Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta 2.0 celebrates it’s rich legacy

The Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta 2.0 came to an exciting conclusion with the award ceremony held at GSC Gurney Plaza. Eighteen talented winners from all four categories were recognized for their outstanding contributions to capturing the essence of Penang’s historical heritage through photography and videography.

Jointly organized by PPB Group Berhad and PPB Properties, SONY Malaysia, and the George Town Festival, with GSC as the official venue sponsor, this year’s campaign was a celebration of Penang’s rich historical legacy and traditional craftsmanship. The theme focused on showcasing the captivating beauty of George Town’s heritage buildings while paying homage to the skilled artisans who have contributed to the community’s cultural expressions.

Throughout the course of the Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta, which ran from 8 April to 16 July 2023, participants engaged in workshops to enhance their photography and videography skills. The campaign consisted of a competition and a photography exhibition, aiming to foster appreciation for Penang’s architectural treasures and artistic heritage.

“I am proud to witness the remarkable photographs submitted by the participants. As a fellow Penangite, I am glad to see that the photos and videos of the competition entries not only feature the historic architectural landmarks of George Town, Penang but also vividly capture the vibrant traditions, cultural expressions, and invaluable traditional craftsmanship that define our community,” expressed Low Eng Hooi, CEO of PPB Properties.

A tribute to Penang’s skilled artisans

The competition presented a heightened challenge this year, requiring participants to submit both digital and printed photographs, with video categories limited to a maximum of 90 seconds. The submissions displayed an incredible array of artistic expression and technical prowess, showcasing the participants’ passion for preserving and celebrating the city’s heritage.

The top 50 finalist photographs and 30 photographs from the George Town Festival’s Moments photobook, contributed by seasoned photographers, were exhibited at The Whiteaways Arcade from 1 to 16 July 2023. This public exhibition provided a platform for the community to admire the stunning visual narratives that emerged from the competition.

The pinnacle of the event was the live screening of all the finalist videos and photographs on a cinema screen, culminating in the announcement of the winners and a short but heartfelt awards presentation ceremony. The winners were rewarded with prizes totaling RM22,000, including the grand prize of a SONY digital mirrorless camera valued at RM3,500.

With 600 participants engaged throughout the campaign, the Penang Heritage Photography Fiesta 2.0 proved to be a resounding success, promoting a deeper connection between the community and its invaluable historical heritage. Through the art of photography and videography, participants immortalized the beauty and cultural significance of George Town, ensuring that its legacy remains alive for generations to come.