THE three-day International Symposium on Mazu Belief and Culture, hosted by Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico), concluded successfully at its premises in Jalan Scotland today.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim expressed her appreciation to all participants for sharing their knowledge and fostering friendship in a spirit of unity.
“Over these few days, we heard inspiring presentations from scholars from China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Canada, and Malaysia. Each of you reminded us that Mazu is not only a cultural heritage, but a living faith — one that continues to guide us with compassion, kindness, and courage,” she said in her closing remarks.
Lim also noted that as the world rapidly changes, young people live and think differently, highlighting the need to find new ways for them to connect with timeless values and cultural traditions.
Lim reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting efforts that preserve and promote cultural and religious diversity through:
- Policy support — by ensuring fair and transparent assistance to non-Islamic places of worship, including Mazu temples, under the eRIBI system.
- Digital transformation — helping temples record their history, go online, and reach young people more effectively.
- International exchange — working with scholars from China, Japan, Vietnam, and beyond, to make Penang a hub for Mazu cultural research and cooperation.
Also present were Paul Au, general manager of Harmonico, and Fabian Charles Graham, Associate of the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.
Pix by Lee Jia Ying