THE Penang government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and elevating traditional performing arts following Malaysia and Singapore’s joint nomination of the Chingay Parade to Unesco for inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the joint application, submitted in March, reflects the shared commitment of both countries to safeguarding cultural practices that have been preserved across generations.
“This nomination is not only a recognition of the historical value of the Chingay Parade, but also an acknowledgement of the long-standing efforts by communities in both countries to protect and pass down this cultural heritage,” he said.
Chow was speaking at the 50th anniversary dinner of the Penang Chingay Association held at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang.
During the event, a 500-page book titled Movement, Heritage and Change in a Landscape of Cultural Symbols, authored by Paul Boey and Wang Lisong, was launched.
Chow described the association’s five-decade journey as a testament to perseverance, dedication and collective effort.
“The Chingay Parade require discipline, physical endurance, patience and, most importantly, strong teamwork built on trust.
“Every powerful and synchronised movement we see on stage is the result of countless hours of training, sacrifice and commitment,” he said.
According to Chow, early pioneers of the art forms faced limited resources and support, yet remained steadfast in ensuring the traditions survived.
“It is because of the selfless contributions of earlier generations, who worked tirelessly without expecting returns, that Penang today has a troupe that is mature, organised and highly respected,” he added.
He also highlighted the Chingay Parade as a symbol of Penang’s multicultural harmony.
“These performances are not merely cultural displays, but reflections of Penang’s inclusive society, where people from different backgrounds come together on the same streets to celebrate a shared heritage,” he said.
Chow said this cultural diversity is one of Penang’s greatest strengths and a key asset on the international stage.
“Cultural organisations not only preserve traditions but also nurture talent and provide direction in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
He assured that the state government will continue supporting cultural and performing arts groups within its capacity, enabling them to grow sustainably and reach wider audiences.
Chow also congratulated the association on its 50th anniversary and expressed hope that it would continue to thrive for generations to come.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the nomination as a milestone of great significance in the history of Chingay’s development.
“We are all keenly aware that reaching this stage of the Unesc nomination was not achieved overnight.
“The continued transmission and vitality of Chingay are the result of the selfless dedication of generations of pioneers, as well as the passion, perseverance and commitment of today’s Chingay community in carrying the torch forward,” he said.
Wong expressed his highest respect for past pioneers who devoted their efforts to the art form.
Penang Chinese Town Hall vice-chairman Datuk Teh Eng Hin also congratulated the Penang Chingay Association on its 50th anniversary and expressed hope that it would continue to shine in the years ahead.
Among those present were state Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, a representative of Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors Benji Ang and Lim Wei Lun.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian