Latest news with #GTHC
The Star
08-07-2025
- The Star
Historical buildings, associations in Penang open their doors
Chow (second from left) joining children in a game of 'congkak'. PART of the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) were the George Town Heritage Walk and Historic Building Open House. The walk took place early on Sunday, the second day of the celebrations, and saw around 2,000 participants flagged off from Beach Street before they took a 5km stroll around the city. The route went past some of the city's most iconic landmarks including Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Goddess of Mercy Temple, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Komtar, Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park and Beach Street Central Fire Station. The Historic Building Open House was held on Monday to mark Heritage Day in Penang and had eight venues opening their doors to the public. Chow (second from left) joining children in a game of 'congkak'. A steady stream of visitors stopped by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) to learn about its heritage conservation efforts, before proceeding to the nearby Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh. Among them was Sarinande Mansor, who took the ferry from Seberang Jaya on Penang mainland for the event. 'Some of these buildings are not usually open to visitors, so it was a rare opportunity to visit, see their architecture and learn about their histories. 'The past can teach us a lot and I intend to visit all eight venues if time permits.' The other six were Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, Makam Dato Koyah, Nam Hooi Wooi Koon, St George's Church, Sun Wui Wui Koon and Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple. Participants being flagged off from Beach Street during the 5km George Town Heritage Walk as part of GTHC 2025. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said GTHC reflected the state government's desire for a community-driven approach to heritage conservation. 'Heritage is more than the preservation of buildings. It's about the people, memory, identity and shared purpose. 'Through storytelling, music, crafts, food and exhibitions, we've shown that George Town is not only a heritage site but a thriving, living heritage community. 'The people are the living bridge between the city's rich history and its bright future,' he said prior to touring the open houses together with other state leaders. Reflecting on another successful celebration, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said it had been a constant journey of growth. (GTWHI acts as site manager for George Town Unesco World Heritage Site). 'We focused on capacity building this year. We hope to better connect our world with visitors and build new narratives,' she said. 'We chose the theme 'Doors and Doorways' to reflect this transition. 'More than just entrances, doors served as passages to discover stories, aspirations and values that define the lifeway of communities in George Town. 'Big journeys start from small steps and I'm sure we're together on the right path as shared custodians of the city,' she said, expressing her gratitude to the 40 community partners and over 800 team members and volunteers.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Immersive display of culture in George Town
THE 17th edition of George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) in Penang brought to life the city's heritage. Themed 'Doors and Doorways' and held over three days from July 5 to 7, the events took visitors back in time to hear stories of bygone days and gain a better appreciation of Penang's living heritage. A crowd of 20,000 thronged its opening event, the Cultural Workshop, held in the heritage enclave last Saturday. It featured 23 interactive activities and six dance performances that highlighted different communities' traditions, practices, art forms, handicrafts, foodways, rituals and games. Visitors giving 'sepak takraw' a go at Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi. Cultural associations, heritage custodians, religious bodies and community members played the role of facilitators and storytellers. It allowed event-goers to live George Town as it was in days gone by and treasure the cultural tapestry that led to its Unesco World Heritage listing. Among those enjoying the occasion was Frenchwoman Laura Bertal, who was spotted learning joget from State Chinese (Penang) Association members. Bertal made the hop over from Singapore where she is studying and was randomly exploring the city when she heard music and decided to find out what it was. 'I love cultural events as it allows me to learn about a country's traditions and history. Visitors learning Hakka with the Penang Hakka Association. 'The women look beautiful in their traditional costumes and I was surprised how easy it is to get a hang of the steps,' she said. Spanish couple Nuria Ayala and Manuel Fernandez, also chose an opportune time to stop by Penang during their three-week-long vacation around Malaysia. They tried the Chinese rubbing art craft workshop hosted by Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple. Ayala said she enjoyed the interactive activities as it allowed them to take home hand-made craft as souvenirs. 'It made learning about tradition fun and engaging. We were really impressed by Penang's mix of cultures.' Penang residents Yeoh Han Lim and Poh Boon Yen brought their children Yubum and Yuying to the event so they could learn more about Malaysia's diverse communities. The family tried making pottery at a station run by Penang Hindu Association. Poh, who runs an e-commerce business, said such events were also a good opportunity to get children away from their screens and to make things with their hands. 'My son enjoyed it so much that he didn't want to stop until he completed sculpting his pot. 'At this event, we found unique aspects of different cultures all in one location,' Poh said. GTHC was first held in 2009 to mark the anniversary of the city's joint inscription with Melaka as a Unesco World Heritage site a year earlier. The annual event is organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI). The Penang Eurasian Association group, including Geraldine (in purple) teaching attendees steps of the Portuguese Dance at the Cheah Kongsi -- courtesy pic. Proud to share their culture Most of the Cultural Workshop stations were at Armenian Park, Armenian Street, Acheh Street and Cannon Street. Others were found in the compounds of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple and Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh. Members of the participating communities relished the opportunity to share elements of their culture with the masses. Penang Hindu Association vice-president Dr S. Balasubramaniam said they wanted to revive the popularity of time-honoured crafts like pottery that went back millennia. 'Clay pots have long been a part of family kitchens. 'Before the advent of refrigeration or modern metal containers, these were what people stored water or ingredients in. 'The pots keep things cool naturally, have no lead content and are safe to use,' he said. 'They are just as versatile and relevant for modern life.' Pottery was also celebrated at Gujarati Samaj Penang's booth, which allowed visitors to decorate their own earthen pots – known as matli – while delving into its cultural significance. Association president Daksha Shashikant said despite being a household item, the matli was often used as a decorative element during festivals. 'Women used to spend a lot of time decorating the matli. 'It was a communal activity that brought people together and it remains a cherished part of Gujarati culture,' Daksha said. Persatuan Warisan Dato Koyah secretary-general Adam Malik Shahul Hamid reminisced about the time when kite-flying used to be a favourite pastime among teenagers. 'It was an activity that united all races. Children from different neighbourhoods, without seeing each other, would send their kites up to meet in the skies. 'Some even engaged in 'kite fighting' where they would try to cut down each other's kites using the strings. 'Once one side succeeded, the race was on to claim the fallen kite as a prize. 'We hope modern generations will enjoy such outdoor activities again,' he said while overseeing a kite-making workshop. Many visitors took turns colouring 3m-long sheets of batik under the guidance of Warisan Balik Pulau volunteers. The sheets had wax outlines done by individuals with disabilities from the area, according to Air Putih Community-Based Rehabilitation Centre (PPDK) supervisor Nadirah Darus. 'Batik is deeply intertwined with the nation's cultural and artistic heritage. Its appeal is timeless. 'We've had visitors of various backgrounds adding their touches to pieces here. 'Finished sheets will be exhibited at next year's event, a testament to the handiwork of a whole community,' Nadirah said. At the Penang Hokkien Association youth section booth, crowds had fun learning the phonetics of Hokkien with the help of flash cards. Section chairman Yew Yung Shen said they wanted to make Hokkien appealing to younger generations of the Chinese community who were increasingly speaking Mandarin only. 'Some parties fear that Penang Hokkien will die out within several decades if usage continues to decline. 'It is important to revitalise the language because it has been part of Penang's history,' added Yew. Spectators turn dancers At Cheah Kongsi, a giant stage allowed spectators to join in the line-up of dances put on by various groups. This included the Portuguese dance by Penang Eurasian Association, whose president Peter Pedley said members were touched by the warm reception they received. Youngest among the eight-member group was Charlotte Eliza de Almeida who stole spectators' hearts with her graceful moves. 'I enjoyed dancing but was a little nervous,' she said. Also in the entourage was Peter's sister, Geraldine, who lives in Manchester, England, but was roped in to join the performance during her visit. 'The atmosphere was joyful and I'm delighted to have been a part of it,' said Geraldine. There was also a mahnora dance performance by Persatuan Masyarakat Siam Pulau Pinang and Bon Giri Renka: Bon Festival Love Song showcased by Malaysian-Japanese Society, while Penang Telugu Bidalu organisation performed the daathubhajana chirathalaata folk dance. Tualang, ronggeng and joget were rendered by a troupe from the Penang branch of the National Department for Culture and Arts, while bhangra numbers were put on by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia. Visitors also had the opportunity to try Nanyang Childhood Games like congkak, seven stones, sepak takraw and shuttlecock kicking. Community roots Among the other workshops were a Chingay parade by the Penang Chingay Association, a trishaw-themed giant board game by Luma and paper-cutting by Lum Yeong Tong Yap Temple. Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ayyappan Batu Uban Pulau Pinang highlighted the Sabarimala pilgrimage while Central Muslim Society celebrated the Kadayanallur Tenkasi community's roots in George Town through spice grinding. At the Malaysian-German Society booth, visitors made paper models of German-influenced buildings. Over at Badan Warisan Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, there was a heritage writing workshop. Tourists trying their hand at making pottery during an activity at the 17th edition of George Town Heritage Celebrations. The Penang Hakka Association acquainted visitors with basic words and phrases, while The Pink Hibiscus Club taught the visitors to make origami and floral decorations. Persatuan Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang spotlighted traditional clothing, with North Malaysia Malayali Samajam doing the same while sweetening the deal with delicacies. Penang Hidden Gems hosted a Nanyang coffee workshop, alongside Spice and Curry Production House which delved into the art of making briyani. Gabungan Persatuan India Muslim Pulau Pinang emphasised the significance of the community's cuisine, as did the Nattukottai Nagarathar Heritage Society.
The Star
05-07-2025
- The Star
Three-day George Town Heritage Celebrations kick off with cultural workshop
GEORGE TOWN: The three-day George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2025 in Penang kicked off with a cultural workshop on Saturday (July 5) evening. Held at Armenian Park, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi and along surrounding streets, it attracted a crowd of thousands. Featuring some two-dozen interactive activities, the workshop allowed locals and tourists alike to experience and learn about traditional art forms, games, handicraft, rituals, cuisines, dialects and more. There was also an interactive stage where various communities put on inviting dances that convinced many spectators to get up and join in the fun. Also present were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and other state and community leaders. The celebration continues on Sunday (July 6) with the George Town Heritage Walk flagging off from Beach Street at around 7am. Around 2,000 participants have signed up for the 5km early morning stroll whose route was designed to take in some of the city's most iconic sights and structures. On Monday (July 7) - which is Heritage Day and a public holiday in Penang - there will be Open Houses across eight heritage buildings from 9am to 5pm. They are the Kwangtung and Tengchow Association, Makam Dato Koyah, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, Nam Hooi Wooi Koon, St. George's Church Sun Wui Wui Koon, Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple and the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) building. This will give the public a rare opportunity to explore the structures and learn about their historical significance and preservation efforts. GTCH 2025 is themed Doors and Doorways in reference to the event serving as a gateway to the city's rich cultural tapestry, community legacies and lesser-known narratives. The celebrations started in 2009 in commemoration of George Town's Unesco World Heritage inscription alongside Melaka a year earlier (2008).
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: GTCO to list on London stock exchange, seeks $100mln for recapitalisation
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) is set to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange, having revealed plans to raise approximately $100 million through a fully marketed equity offering and transition from its current Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) structure. According to a disclosure sent to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Thursday, the offering commenced on July 2 and is expected to close on July 3, 2025. The admission of GTCO's ordinary shares to the London Stock Exchange is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on July 9, 2025. GTCO noted that, in line with this move, it has applied to cancel the listing of its GDRs on the FCA's Official List and the London Stock Exchange's Main Market. The company will instead list its ordinary shares directly on the LSE under the ticker symbol 'GTHC,' which will later be changed to 'GTCO' following the cancellation of the GDRs by July 31, 2025. The group explained that the offering would support the recapitalisation of its banking subsidiary, GTBank Nigeria, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria's new minimum capital requirement of ₦500 billion for international commercial banks. 'The net proceeds of this offering will be used primarily for the further recapitalisation of GTBank Nigeria and are intended to be deployed in accordance with GTCO's growth strategy,' the company stated. According to the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO, Segun Agbaje, the development marks a defining moment in the company's growth trajectory. 'This offering and transition to a full listing on the Official List of the FCA and to trading of the company's shares on the London Stock Exchange's main market for listed securities represents a pivotal moment in GTCO's growth story, reinforcing our position as a forward-thinking African financial services institution,' Agbaje said. He added, 'By enhancing our global visibility and access to capital, we are not just advancing our own ambitions but also unlocking transformative opportunities across the markets and customer segments we serve.' In July 2024, GTCO completed the first tranche of its capital raise, securing ₦209 billion. The current offering represents the second tranche aimed at meeting the CBN's March 2026 deadline. GTCO also disclosed that it delivered a profit after tax of ₦258 billion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 61 per cent year-on-year growth (excluding fair value gains), driven by strong core earnings. The bank's non-performing loan ratio improved to 4.5 per cent during the period under review, down from 5.2 per cent at the end of 2024.
The Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Keeping claypots simmering
IN an age of air-fryers and non-stick pans, the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) is bringing the spotlight back to a centuries-old cooking method while inviting the public to get their hands dirty in the process. At this year's George Town Heritage Celebration (GTHC), visitors can revisit the art of claypot making at PHA's booth, where traditional Indian pottery will be on display and in action. 'This is the 10th consecutive year that we are participating in the GTHC,' said PHA president Datuk P Murugiah. Among the activities at the booth is a live pottery workshop where visitors can try their hand at making claypots and walk away with a memorable experience. In addition, visitors can get creative by painting claypots under the guidance of experts. Traditional clay-crafted kitchenware will also be on display, alongside a photo booth to capture that perfect moment where heritage meets modernity. PHA's booth, themed 'Clay Festival: The Revival of Pottery Life', is not just about preserving a dying art but celebrating the health and lifestyle benefits of using earthenware. Claypot-making has been a part of Indian civilisation since the Indus Valley era, where earthen vessels were used for storing grain, cooking and religious rituals. The method involves using all-natural elements, such as earth, water, air and fire, and has been passed down through generations with only slight variations in shape, design and function. The claypot making workshop will be led by Reguraj Devaraj, 49, managing director of K Devaraja Pottery, a family business now in its fifth generation. Reguraj said his ancestors landed in Malaya in the 19th century. 'They came from India in search of good clay to make a living. Then, they started making claypots and holy items like ghee lamps. During colonisation, they moved and established their business here (in Malaya), which eventually grew into the company and a legacy we continue until today. 'Traditional Indian claypots, used since ancient times, offer many health benefits. They reduce oil in your food by absorbing the excess and help lower the risk of bacterial growth during cooking. It is also made without harmful chemicals such as lead. These pots are a safe, natural and healthy choice for everyday meals,' said Reguraj. While many Malaysians might recall claypots from their childhood kitchens, Reguraj said that first-time users today often come with questions and some curiosity. 'People familiar with Indian claypots love them for their health benefits and the rich, earthy taste they give food. New users may be hesitant, worried about breakage or unsure how to prepare the pot. But most end up enjoying it for the natural, authentic flavour it brings.' Pointing to a younger generation that may be more familiar with TikTok recipes than traditional cookware, Reguraj stressed the relevance of keeping the knowledge of making traditional claypots alive, as it is a valuable part of Indian culture. He lamented that while claypots were used daily by earlier generations, they have become a forgotten gem. And although today's users prefer non-stick convenience, they should still understand and appreciate the roots of their traditions. 'I am not saying they must use claypots daily, but they should value them and help keep this cultural identity alive.' During the George Town Heritage event, Reguraj and his team will demonstrate claypot-making from scratch using the authentic traditional and modern techniques. The booth will also include a display of clay kitchenware, claypot painting sessions and a photo corner. However, beneath the festive surface lies a strong message about preservation and authenticity, to safeguard the cultural and practical value of claypot-making. Curry pots. Reguraj also hopes to change mindsets through the event so that the claypot can be recognised as a 'rare cultural gem' that is appreciated and passed down to future generations. 'The authentic way of making claypots is important because adding modern patterns and methods can change the pot completely. It loses its original form, purpose and health benefits,' he said. Reguraj added that modern claypot production often uses harmful chemicals and uncertified processes to make them last longer, and that is not how it should be done. He pointed out that people nowadays want a pot that lasts forever to save money. However, that goes against the traditional practice. The passionate claypot maker also invites those interested in learning more to reach out at the booth to arrange a follow-up session. 'Expert guidance will be available to help you learn more,' he said. GTHC 2025 takes place tomorrow from 5pm to 10pm at the Kitchen on Jalan Kapitan Keling at the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
