A CAPTIVATING photo gallery is currently on display at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort, running until the end of January 2024.
Open daily to the public from 11am to 10pm at the FIP (Fun, Interactive, and Play) Lounge, adjacent to the Spice Market Café, the exhibition showcases over 300 photos capturing the resort’s journey since its establishment 50 years ago in 1973.
Visitors and Rasa Sayang regulars will be able to reminisce nostalgic memories of their time at the resort, including marriages, fashion shows, television commercials, signing ceremonies, and visitations from international dignitaries.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang communications director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said these nostalgic images were curated and restored from archives and the memories of former and current resort employees.
“I managed to gather at least 300 photos, both in colour, and black and white from the resort’s archives and pioneering employees.
“But, it was no easy task. Many of them, now in their 70s and 80s, proved challenging to contact as they do not have phone numbers registered with us; not to mention, none of them are on social media!
“Therefore, I decided to create a Facebook group accessible to all former and existing employees of the resort, titled “A love for life and all its pleasures.”
To date, Suleiman says, more than 500 former and existing employees have joined the group, which has become a beacon for reunions, including the recent 50th Anniversary dinner held at the resort.
Reflecting on the resort’s inception, Suleiman shared insights into its architectural evolution.
“Constructions of the Rasa Wing began as early as 1972, with architectural designs inspired by Minangkabau lodges. Previously, the resort was shaped like a “U” but with the additions of the Garde Wing later in 1983, the resort is now shaped like a “W”.
“The name “Rasa Sayang” was derived from the song of the same name, reflecting the values it embodies.
“Initially, there was contemplation of giving the hotel a more generic name. Fortunately, our first general manager at the time, Michael Chiu, opted for a more Malaysianised approach in the establishment of Shangri-La’s second resort in the group” Suleiman told Buletin Mutiara.
With its ingrained values, culture, and hospitality, the resort became a magnet for esteemed gatherings from all corners of Malaysia and beyond.
Distinguished guests included our current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah; three former prime ministers: Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammed, and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak; two former chief ministers of Penang, Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon; two former Presidents of the People’s Republic of China: Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao; King George VI’s youngest daughter and sister to Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret; and the King of Tonga.
Even Dolph Lundgren, the actor who portrayed Ivan Drago in Rocky IV, chose to stay in the resort during his holidays.
The resort predominantly hosted guests from Europe, America, Britain and East Asia, especially during the winter season.
While guiding Buletin Mutiara through the photo gallery, Suleiman recalled a German elderly guest, named Mrs Friedrich Budke, who recently passed away. She had a designated room during her stay at Rasa Sayang.
“She was one of the most unforgettable guests we ever had in the resort. She would stay at the resort for six months during Germany’s winter. She travelled light and stored her summer clothing at Rasa Sayang.
“Every year, when she decided to stay with us, we would prepare her room, including setting up her luggage and laundries, allowing her to feel at home in every way possible while instilling Malaysian hospitality.”
Nonetheless, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang today has expanded its hospitality beyond the conventional realm of resort guests.
Just recently, the resort hosted sea semester students from California, providing them a brief berth in Penang.
In addition, the resort is also encouraging schools to come and visit the photo gallery.
Suleiman, who has been with Shangri-La for 42 years, highlighted the recent visit by students from SMK Datuk Haji Mohamad Nor Ahmad, who were captivated by the rich history and heritage the resort possesses.
“Fun activities such as picture questionnaires were even conducted among the students to challenge their photo memory skills,” he added.
Therefore, he encourages the public and schools alike to drop by and witness the history and heritage embedded within the resort walls.
For those interested, they can contact him at +6017 5412 003 or through the hotel telephone at +604 888 8888.
“People may ask why are we doing this? The reason is that we want people to understand why we exist, how our journey at Rasa Sayang began, and the significant role we have played in promoting Penang’s tourism since the 70s, not to mention our contribution to the state’s economy as well.
“Today, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort is a household name in the resort business. When you hear Rasa Sayang, more often than not, you will think of Penang. That is how synonymous the name is,” Suleiman remarked when asked about Rasa Sayang’s foothold in Penang.
Story by Norman Sim
Pix by Norman Sim, and courtesy of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort, Penang