THE Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Fu De Ci Temple in King Street received praises from the state government today for winning the 2021 Unesco Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended the latest achievement by the temple and said it was a well-deserved accolade.
He acknowledged the dedication and commitment by the committee members in preserving the 211-year-old building.
The announcement was made by the Unesco Bangkok (office) earlier today.
“On behalf of the state government, I would like to thank the temple for this achievement and for the restoration project that played a key role in setting new standards in heritage conservation.
“After Suffolk House had won the same award back in 2008, it is indeed a pleasure to witness another historic building with tremendous history win this Unesco-based award again.
“As one of the nine award-winning projects selected from six countries across the Asia Pacific region, this is an outstanding achievement for the temple.
“The award, regarded as one of the prestigious Unesco-based listings, found its way to the Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple based on three important areas, namely understanding of the place, technical accomplishments, as well as sustainability and impact.
“The restoration of the temple commenced in August 2017 and was completed in December 2019, costing about RM3 million.
“The temple was successfully restored from a dilapidated condition to its current glory,” said Chow during a brief virtual press conference from the State Legislative Assembly building in Light Street today.
It was also joined by several key committee members from the temple.
Chow also took the opportunity to thank the late Tan Yeow Wooi, the former heritage conservator for the restoration project.
“It was his vision, exceptional dedication and contribution in supervising and overseeing the project that led to this success,” Chow added.
The Unesco Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation was established in year 2000 to recognise the excellent achievements, successful conservation and restoration projects of heritage buildings, and properties in the region by the private sector or through public-private initiatives
Separately, the temple had received the George Town World Heritage Incorporated Heritage Recognition and Awards (2020) in the category of Conservation, Enhancement and Adaptation, as announced in April this year.
Among those present during the press conference were temple chairman Datuk Lio Chee Yeong, president Foo Yen Chow, internal auditor Oh Chee Beng, director Chia It Leong and George Town World Heritage Incorporated general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.
Chow and his entourage visited the temple this evening after attending the State Legislative Assembly.
Arrived at about 5.30pm, Chow, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and Dr Ang were greeted by the temple committee.
They were ushered into the temple and they spent about 30 minutes understanding the architecture of the historic building.
Lio was seen briefing Chow and his team on the restoration works that had been carried out.
He also explained the effort of preserving the building.
Story by Kevin Vimal and Edmund Lee
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan and Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting and Alissala Thian