THE Penang government is intensifying efforts to position the state as a regional hub for arts and culture through strategic investments in music programmes, international events and performance infrastructure, the State Legislative Assembly was told today.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (PH-Paya Terubong) said the state was adopting a comprehensive approach encompassing promotion, talent development, infrastructure upgrades and strategic collaborations to strengthen the music arts ecosystem in Penang.
“Various initiatives have been implemented to ensure music arts programmes receive extensive publicity and are able to attract local audiences as well as international tourists,” he said when replying to a question by Connie Tan (PH-Seri Delima) during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
Wong said the state government was also intensifying the organisation of large-scale festivals and events by integrating them into Penang’s annual events calendar to ensure consistent promotion throughout the year.
He said the state was encouraging collaborations with the private sector, music industry players and event organisers, including through the development of event-based tourism packages.
“As an example, the Penang government is proud to support the prestigious ‘A Homecoming in Penang with Vincent Ong’ programme, which featured internationally acclaimed Malaysian pianist Vincent Ong through masterclasses, dialogue sessions and piano performances.
“The programme not only inspires young local talents but also enhances Penang’s profile as a destination for high-quality music arts,” he said.
Wong added that Penang would also host the ASEAN International Youth Piano Competition from May 30 to June 1, with support from the Penang Global Tourism (PGT).
He said the event would provide a world-class platform for young regional talents while strengthening Penang’s position as a hub for arts, culture and international education.
On infrastructure, Wong said Dewan Sri Pinang was set for its first upgrading works in more than 50 years involving an allocation of RM52 million.
He said the upgrade would enhance the venue’s capability as a premier performance venue.
Wong added that venues such as Setia SPICE Convention Centre, PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena and Penang Waterfront Convention Centre were also capable of hosting large-scale music events with international-standard facilities.
He said the state had supported various music-related activities over the past two years, including the George Town String Festival, Penang Philharmonic, South East Asia Pipe Band Championship, Rondofest Music Festival, 988 Radio After Work Fest and My FM Big Show concert.
“The integrated efforts undertaken are expected to strengthen Penang’s music arts ecosystem, attract more visitors and position Penang as a dynamic and competitive arts and cultural hub at the regional and global levels,” he said.
During her supplementary question, Tan asked how the state government planned to further encourage youth and community participation in tourism and cultural events throughout Penang.
She also sought clarification on efforts to improve facilities and infrastructure at event venues to ensure visitors could enjoy performances and programmes in a more comfortable environment.
Story by Edmund Lee