PENANG’S cultural landscape is set for a boost in terms of its art, education and tourism aspects, with the opening of the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery at The Light Waterfront, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Speaking at the launch of the renowned art gallery today, Chow said the new gallery strengthens Penang’s position as a creative and cultural centre.
“This gallery is not just another cultural facility. It reflects Penang’s spirit of creativity, progress and inclusion,” he said.
Chow congratulated gallery founder Prof Lin Xiang Xiong and all parties involved in setting up the space.
He said Penang has long been known for its vibrant arts, cultural and heritage scene.
“From street art to heritage buildings, the work and creativity of our people shape Penang’s identity,” he said.
Chow noted that the gallery supports the Penang2030 vision, especially in areas involving human development, the creative economy and community wellbeing.
“It will become a meeting point for art, education and tourism, helping strengthen Penang as a world-class cultural and heritage destination,” he said.
Chow also emphasised that art plays an important role in connecting communities.
“Art is not only about beauty. It helps us understand one another, across generations and cultures,” he said, adding that the Malaysia Madani concept also highlights inclusion and compassion.
Chow noted that the 2026 Federal Budget, which emphasises creative industries and tourism incentives such as the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia tax relief, will further support states like Penang.
“Even though Penang is small, our talent and ideas reach far. This gallery shows Penang can serve as a cultural bridge to the world and create opportunities for knowledge exchange and global cooperation,” he said.
He also welcomed Prof Lin’s message of “art for peace”, adding that this will help to strengthen Penang’s cultural landscape on the international stage.
“I hope this gallery will inspire young people, support art education and further drive the goals of Penang2030 and Malaysia Madani,” he said.
The launch was attended by the guest of honour Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Utama Ramli Ngah Talib, alongside Penang State Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, former Chief Ministers Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Lim Guan Eng; Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, state executive councillors, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, state assemblymen, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and consuls general in Penang.
Other distinguished guests during the reception were Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, together with his wife Neo Yok Tee.
As one of the region’s most ambitious privately founded cultural projects, the Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery is set to host international symposiums, artist residencies, and educational programmes.
Beyond serving as an exhibition space, it will act as a cultural think tank, nurturing partnerships with art institutions, universities, and peace organisations around the world.
Earlier, Prof Lin, founder of the gallery, expressed that the project was not only an artistic pursuit, but also a reflection of Malaysia’s values in an increasingly divided world.
“At a time when differences dominate global narratives, Malaysia has chosen to respond with creativity and compassion. This gallery is not only a tribute to art but a commitment to dialogue, and a reminder that peace is built through understanding,” he said.
Attended by business and government leaders, artists as well as representatives from the arts and academic sectors, the opening ceremony highlighted Penang’s emergence as an international cultural destination.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan