“BEYOND Boundaries”, the theme of this year’s George Town Festival, reflects Penang’s commitment to embracing new ideas, strengthening partnerships and creating new opportunities through arts, culture and tourism.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the theme mirrors the state’s own journey of growth as he officially opened the 17th edition of the George Town Festival at Padang Kota Lama tonight.
He described the annual festival as one of Penang’s signature cultural events that not only showcases artistic excellence but also contributes significantly to tourism and the local economy.
“George Town Festival has become one of Penang’s most important cultural events. Every year, it brings people together through art, music, theatre, dance and culture. It also creates opportunities for local artists, businesses and communities,” he said.
Chow also thanked the organisers, artists, performers, sponsors, partners, volunteers and everyone working behind the scenes for making this year’s festival possible. He welcomed visitors from Penang, across Malaysia and abroad, expressing hope that they would enjoy both the festival and everything the state has to offer.
Highlighting the festival’s growing impact, Chow said last year’s edition attracted about 100,000 visitors, while this year’s festival is targeting 150,000 to 200,000.
He said every visitor contributes to the local economy by supporting hotels, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets, tour operators and other local businesses.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Chow said Penang remains committed to promoting high-value tourism rather than focusing solely on increasing visitor arrivals.
“Success is not measured only by the number of visitors. It is measured by how long they stay, how much they spend and how much local businesses benefit,” he said.
He added that Penang’s strong hospitality industry complements its position as Malaysia’s leading manufacturing and export state, making the state more attractive to investors, business travellers, international conferences, medical tourists, digital nomads and skilled professionals.
To sustain this momentum, Chow said the state government would continue improving connectivity, public transport, public spaces and tourism infrastructure while working closely with the private sector to enhance service standards, encourage innovation and create authentic Penang experiences.
“Our objective is simple. We want tourism to create quality jobs, support local businesses, attract investments and deliver long-term economic growth,” he said.
According to Chow, George Town Festival plays an important role in achieving these objectives by encouraging visitors to stay longer, explore more destinations and spend more throughout the local economy, benefiting artists, hotels, restaurants, retailers and small businesses.
Looking beyond Penang, Chow also called for a stronger national strategy to maximise the tourism benefits of major international events under Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
He cited the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at Sepang this October, as an opportunity to promote Malaysia as a whole rather than a single destination.
“Visitors who come for the race should also be encouraged to travel to Penang and other states. We want every major international event to create tourism spillovers that benefit the entire country. That is how we grow Malaysia’s tourism industry together,” he said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the festival is a time when the city comes alive with creativity, curiosity and a wonderful sense of anticipation.
“For the next nine days, George Town will once again become a place where stories are shared, ideas exchanged, and people from different backgrounds come together through the arts,” he said.
Wong said more than 40 programmes have been lined up across Penang from Aug 1 to 9.
He highlighted the festival’s collaborations with the Embassy of Spain in Malaysia, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang, as well as regional partners including the Ansan Street Arts Festival in South Korea and the Singapore Night Festival.
“These collaborations strengthen cultural exchange, encourage artistic dialogue and create new opportunities for artists and communities across Asia and beyond,” he said.
At the opening ceremony, Chow and other distinguished guests joined a large crowd in enjoying a series of performances, including dance, music and cultural showcases.
The stage programme opened with Sharing the Light by DUNDU, featuring a giant glowing puppet operated by five performers and accompanied by live music, including the kora, a traditional West African harp.
The performance will be repeated on Aug 2 at Padang Kota Lama at 6.30pm, 7.45pm and 9.30pm.
This was followed by a performance by award-winning Sarawakian artist Alena Murang, whose mastery of the sape and powerful vocals in the endangered Kenyah and Kelabit languages captivated the audience.
Accompanied by keyboardist Simmy Lor, she seamlessly blended indigenous musical traditions with contemporary sounds, helping preserve and share Sarawak’s living heritage.
A short distance from the main stage, festivalgoers were also captivated by a projection-mapping display on the facade of the historic Town Hall, where technology and creativity combined to bring stories to life.
The projection mapping displays will be shown nightly from 8pm to 11pm throughout the festival.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hui Peng, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran and his wife Datin Devika S. Thiagarajan, George Town World Heritage Incorporated general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, Festival director and TLM Event chief executive officer Jack Wong, and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) Corporate Affairs Department director Normaira Abdul Rahman.
For programme details, ticket purchases and festival updates, visit www.georgetownfestival.com or follow George Town Festival on Facebook (George Town Festival) and Instagram (@georgetownfestival).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Alissala Thian