NIBONG Tebal has been selected as the focus of a cultural and community revitalisation project under the Think City grant programme, aiming at breathing new life into small towns across Seberang Perai.
Programme coordinator Amanda Chin said the decision to focus on Nibong Tebal was made after extensive ground research and community consultations in both the north and south Seberang Perai districts (SPU and SPS).
The project, she explained, seeks to uncover and celebrate the area’s cultural and historical assets, particularly in communities that have traditionally received less attention.
“Many people associate Nibong Tebal with just being a small town, but it has a lot of untapped cultural and culinary value. Places like Sungai Acheh, Sungai Udang, and Sungai Bakau each have their own unique identities and stories,” Chin said.
She noted that while towns in Seberang Perai already have some visibility and ongoing initiatives, Nibong Tebal remains relatively underappreciated despite its rich food culture, Teochew heritage, and history as a former rubber plantation hub.
“This project can be a platform to reconnect the local communities and foster appreciation for their shared heritage,” she added.
Having grown up in Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah, Chin said she was personally inspired by how much warmth and hospitality she experienced during her time in Nibong Tebal.
“Unlike George Town, where many people no longer live in the core heritage zone, in Nibong Tebal, locals welcomed us, brought us to their favourite eateries, and shared their stories,” she said.
Launched in November last year, the project began with research, field visits, and literature reviews. Since January this year, two community dialogue sessions have been held, where residents were invited to give feedback on the guidebook’s content, language, and visual design.
“We worked with researchers, and local stakeholders such as Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and the Nibong Tebal Tourism Association.
“It was important for us to build trust and ensure everyone’s voice was respected,” Chin said.
The eight-month project culminated in the recent Nibong Tebal Festival, aimed at boosting local pride and attracting more visitors to the town.
“This initiative was not just about beautifying the town but it’s about telling stories that belong to the people,” Chin said.
Titled ‘Discovering the Treasures of Nibong Tebal,’ this initiative is jointly led by Think City and the community arts education organisation Arts-ED.
Arts-ED senior manager Chen Yoke Pin explained that the spirit of this initiative is not about tourism development, but rather about a sense of “cultural awakening.”
She cited the example of Balik Pulau, where Arts-ED launched a community education project in 2008. Over time, the area gained visibility and eventually became a popular eco-tourism destination.
“We chose Nibong Tebal because we were looking for lesser-known places that still hold significant value,” she said.
To reflect the town’s multicultural identity, all promotional materials were presented in three languages, with banners displayed at four prominent landmarks, including food courts, supermarkets, and bus stops.
“We wanted residents to feel our sincerity in visible ways. Some didn’t quite understand at first, so we set up a timeline and showcased the entire process and outcomes during the ‘Nibong Tebal Festival.’ We invited them to take part and share their thoughts.”
Looking ahead, she emphasised that “the main characters of the project should be the community, not outsiders.”
“We are merely facilitators,” said Chen.
“As long as the community is willing, they can continue telling their own stories. They don’t have to rely on us.”
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting