Insightful tour of prewar shophouses
THOSE keen to know more about pre-war historical shophouses should keep July 7 free for an opportunity to visit some shophouses that are usually not open to the public on normal days.
This rare opportunity to visit 10 such shophouses at the heritage enclave of George Town is organised in conjunction with the second anniversary of George Town being listed as the World Heritage City.
Organiser Tan Yeow Wooi, who owns a culture and heritage research studio, said the guided walking tour would start from two points - from Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) at Church Street that ends at Khoo Kongsi, and route B that starts from Khoo Kongsi and ends at the Kuan Yin Temple.
He said the tour would be conducted in English and Mandarin, adding that they would visit buildings located at Church Street, China Street, Armenian Street, Cannon Street and Chulia Lane among others.
“Among the buildings that we will visit are offices, residential homes, restaurants, museums and boutiques,” he said, adding that the tour was arranged for the people to appreciate the uniqueness of the shophouses.
Tan said people would also get to learn more about the basic architectural designs of the shophouses and their benefits.
“The future of George Town as a heritage city depends on the correct conservation of the traditional features of the shophouses,” he told a press conference at his studio on China Street in Penang on Wednesday.
He said the tour from 9am to 12.30pm would cost RM10 per person. There would be 20 people per group. The registration closes on July 5.
Those who join the tour would also be given a A4 size flyer on the typology of the shophouses.
For details, call Fidel Ho at 012-4565867 or email to fidelhoho@gmail.com.
Another interesting event to be held on the same day and July 10 is a 45-minute tour to the historical Protestant cemetery at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.
Penang Heritage Trust coordinator Lau Pei Ling said the tour would cost RM20 each, while for RM36, each participant would also get a limited edition set of six postcards of ‘Angles: Cemeteries in Penang’ by Sharon Cheah Ui-Hoon, a journalist with the Business Times Singapore.
For details, call PHT at 04-2642631 or The Gallery at 04-2643580. Closing date for registration is July 5.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Activities for youths at Batu Kawan
Host of activities for youths at Batu Kawan
IF you love motor sports, then head to the Batu Kawan Stadium on Saturday as a host of activities such as car drift demonstration and 4WD exhibition have been lined up for the public.
There will also be auto and audio shows as well as car boot sale in the Youth and Motor Sports Carnival held in conjunction with the National Youth Day 2010.
Penang Youth and Sports Department director Abd Jalil A. Rashid said those interested in motorbike racing can meet with former national racer M. Meganathan and rising star Elly Idzlianizar Ilias.
He said the organisers were hoping for a turnout of more than 10,000 people especially youths in the event from 7.30am to 5pm.
He said the carnival would kick off with a group run followed by group aerobic exercise and cycling events.
The carnival is organised by the department with the help of the Penang Youth Council and Penang Federal Development Department.
For details, call the sports department at 04-2616118.
-News courtesy of The Star-
IF you love motor sports, then head to the Batu Kawan Stadium on Saturday as a host of activities such as car drift demonstration and 4WD exhibition have been lined up for the public.
There will also be auto and audio shows as well as car boot sale in the Youth and Motor Sports Carnival held in conjunction with the National Youth Day 2010.
Penang Youth and Sports Department director Abd Jalil A. Rashid said those interested in motorbike racing can meet with former national racer M. Meganathan and rising star Elly Idzlianizar Ilias.
He said the organisers were hoping for a turnout of more than 10,000 people especially youths in the event from 7.30am to 5pm.
He said the carnival would kick off with a group run followed by group aerobic exercise and cycling events.
The carnival is organised by the department with the help of the Penang Youth Council and Penang Federal Development Department.
For details, call the sports department at 04-2616118.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Myriad plans to revive Komtar
Myriad plans to revive Komtar
THE Penang Government remains committed in its efforts to ensure Komtar regains its former glory and shine, said Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik.
He said they were currently looking into reorganising the taxi service in Komtar, adding facilities for the disabled, general upgrading works and sprucing up the area.
“Once everything is in place, we’re confident of attracting a lot of investors and synergise our business circles,” he said in his speech when closing the Komtar Carnival 2010 at Prangin Mall on Sunday night.
He also expressed his hope that the Komtar development project would be completed within the next 10 years.
Ng later gave out prizes to the winners of the carnival’s Penang Goes Green Photography Contest, Komtar Carnival Idol and Street Dance Competition.
Participants of the photography contest were required to capture snapshots pertaining to environmental issues, with shortlisted entries exhibited for public voting at the Popular Bookstore outlet.
Looi Hwa Min, Hwang Chiew Leng and Ricky Teoh grabbed the first, second and third prizes respectively, and took home Nikon cameras, Popular vouchers and cash.
Over in the Street Dance Competition, Metalloid, Bizarre Force and Soul of Junior grabbed the top three prizes, while Zuriana, Hong Yih Kwang and Azhar Mustaffa emerged triumphant in the Idol segment.
Prangin Mall complex manager Kimm Tang felt the 16-day carnival would go a long way in reviving the Komtar area.
“If these efforts are carried out with gusto, we can make this place exciting,” he said.
He also announced that the mall had completed the installation of 140 CCTVs to make it safer for shoppers, while exterior painting works would commence soon and scheduled to be completed by August in conjunction with the opening of the 1st Avenue Mall.
As part of Komtar’s rebranding exercise, they were also seeking public input for ideas, said Tang.
Those interested are required to think of one other word to go with ‘Komtar’, which aptly describes the whole area surrounding it.
Email your suggestions to kimmtang@prangin-mall.com. The best suggestion stands to win prizes worth RM4,000.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang Government remains committed in its efforts to ensure Komtar regains its former glory and shine, said Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik.
He said they were currently looking into reorganising the taxi service in Komtar, adding facilities for the disabled, general upgrading works and sprucing up the area.
“Once everything is in place, we’re confident of attracting a lot of investors and synergise our business circles,” he said in his speech when closing the Komtar Carnival 2010 at Prangin Mall on Sunday night.
He also expressed his hope that the Komtar development project would be completed within the next 10 years.
Ng later gave out prizes to the winners of the carnival’s Penang Goes Green Photography Contest, Komtar Carnival Idol and Street Dance Competition.
Participants of the photography contest were required to capture snapshots pertaining to environmental issues, with shortlisted entries exhibited for public voting at the Popular Bookstore outlet.
Looi Hwa Min, Hwang Chiew Leng and Ricky Teoh grabbed the first, second and third prizes respectively, and took home Nikon cameras, Popular vouchers and cash.
Over in the Street Dance Competition, Metalloid, Bizarre Force and Soul of Junior grabbed the top three prizes, while Zuriana, Hong Yih Kwang and Azhar Mustaffa emerged triumphant in the Idol segment.
Prangin Mall complex manager Kimm Tang felt the 16-day carnival would go a long way in reviving the Komtar area.
“If these efforts are carried out with gusto, we can make this place exciting,” he said.
He also announced that the mall had completed the installation of 140 CCTVs to make it safer for shoppers, while exterior painting works would commence soon and scheduled to be completed by August in conjunction with the opening of the 1st Avenue Mall.
As part of Komtar’s rebranding exercise, they were also seeking public input for ideas, said Tang.
Those interested are required to think of one other word to go with ‘Komtar’, which aptly describes the whole area surrounding it.
Email your suggestions to kimmtang@prangin-mall.com. The best suggestion stands to win prizes worth RM4,000.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Gold bazaar in the cards
Gold bazaar in the cards
THE Penang Government has plans to turn an open area, currently used as a pedestrian walkway along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, into a Gold and Jewellery Bazaar.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be called beginning July 1.
The proposal must be submitted by Oct 1.
Lim said the state government and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had identified a 0.4ha piece of land located next to Komtar for the project.
“The proposed site is situated along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong adjoining to the Prangin Mall.
“The area forms Phase IV of Komtar’s overall development,” he said.
He said the bazaar would comprise an iconic building that would house gold and jewellery traders ranging from anchor operators to kiosk operators.
Lim said the public space at the ground level would be utilised as an open area visible to vehicular traffic along the road.
He said the commercial units would be on the first level, and would be connected by escalators.
He added that the building would also have security features.
“The bid is open for both local and international companies, and participating companies must have a paid-up capital of a minimum of RM100,000,” he said.
Lim said the bazaar was part of the revitalisation process, adding that the surrounding property had also undergone facelifts to upgrade and preserve the heritage value of the area.
Forms for the proposal can be obtained at RM100 from PDC’s Property Division at Level 4, 1, Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru.
Enquiries can be forwarded to enquiry@pdc.gov.my.
Lim also said that to celebrate George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site, a unique showcase to highlight the local culture and heritage would be held between July 1 and July 31.
The month-long inaugural event called ‘George Town Festival 2010’ will be held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the city being bestowed with the title on July 7.
“The festival will feature over 80 programmes to promote arts and heritage in Penang, with 338 local and international artists performing,” said Lim.
“Among the highlights are the street celebration on July 7, street opera performance by Japanese soprano Ranko Kurano, mass band festival, design and modelling contest, sculptor island trail and photo exhibitions,” he said.
For more details go to www.georgetownfestival.com or contact the secretariat for details such as ticket sales for certain events at 04-2616605 or 016-4644211.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang Government has plans to turn an open area, currently used as a pedestrian walkway along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, into a Gold and Jewellery Bazaar.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be called beginning July 1.
The proposal must be submitted by Oct 1.
Lim said the state government and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had identified a 0.4ha piece of land located next to Komtar for the project.
“The proposed site is situated along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong adjoining to the Prangin Mall.
“The area forms Phase IV of Komtar’s overall development,” he said.
He said the bazaar would comprise an iconic building that would house gold and jewellery traders ranging from anchor operators to kiosk operators.
Lim said the public space at the ground level would be utilised as an open area visible to vehicular traffic along the road.
He said the commercial units would be on the first level, and would be connected by escalators.
He added that the building would also have security features.
“The bid is open for both local and international companies, and participating companies must have a paid-up capital of a minimum of RM100,000,” he said.
Lim said the bazaar was part of the revitalisation process, adding that the surrounding property had also undergone facelifts to upgrade and preserve the heritage value of the area.
Forms for the proposal can be obtained at RM100 from PDC’s Property Division at Level 4, 1, Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru.
Enquiries can be forwarded to enquiry@pdc.gov.my.
Lim also said that to celebrate George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site, a unique showcase to highlight the local culture and heritage would be held between July 1 and July 31.
The month-long inaugural event called ‘George Town Festival 2010’ will be held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the city being bestowed with the title on July 7.
“The festival will feature over 80 programmes to promote arts and heritage in Penang, with 338 local and international artists performing,” said Lim.
“Among the highlights are the street celebration on July 7, street opera performance by Japanese soprano Ranko Kurano, mass band festival, design and modelling contest, sculptor island trail and photo exhibitions,” he said.
For more details go to www.georgetownfestival.com or contact the secretariat for details such as ticket sales for certain events at 04-2616605 or 016-4644211.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Promoting Penang to folk in China
Promoting Penang to folk in China
IN a bid to promote Penang as a choice tourist destination, media and travel agents from Guangzhou, China, are visiting the island to meet with local agents and hoteliers.
The three-day discussion known as Mini Travel Mart started yesterday and included a tour of Penang to expose the guests to a slice of the culture.
State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said it was important for the guests to experience the multi-ethnic culture so that they would be able to promote Penang back home.
“China has a very big market. Therefore, it will benefit us if we are able to attract the people there to come here for holidays,” he said at a press conference held at G Hotel to greet the group from Guangzhou.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Southern China Airlines assistant general manager (Marketing) Zhang Dongsheng thanked the sponsors for making the trip possible.
“I believe that from this meeting, all the parties involved will be able to come up with better ways to improve Penang as a tourism attraction in China,” he said.
Also present was Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Pe- nang Chapter chairman Marco Battistotti, who is the general manager of G Hotel.
The sponsors for the event are G Hotel, Eastin Hotel, Equatorial Hotel, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Yung Huat Hung Travel and Tours, and Tong Yan Travel and Tours.
-News courtesy of The Star-
IN a bid to promote Penang as a choice tourist destination, media and travel agents from Guangzhou, China, are visiting the island to meet with local agents and hoteliers.
The three-day discussion known as Mini Travel Mart started yesterday and included a tour of Penang to expose the guests to a slice of the culture.
State Tourism Development and Culture Committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said it was important for the guests to experience the multi-ethnic culture so that they would be able to promote Penang back home.
“China has a very big market. Therefore, it will benefit us if we are able to attract the people there to come here for holidays,” he said at a press conference held at G Hotel to greet the group from Guangzhou.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Southern China Airlines assistant general manager (Marketing) Zhang Dongsheng thanked the sponsors for making the trip possible.
“I believe that from this meeting, all the parties involved will be able to come up with better ways to improve Penang as a tourism attraction in China,” he said.
Also present was Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Pe- nang Chapter chairman Marco Battistotti, who is the general manager of G Hotel.
The sponsors for the event are G Hotel, Eastin Hotel, Equatorial Hotel, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Yung Huat Hung Travel and Tours, and Tong Yan Travel and Tours.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Performances on bridge scrapped
Plan to allow performances on bridge scrapped
THE plan to allow street performances on the normally deserted Komtar overhead pedestrian bridge in George Town has been called off.
Penang Municipal Council’s Public Health and Licensing Standing Committee alternate chairman Tay Leong Seng said the plan had to be scrapped after much deliberation on its viability during a full council meeting last month.
“The walkway is too narrow. We do not want the place to be cramped and overcrowded,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“However, two places – Gurney Drive and Komtar Walk – have been identified as possible venues for such activities to be carried out. But everything is still at a premature stage.”
It was earlier reported that the bridge, built in the early 1990s at a cost of RM1mil, was set to come alive with street performances and kiosks selling Penang products and souvenirs pending a full council endorsement.
Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik had said that activities needed to be carried out on the bridge as a feng shui master had told him that Komtar would only come alive if the bridge was “recharged with vigour and vitality”.
Ng had said that street performers, who normally needed a permit from the council to perform in public places, would not need to obtain approval from the authorities to perform on the bridge or on its steps.
As for the kiosks, Tay said the council would be calling for a tender to set up eight of them on the bridge.
He added that the council’s tender board was in the midst of drafting out the working papers before uploading it to the council’s website.
“No food or drinks are allowed to be sold on the bridge.
“The operation hours are from 10am to 10pm,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE plan to allow street performances on the normally deserted Komtar overhead pedestrian bridge in George Town has been called off.
Penang Municipal Council’s Public Health and Licensing Standing Committee alternate chairman Tay Leong Seng said the plan had to be scrapped after much deliberation on its viability during a full council meeting last month.
“The walkway is too narrow. We do not want the place to be cramped and overcrowded,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“However, two places – Gurney Drive and Komtar Walk – have been identified as possible venues for such activities to be carried out. But everything is still at a premature stage.”
It was earlier reported that the bridge, built in the early 1990s at a cost of RM1mil, was set to come alive with street performances and kiosks selling Penang products and souvenirs pending a full council endorsement.
Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik had said that activities needed to be carried out on the bridge as a feng shui master had told him that Komtar would only come alive if the bridge was “recharged with vigour and vitality”.
Ng had said that street performers, who normally needed a permit from the council to perform in public places, would not need to obtain approval from the authorities to perform on the bridge or on its steps.
As for the kiosks, Tay said the council would be calling for a tender to set up eight of them on the bridge.
He added that the council’s tender board was in the midst of drafting out the working papers before uploading it to the council’s website.
“No food or drinks are allowed to be sold on the bridge.
“The operation hours are from 10am to 10pm,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Plan to build Hakka Museum
Plan to build Hakka Museum
THE Penang Khek Association will identify a suitable land in Balik Pulau to build a Hakka Heritage Museum.
Association president Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian said the association was looking for a piece of land measuring 1,858.06 sq m (20,000 sq ft) to build the museum.
Dr Cheah, who is also the Malaysian Federation of Hakka Associations’ deputy president, said the museum would be modelled after a traditional Hakka round house.
“We have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and I will be following up with him to see if it is possible for the state to grant us a piece of land in Balik Pulau for the purpose.
“The museum will feature different kinds of historical Hakka cultural treasures and the unique living style of the Hakka people,” he said in an interview.
He said the round house would have an eatery, a souvenir shop and an audio visual room for children.
Dr Cheah said Penangites could boast of a new tourist attraction in Balik Pulau if the state approved the project.
On the type of structure chosen for the museum, Dr Cheah said the round house was more commonly known by the people compared to the phoenix house and flat house ping fang.
He said there was historical evidence to prove the existence of Hakka settlement in Balik Pulau about 200 years ago.
“Although the Hakka community is not the largest native dialect group in Penang, it was the pioneer group to open up Penang island, with other dialect groups successfully migrating to Malaysia from south China,” he said.
Dr Cheah said the project, once completed, would be a tribute to the Hakka ancestors and their great achievements.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow when contacted said the state would hold further discussions with the association on the proposed project.
“We will have to look at the feasibility of the plan first,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang Khek Association will identify a suitable land in Balik Pulau to build a Hakka Heritage Museum.
Association president Datuk Dr Cheah See Kian said the association was looking for a piece of land measuring 1,858.06 sq m (20,000 sq ft) to build the museum.
Dr Cheah, who is also the Malaysian Federation of Hakka Associations’ deputy president, said the museum would be modelled after a traditional Hakka round house.
“We have submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and I will be following up with him to see if it is possible for the state to grant us a piece of land in Balik Pulau for the purpose.
“The museum will feature different kinds of historical Hakka cultural treasures and the unique living style of the Hakka people,” he said in an interview.
He said the round house would have an eatery, a souvenir shop and an audio visual room for children.
Dr Cheah said Penangites could boast of a new tourist attraction in Balik Pulau if the state approved the project.
On the type of structure chosen for the museum, Dr Cheah said the round house was more commonly known by the people compared to the phoenix house and flat house ping fang.
He said there was historical evidence to prove the existence of Hakka settlement in Balik Pulau about 200 years ago.
“Although the Hakka community is not the largest native dialect group in Penang, it was the pioneer group to open up Penang island, with other dialect groups successfully migrating to Malaysia from south China,” he said.
Dr Cheah said the project, once completed, would be a tribute to the Hakka ancestors and their great achievements.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow when contacted said the state would hold further discussions with the association on the proposed project.
“We will have to look at the feasibility of the plan first,” he said.
-News courtesy of The Star-
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