GOOD food and entertaining music are perfectly set for a vibrant Eurasian Heritage Fiesta at the St Xavier’s Institution in Farquhar Street.
The fiesta, which had the Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow as its guest of honour, kicked off this afternoon and is scheduled to end at midnight.
It is held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Penang Eurasian Association (PEA) which was founded in 1919.
“Thank you for the commitment to continue with the legacy of the forefathers who founded the association in order to look after the interest of the Eurasian community,” said Chow in his speech at the fiesta.
“Malaysia is a melting pot of various cultures, ethnicities, religious practices, food, arts and so on.
“That is why I have entrusted George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee and her team together with the various communities in Penang with the responsibility of setting a good example to the rest of Malaysia.
“Penang can celebrate the diversity and enjoy each other’s culture.
“This is definitely an asset and a strength for Penang and not otherwise.
“So, let us enrich each other with our heritage and blend in with each other’s culture,” added Chow
The president of PEA, Mavis Baptist stated that the Eurasian community would give its full support to the efforts undertaken by the state government in preserving the cultural and heritage of the Penang Eurasians.
“Although we are a small community in Penang, the recognition that we have received so far from the state government is immeasurable.
“Hence, we (Penang Eurasians) in return are committed to contributing and supporting the ongoing efforts of the state government to promote and preserve our culture and heritage through GTWHI.
“Also, at a same time promote peace, unity, harmony for a better future for everyone,” she said.
Also present were state Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry Penang office director Jonathan Freddy P. Bagang, assemblymen Chris Lee (Pulau Tikus) and Daniel Gooi (Pengkalan Kota), and organising chairman Datuk Aloysius Gasper.
Three days ago, (Aug 14) hundreds of Eurasians alongside with Chow and Jagdeep took part in the Feast of Assumption and joined a procession from Fort Cornwallis to the Church of Assumption to mark the centennial celebration of the PEA.
Apart from celebrating the 100th anniversary of the PEA, the community is also celebrating their arrival in Penang 233 years ago (1786).
Among the exciting events planned to celebrate PEA’s centennial are Merdeka Countdown (Aug 30), Seniors Event (Sept 15), Public Speaking Competition (Sept 16) and the Gala Dinner (Nov 9).
For further information, visit PEA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/penangeurasian/
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Nur Afiqah Zainudi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud