TWO of Penang’s most iconic landmarks — Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Fort Cornwallis — were honoured at the 9th ASEAN Records Gather of Achievers and the 3rd ASIA Records Gather of Achievers, held at The Top at Komtar today.
The Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve (PHBR) received dual recognition under the ASEAN Tourism Records and ASIA Tourism Records for being the oldest colonial hill station within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
First discovered and developed in 1788 as a colonial retreat, PHBR has undergone more than two centuries of transformation before being designated in 2021 under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. Today, it stands as a globally recognised model of harmonious integration between ecological conservation and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, Fort Cornwallis was recognised under the ASEAN Tourism Records as the oldest intact star bastion fort built by the British East India Company on the Malay Peninsula, spanning approximately 38,800 square metres.
Construction of the fort began in 1786, and it has since withstood the test of time, serving as a lasting testament to Penang’s early history and its evolving narrative.
The awards were presented by ASEAN Records & Asia Records executive director Eldrick Koh and managing director Gillian Ooi, in the presence of guest of honour and State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Industry Wong Hon Wai, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng and Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
Penang Hill Corporation (PHC) senior manager (Corporate Management Services Division) Shahril Nizam Cheah Abdullah, who received the award on behalf of PHBR, expressed gratitude for the recognition. Accompanying him was PHC marketing and customer service division manager Ng Kim Theng.
“This award means a great deal to both Penang Hill Corporation and Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve. It reflects a strong collaborative effort involving PHC, federal and state government agencies, and the local community. All this teamwork is part of the success recipe,” Shahril said.
Pierfront managing director Nigel Law, who has overseen Fort Cornwallis for the past 12 years, said the team was delighted with the recognition after years of preservation efforts.
“Restoration works are ongoing, with Phase One at the moat area already completed. Phase Two, covering works within the fort, is expected to be completed by July,” he said.
It was also a double celebration for Law, whose restaurant, Kota Dine & Coffee, received both ASEAN and ASIA Records. Operating within Fort Cornwallis for 11 years, it is recognised as the first halal-certified contemporary Nyonya restaurant within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The restaurant has also earned Michelin recognition for four consecutive years.
Hon Wai noted that the recognitions for PHBR and Fort Cornwallis — one representing ecological significance and the other historical depth — complement each other in showcasing the richness of Penang’s identity.
“Together, they represent invaluable cultural and natural assets that continue to define Penang’s place on the regional and global stage.
“Recognition matters, not merely as a mark of prestige, but as a tool for amplification.
“When a destination carries a verified record, it becomes a talking point, a reason to visit, return and share. It strengthens the narrative that positions Penang, and Malaysia, on the regional and global stage,” he said, while congratulating all award recipients.
He added that the achievements reflect the dynamism and resilience of businesses and individuals who continue to push boundaries, set new benchmarks and raise standards across ASEAN and Asia.
Koh said the 9th Gather of Achievers in Penang was organised to recognise excellence in heritage tourism, culinary achievements and corporate innovation, while Ooi added that the event aimed not only to present accolades but also to bring achievers together to inspire collaboration and growth beyond individual recognition.
The showcase also featured 50 Wira and Manja mascots, the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026, in Penang for the first time.
Other achievers recognised today included:
- Prof Master Chef Michael Ooi Beng Hock (Individual) — first chef to receive a royal certificate of appreciation from a Head of State for designing and preparing an official royal birthday cake, awarded by Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail (the 12th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia) on 5 June 2003 — ASEAN Records
- Creative Bliss — first precision metal manufacturing group for expanding from a single plant to six operational facilities within three years, supported by end-to-end engineering capabilities and a proprietary digital quality system — ASEAN Records & ASIA Records
- Elexer Holding Bhd — first lithium-ion battery brand with built-in USB-C charging and 365-day warranty across AA, AAA, 9V, and D sizes (rechargeable up to 1,000 times per cell; AA & AAA Dec 2024; 9V Dec 2025; D size April 2026) — ASEAN Records & ASIA Records
- H&H Health Care Group (LE AURA) — highest perfume sales across three variants by a single brand via brand-owned Live Commerce within 24 hours (5,493 bottles, RM514,526 revenue on 7 August 2024 via Facebook Live) — ASEAN Records & ASIA Records
- Newpages — most cumulative Google first-page keyword rankings by an AI-powered SEO provider (67,555,383 rankings from 2023 to April 2026); ONESYNC AI; 11,150+ SME clients since 2007; ISO 9001 & ISO 27001 certified) — ASEAN Records & ASIA Records
- Sintak Kee Foods — first manufacturer to use Omega-3 pork in traditional Fuzhou char siew pau with the most units sold in a single year (2,238,391 units sold in 2025) — ASEAN Records & ASIA Records
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan and courtesy of PETACE
