02-07-2025
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.
