THE George Town Heritage Celebration 2026, commemorating the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008, has entered its 18th edition this year and is scheduled to take place from July 4 to 7, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow mentioned that the early years following the inscription were marked by significant challenges, particularly within the first five years, as authorities worked to establish a structured framework for conservation and urban management.
“During the early years, particularly within the first five years after the inscription, we faced numerous challenges,” he said.
However, he noted that sustained efforts over the years, including the introduction of legal provisions, stricter development planning controls, and active stakeholder participation, have significantly strengthened the governance of the World Heritage Site.
“We have strengthened the management of the site through various programmes and initiatives undertaken by Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI),” he said.
Chow added that the state has now established a more confident and structured management system, supported by a legal framework, including the Special Area Plan, for the heritage zone.
“We are increasingly confident in our role as managers of a World Heritage Site because we have put in place the necessary legal framework, including the Special Area Plan specifically for the heritage zone,” he said.
He also highlighted the coordinated role of key agencies, including Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the State Heritage Commissioner, and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), which oversees urban planning in the area.
“We also have a dedicated agency, Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated, serving as the site manager and working together with the State Heritage Commissioner and MBPP,” he said.
According to Chow, the success of heritage management has also been driven by strong community participation, involving not only residents within the heritage zone but also surrounding areas such as Balik Pulau and Seberang Perai.
“Most importantly, we have gained the support of residents, occupants and organisations within the World Heritage Site,” he said.
He added that federal support and international cooperation have further strengthened conservation efforts, including funding support that enabled the implementation of a World Bank-backed Climate Change Adaptation Project currently underway in the heritage zone.
“In recent years, we have also received various allocations from the Federal Government, enabling us to secure funding from the World Bank to implement the Climate Change Adaptation Project,” he said.
Chow concluded that the 18-year milestone reflects a maturing phase in heritage governance and called for continued collective responsibility in preserving the site.
“These 18 years signify the coming of age of both the site and the institution managing it,” he said, adding that the heritage site must be preserved.
Earlier, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee emphasised that this year’s celebration reflects a stronger spirit of collective participation, with its theme of ‘Kongsi Cerita’.
She highlighted that the programme has expanded significantly, growing from 34 participating committees and partners last year to 59 this year, showing a much wider community reach and deeper engagement across cultural groups.
“The celebration is designed to be more inclusive and interactive, with activities spread across George Town’s heritage streets. It will feature dozens of workshops, performances, and cultural demonstrations, encouraging families and visitors to experience heritage in a hands-on way,” she said.
She further mentioned that the Heritage City Walk will bring participants through historic streets and landmarks, allowing them to experience the city’s living heritage in a more personal way.
In addition, the Historic Building Open House programme will allow the public to explore selected heritage buildings, while the broader celebrations also include community-led activities and open invitations for public participation.
Also present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying’s representative.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat