmness to the heart and cleanse the soul. SGM promotes art activities in order to nurture people’s life. MPRA President Chen in his speech stressed that poetry, literature and calligraphy form the cornerstone of Chinese culture and treasure. Such an exhibition would enrich the multi-cultural landscape of the country. He hoped that the exhibition could be held in other parts of Malaysia. People of other races should be invited to see the exhibition in order to realise the concept of 1Malaysia.

The three organisations had previously co-organised a number of cultural activities.