PETACE to play pivotal role in local economy, says exco man

ARTS, culture and heritage are not merely for leisure purposes, but they should be able to stimulate local economy.

 

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said this during the soft launch of the new logo for his office – PETACE – at The One Academy today.

 

PETACE is the acronym for Penang state exco for Tourism and Creative Economy.

 

It was formerly known as PETACH (Penang state exco for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage).

 

The new logo carries many references from the previous logo, being that the two overlapping abstract forms in blue and yellow respectively representing the Penang island and Seberang Perai.

 

 

The new PETACE logo

 

Among the new elements to the logo is the three strokes for ‘E’, depicted in state colours which carry the three main pillars of Creative Economy namely Arts, Culture and Heritage for Penang.

 

Yeoh said Penang is the first state to introduce the ‘Creative Economy’ portfolio for the state executive council.

 

“Upon the restructuring of my portfolio, the elements of Arts, Culture, and Heritage have been put under the ‘Creative Economy’ which the state government sees as something significant.

 

“I believe that Arts, Culture and Heritage are not just meant for hobbies, but they should be the economic powerhouse for the state.

 

“It can contribute towards state Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and promote the establishment of more creative start-ups.

 

“This eventually creates more jobs, attracts new investments and nurtures local creative talents as well as empowers local community,’’ said Yeoh

 

Yeoh

 

Apart from that, Yeoh also urged all parties to give him support as PETACE strives to develop the creative economy and take it to greater heights.

 

“The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), International Council on Monument and Sites (ICOMOS) and the Heritage Alliance of UK recognised that ‘Creative Economy’ which evolved from the ‘Creative Industries’ has grown to become significant.

 

“The approach to preserve cultural heritage must evolve continuously with time and current technologies.

 

“Creative industries are one of the effective ways to preserve cultural heritage and to add value to heritage. London and Paris are one of the best examples pertaining to this.

 

“So, let us all strive together to make Penang a premier hub for tourism and creative economy in the region,’’ added Yeoh.

 

 

Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting