Story by Victor Seow
Pix by Alissala Thian
WITH nearly 2,900 Japanese expatriates residing in Penang and many more from Japan who visit the state each year, the launch of the bilingual “Eat, Look, Tanoshii (ELT) Discovery Passbook” by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Dec 12 was a testament to the vibrant and creative nature of Penangites.
Published monthly by Azumaya Enterprise, the ELT passbook is bilingual – in Japanese and English – and serves as a veritable storybook and guide map into the history and culture of Penang.
It also introduces well-known places for food especially among the locals, events throughout the year, places of interest and recreational spots that one must not miss.
Lim, in his speech, remarked on the importance of the Unesco Heritage City status for Penang which had boosted tourists arrival every year without fail and resulted in the state becoming a land of opportunities.
“This status as a Unesco Heritage city has been the impetus for tremendous growth for Penang, not only for the tourism industry but also for the many new and creative businesses and investments that support this industry. The ‘Eat, Look, Tanoshii monthly MAPazine has shown that when creativity is applied, even boring maps can be interesting and up-to-date!” he said.
“This ELT Discovery Passbook not only combines the needs of businesses but it also involves the tourists themselves to actively make their experience in Penang all the more meaningful and memorable,” he added.
Also present were Japanese Consul-General in Penang Ryuji Noda, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Penang Office director Jonathan Freddy Bagang, Katsuhiro Sato who provided his artworks in the ELT Discovery Passbook and ELT marketing executive Michelle Ng.
Copies of the ELT Discovery Passbook are available for free at all hotels in George Town, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.