THIS year marks the 17th anniversary of George Town’s prestigious inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To commemorate the occasion, the much-anticipated George Town Heritage Celebration (GTHC) will take place on July 5, 6, and 7.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee announced that the theme for the GTHC 2025 is ‘Doors and Doorways’, a concept that aptly captures the city’s current transitional phase.
“More than just entrances, doors serve as passages into the stories, aspirations, and values that shape the lifeways of George Town’s diverse communities,” Ang said during a press conference held at the GTWHI building in Lebuh Acheh today.
Ang shared that a new element in this year’s celebration is the ‘Historic Building Open House’, which will take place on July 7 from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entrance is free.
“During this activity, a total of seven Category I heritage buildings and one Category II heritage building within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site will open their doors to visitors.
“This will offer visitors a closer look at these remarkable establishments and a chance to meet the people dedicated to preserving them. Better understand the heritage values to protect and preserve the built environment and cultural landscape, progressing towards sustainable development of the city.
“All these buildings benefited from the repair incentives granted by the Federal Government, and through this, we can share our restoration experience with the public, and where they can also give us feedback regarding it,” Ang added.
The buildings that benefited from the Repair Incentives Programme are: GTWHI building , Kwangtung & Tengchow Association, Makam Dato Koyah, Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh, Nam Hooi Wooi Koon, St. George’s Church, Sun Wui Wui Koon, and Thai Pak Koong (Ng Suk) Temple.
Meanwhile, the state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Wong Hon Wai said that since the UNESCO inscription in 2008, the state government has implemented various measures to safeguard the heritage site in George Town.
“Various initiatives have been taken to protect the heritage buildings in George Town. Among them are the heritage enactment approved by the state and the council’s building guidelines. As such, the heritage buildings are not under any threat. Now, we are moving beyond that by focusing on the preservation of the intangible heritage.
“Apart from that, this is a joint inscription with Melaka, and they also have to adhere to similar building guidelines,” he added while responding to a question from a reporter.
Other programmes include the Cultural Workshops, which will be held on July 5 from 6pm to 10pm, organised by 29 partners and expected to draw 18,000 participants.
On July 6, the George Town Heritage Walk will take place from 7am to 10am. The registration fee is RM36, and the event is expected to attract 2,000 participants.
For more information on GTHC please follow GTHC’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1FFYBx2DH7/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
Posters below in English, Malay, Tamil and Chinese languages contain the event details :-
Below is a group picture of the dignitaries present,along with the representatives of the participating organisations :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud