Latest news with #GTHC2025
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- New Straits Times
George Town swings open 'Doors and Doorways' to celebrate 17 years as Unesco World Heritage Site
GEORGE TOWN: George Town is all set to throw open its doors — literally and figuratively — to mark its 17th anniversary as a Unesco World Heritage Site with the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2025, themed "Doors and Doorways". Organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the three-day festival from July 5 to 7 promises a colourful mix of cultural workshops, storytelling, historic tours and community participation, aimed at celebrating the living soul of one of Malaysia's most iconic heritage cities. "Seventeen is a bold age. It is a time of transformation, of becoming. "That is the spirit of this year's celebration — looking back at our journey and stepping confidently into new spaces of heritage storytelling," said GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee when unveiling the GTHC 2025 recently. The joint inscription of Melaka and George Town, the historic cities of the Straits of Malacca, as a Unesco World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008 was based on the Outstanding Universal Value of cultural diversity embodied and embedded in living heritage and built heritage. Melaka and George Town are remarkable examples of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West. The festival will open this Saturday with a Cultural Workshops Day featuring 29 hands-on sessions and live performances across George Town's heritage precincts. From 6pm to 10pm, visitors will have the chance to learn traditional crafts, explore Penang's multilingual culture and enjoy culinary demonstrations. An estimated 18,000 participants are expected. On Sunday, early risers can take part in the popular George Town Heritage Walk, a 5km family-friendly walk starting at 7am. The event, which anticipates 2,000 participants, offers an immersive experience through the city's heritage quarters. The celebration continues on Monday with the Historic Building Open Day, from 9am to 5pm. Eight historic buildings, including St George's Church, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh and Makam Dato Koyah, will open their doors to the public. Visitors can explore their storied halls and meet the people behind their preservation — all beneficiaries of GTWHI's Repair Incentives Programme. "These buildings are not just relics. They are anchors to our past and mirrors of our collective identity," said Ang. This year's theme, "Doors and Doorways", represents not just physical thresholds but also the intangible ones that connect stories, people and generations. "Behind every door in George Town lies a story waiting to be shared — about migration, craftsmanship, language, family or faith. "We want to deepen our community's capacity to tell these stories and ensure that heritage is experienced, not just seen," Ang said. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the GTHC 2025 as a symbol of cultural maturity. "Seventeen is an age where we start asking bold questions and finding new ways to express who we are. "This celebration is more than an event — it is a movement that lets our communities lead, tell their stories and keep heritage alive through innovation." Wong said the state government is committed to supporting cultural tourism as a driver of Penang's creative economy and international appeal. As the countdown begins, GTWHI is inviting all — families, students, visitors and long-time Penangites — to take part in this year's festival. "Whether you are attending a workshop, walking the streets or just listening to stories, you will be part of something meaningful. "Come open a door — you never know what you will find behind it," said Ang.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Opening doors to George Town's vibrant history
Honing in on heritage: (From right) Wong, Ang and representatives from organising partners announcing GTHC 2025 at the GTWHI office in Lebuh Acheh. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star GEORGE TOWN: The George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) returns with an expanded programme spanning three days this year. The event, to be held from July 5 to 7, will feature 23 cultural workshops, six interactive performances, a family-friendly walk and eight historic building open houses. It is organised by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) in collaboration with 39 community partners including cultural associations, religious bodies and heritage custodians. GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said GTHC 2025's theme of Doors and Doorways invites visitors to explore the deeper narratives and collective histories that define the city. 'More than just entrances, these doors will serve as passages to articulate the personal stories, aspirations and values that made George Town a World Heritage Site. 'The celebration also aims to deepen our community's storytelling capacities,' she told a press conference here yesterday. State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the doors in George Town as not just physical entrances, but emotional and cultural thresholds. 'They connect inside and outside, past and present, tradition and reinvention. They remind us of who we were, while pushing to ask – who are we becoming?' he continued. He said this question was particularly resonant as GTHC enters its 17th iteration – a number long seen as a symbolic, coming-of-age milestone. 'It's a time to ask fresh questions and seek innovative ways to connect with our heritage and ensure its relevance for generations to come. 'This shift towards storytelling reaffirms our commitment to nurturing community narratives and enhancing how Penang's heritage is communicated to both locals and global visitors. 'It's not just about preserving walls – but letting those walls speak,' he added. GTHC 2025's programme will begin with the Cultural Workshops on July 5. To be held around the heritage enclave from 6pm to 10pm, it is expected to draw 18,000 visitors. Offering immersive, hands-on experiences in traditional crafts, foodways and languages, it targets families seeking meaningful activities and tourists keen to learn about local cultural practices. 'GTHC 2025 will be a celebration for everyone from families to students, heritage lovers and curious explorers alike. 'Whether it's a craft you create at a workshop or a memory you share with loved ones, you will leave with something truly meaningful,' Ang noted.
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
George Town's heritage status safe, says Penang exco member
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (center), GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee (his right) and representatives from organising partners announcing GTHC 2025 at the GTWHI office in Lebuh Acheh. (June 11, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. GEORGE TOWN: The city's Unesco heritage status is not under threat, thanks to the legal frameworks and town planning policies the Penang state government had implemented since its listing. State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said this in response to questions by reporters in light of concerns from certain parties regarding gentrification and development. "The state heritage enactment and local council guidelines have ensured that heritage buildings are safeguarded. "We're now also moving beyond that into the area of intangible cultural heritage," he pointed out. Wong said the state was strict regarding projects and developments, particularly within the 109.38ha core heritage zone, which is roughly bordered by Carnarvon Street, Malay Street and Love Lane, and stretches to the waterfront. However, he said he had read about some issues with similar heritage buildings in Melaka. He called on authorities and stakeholders there to continue adhering to Unesco's heritage building guidelines to preserve the heritage status of both cities. Melaka and George Town were jointly inscribed together as a Unesco World Heritage Site in July 2008, so both cities must meet criteria to maintain their status. Just like in Penang, various groups and individuals in Melaka had also expressed concern that gentrification and commercial development would threaten the cities' joint listing. Wong said Penang's success in maintaining the outstanding universal values of George Town was due to the tireless efforts of various bodies such as George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), which was set up in 2010 to spearhead efforts in safeguarding, managing and promoting the city.
