George Town celebrates 15 years of UNESCO status in July

To honour the 15th anniversary of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status, the highly anticipated George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) will take place in July.

Organized by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), this multicultural event is a testament to the city’s rich heritage and aims to promote local communities and their cultural practices.

Cultural workshops and community-led programs

On July 7, the GTHC will kick off with 20 cultural workshops held within the George Town heritage enclave. Participants can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Armenian Park, Lebuh Acheh Basketball Court, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, and Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple.

These workshops provide interactive and educational experiences, allowing visitors to learn about the traditions, performances, food, and crafts that define the cultural fabric of George Town.

In addition to the workshops, the GTHC 2023 will feature 18 community-led programs throughout the year. These programs allow organizers to showcase their unique events according to their own calendars and venue preferences.

By empowering the local community, the GTHC fosters a sense of pride and encourages the preservation and promotion of George Town’s distinct character.

Multicultural heritage and importance of George Town

George Town’s historical significance stems from over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. This unique blend of Asian and European influences has shaped the town’s tangible and intangible multicultural heritage.

The architectural and cultural townscape of George Town, representing the British era from the late 18th century, is a testament to this rich history.

State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture, Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin emphasized the importance of community-based initiatives like the GTHC in celebrating and appreciating the diverse cultural identities of Penang.

The state government is committed to supporting and working alongside the local communities, fostering sustainable cultural heritage safeguarding that is driven by the people themselves.

As the George Town Heritage Celebrations approach, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee encourages more youths to participate as volunteers. The GTHC not only offers an opportunity to celebrate cultural continuity but also promotes heritage education and helps youth connect with their cultural identity.

Alongside the GTHC, the George Town Discovery Walk on July 7 and the George Town Festival from July 15 to 30 will provide additional avenues to explore and celebrate the city’s heritage. Attendees can also participate in the heritage interactive game called WarisHunt on July 9, offering a fun and engaging experience to learn about George Town’s history.

Those who are interested can contact the hotline at 011-1625 9606 or register via this form.

For more information on GTHC 2023, please visit the website or follow Facebook George Town Heritage Celebrations Facebook page at or follow on Instagram.

Source: Buletin Mutiara