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Historical buildings, associations in Penang open their doors
Historical buildings, associations in Penang open their doors

The Star

time08-07-2025

  • 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.

Immersive display of culture in George Town
Immersive display of culture in George Town

The Star

time08-07-2025

  • 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.

Three-day George Town Heritage Celebrations kick off with cultural workshop
Three-day George Town Heritage Celebrations kick off with cultural workshop

The Star

time05-07-2025

  • 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).

George Town swings open 'Doors and Doorways' to celebrate 17 years as Unesco World Heritage Site
George Town swings open 'Doors and Doorways' to celebrate 17 years as Unesco World Heritage Site

New Straits Times

time02-07-2025

  • 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.

Opening doors to George Town's vibrant history
Opening doors to George Town's vibrant history

The Star

time12-06-2025

  • 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.

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