THE Penang government has rolled out a series of initiatives across Seberang Perai to strengthen public awareness of the state’s history, culture and soft power through collaborations with Think City, community groups and universities.
Replying on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the State Legislative Assembly, state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (PH–Paya Terubong) said Penang Global Tourism (PGT), the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and the state Heritage Commissioner’s Office have been jointly implementing strategic heritage and cultural programmes.
“The state, together with Think City, public institutions of higher learning and relevant agencies, has implemented a range of strategic initiatives to increase public awareness of Penang’s history, culture and soft power,” he said in response to an oral question from Lee Khai Loon (PH–Machang Bubuk) during the Penang Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Wong said Think City had produced new promotional materials, including the Sejarah dan Warisan Haji di Seberang Perai publication, the Guar Kepah tourism guide, the Permatang Tinggi Cultural Map and new tourism brochures for Seberang Perai.
“Seven promotional videos under the ‘Small Towns of Seberang Perai’ series were also released to introduce the history, communities and cultural identity of the area to international audiences,” he added.
He said MBSP continues to strengthen its cooperation with Think City through community development programmes aimed at improving the urban environment, enhancing public spaces and raising the quality of life for residents.
Key initiatives include the Seberang Perai Small Town Grants Programme (2024–2025), the Butterworth Art Walk, upgrades to Taman Pantai, the Bird Flyway Project in Sungai Tembus, and the establishment of the Presint Lebuh Kampung Benggali Integrated Community Hub, which houses the Butterworth Digital Library, a pocket park and a public swimming pool.
Wong said local communities were also given opportunities to undertake heritage- and culture-based community tourism projects through the Small Town Grants Programme to support grassroots economic activity.
“Our local arts practitioners continue to serve as cultural ambassadors through their participation in festivals such as the Butterworth Fringe Festival, Nibong Tebal Festival, Pesta Penang2030 and Hari Warisan Seberang Perai,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question from Lee on efforts to promote the creative economy in Seberang Perai, Wong said the sector was showing strong grassroots momentum.
He noted that the state has been working with Galeri Nordin Ahmad in Permatang Pasir, which has been active in organising arts and cultural programmes with support from various state agencies.
“Boria groups in Seberang Perai remain active and continue to receive recognition, including through short films that feature their performances,” he said.
He noted that silat groups in Seberang Perai had also been featured in short videos uploaded to social media.
“These short films have attracted global attention and demonstrate how cultural diversity strengthens Penang’s soft power,” he said.
Wong added that digital platforms have opened broader opportunities for local creators, and the state government, together with its agencies, will continue to collaborate to further develop the creative economy sector in Seberang Perai.
Story by Edmund Lee